Bassett Family Association Database

John Richardson Bassett

Male 1811 - 1892  (81 years)


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  • Name John Richardson Bassett 
    Born 9 Nov 1811  Cayuga County, New York Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Gender Male 
    Died 15 Dec 1892  Arion, Crawford County, Iowa Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Notes 
    • Listed under the First Settlers in Crawford County, was John R. Bassett who settled at Coon Grove. In April of 1855, John R. Bassett was elected to the position of Drainage Commissioner.

      1850 Federal Census of Spring Prairie, Walworth County, Wisconsin (8 Aug 1850)
      John R. Bassett 37 M New York Farmer 200
      Abthia 37 F New York
      Lydia M. 14 F New York
      Charles R. 12 M Wisconsin
      Ellen N. 8 F Wisconsin

      1880 Federal Census of Denison, Crawford County, Iowa
      John Bassett 68 M NY NY NY Head Farming
      Apphia 68 F NY CT PA Wife Keeping House


      History of Crawford County, Iowa by F.W. Meyers 1911
      John Richardson Bassett (County Government)

      We have seen that the first township election was held in 1854, but at
      that time the county was still under the jurisdiction of Shelby count
      petition was circulated, and, in 1855, Crawford became a separate political
      entity. Temporary officers were elected in April and permanent officers at the
      regular election, which was then held in the month of August. These fir
      permanent officers were, John R. Bassett, county judge; B.F. Wicks, treasurer
      and recorder; and Thomas Dobson, district clerk. The county judge was in
      reality the entire government. He acted not only as judge but was, in and of
      himself, the board of supervisors. Judge Bassett, our second county judge, is
      worthy of more than passing comment. He lived to a ripe old age, each year but
      adding to the love and esteem in which he was held. We quote form the sketch
      of his life published at the time of his death, in 1892:
      John Richardson Bassett was born in Cayuga county, New York, November
      9, 1811. He was married to Sophia Nobles, on February 5, 1835, and removed to
      Crawford county, Iowa, in 1854. Upon the organization of the county he was
      elected county judge and served successive terms for ten years. Under h
      supervision the county seat was located, named, and the present courthouse
      built. He was baptized and became a member of the First Baptist chur
      Denison in May, 1860, under the ministrations of Rev. J.W. Denison, the
      pastor.
      Judge Bassett was one of the oldest citizens of the county. His first
      home was in a log cabin in Coon Grove, three miles south of Denison. This home
      was known for miles around, as the Judge and his wife were noted for their
      hospitality. It was while living here that he acted as county judge. In the
      early days this was the most important office in the county. The Judge was
      greatly adverse to debt, and it was due to his strong stand that Crawfo
      county was not plunged in indebtedness in the years of its early history. He
      also filled the posts of justice of the peace, township clerk, school director
      and road supervisor, and in every capacity he always placed the public
      interest foremost, and discharged every trust with fidelity. He was not merely
      personally honest, but he saw to it that no one else robbed the public - which
      is quite a different thing and requires a higher degree of moral courage.
      For seventeen or more years he lived in the pretty woods one mi
      northeast of Denison. Later he resided in Dow City, in South Dakota, and
      finally in Arion. After leaving the farm, he ever made his home with his only
      daughter, Mrs. Richards. Not the least of the nobler qualities of the judge
      was shown in the tender care he gave his invalid wife for many years when she
      was helpless that her time was spent in bed or in a comfortable chai
      February 5, 1885, their friends gathered at their home to celebrate the
      golden wedding. The testimonials of esteem bestowed at that time showed
      clearly the high consideration in which they were held by all who knew them.
      Judge Bassett died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Ellen Richards,
      at Arion, on Saturday, December 17, 1892, at 10:00 P.M. The funeral services
      were conducted at the Baptist church in Denison on Monday at 2:30 P.M. The
      sermon, preached by Rev. Coffee, of Dow City, was most appropriate. Speaking
      for the old settlers, Mr. E.S. Plimpton gave the deceased many fitting words
      of praise. The pallbearers were Morris McHenry, Edmund Howorth, George Barr,
      W.W. Coon, David Rush and George Shinn, the four first named being old
      settlers of the county. The attendance at the church was large. Burial was
      made in the Denison cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Richards and their daughters, Mr.
      and Mrs. Slocumb, Mr. Charles Noble and son, Marion, were the immediate
      relatives in attendance.
      Judge Bassett was a devout Christian, a doer of good deeds. Despite
      the adversities of life, he seemed always cheerful and hopeful. His life is an
      example of the honors which can be obtained by conscientiously doing one's
      duty, fearlessly and honestly before God. His life work was well done and he
      is now at peace with his Father above.
    Person ID I04530  1A William Bassett of Plymouth
    Last Modified 23 Sep 2011 

    Father Joel A. Bassett,   b. Between 1783 and 1786, Massachusetts or Stillwater, Saratoga County, New York Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 9 May 1871, Havana (now Montour Falls), Schuyler County, New York Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age ~ 88 years) 
    Relationship Natural 
    Mother Mary Orpha Richardson,   b. 20 Sep 1788,   d. 17 Jan 1835, Enfield, Tompkins County, New York Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 46 years) 
    Relationship Natural 
    Married Abt 1806  Sempronius, Cayuga County, New York Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Family ID F01012  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

    Family Sophia Nobles,   d. Deceased 
    Married 5 Feb 1835 
    Children 
     1. Lydia M. Bassett,   b. Abt 1836, New York Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. Deceased  [Natural]
     2. Charles R. Bassett,   b. Abt 1838, Wisconsin Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. Deceased  [Natural]
     3. Ellen N. Bassett,   b. Abt 1842, Wisconsin Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. UNKNOWN  [Natural]
    Family ID F02077  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart