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.
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