| Notes |
- Brookfield Courier, Wednesday, 15 Feb 1899
After only a week’s illness Perry Bassett died last Wednesday at the home of
his brother, Stillman Bassett, in Plainfield. Just a week before he had made
what proved to be the last of his frequent and welcome visits to this village,
calling upon his relatives and seeming in better health and spirits than
usual. Mr. Bassett had suffered from the grip previously and on returning home
was taken suddenly ill with pneumonia. Closely following the news of his
illness came the announcement that he was past hope of recovery, so rapid was
the progress of the disease. As soon as his condition became known many
neighborly calls and proffers of assistance were made, and there was no lack
of kindly attendance at his bedside by the members of his family and devoted
friends, who strove to no purpose for his recovery. Perry Bassett bo
Plainfield 77 years ago. His father was William Bassett, who, like most of our
early settlers, was a native of Connecticut and came to this region in the
pioneer days of Daniel Brown, when the Unadilla valley was a desolate
wilderness. Settling across the river Wm. Bassett erected a log house, on the
site of which now stands the family homestead. There Perry Bassett was born.
He was one of six brothers, all of whom became respected citizens. Older than
he were Henry and Lewis. His three younger brothers were Stillman, Morris and
Orrin. Two sisters died many years ago. Toil and hardship on the farm were
his lot in early life, but the work that came to him in the line of duty was
performed with a willing spirit. Hard work had for him no terrors, nor was
there ever a time when help was needed that Perry Bassett was not among the
first to volunteer. Farming engrossed the greater part of his energies, but
for quite a period he worked with Noyes Stillman in the hoe shop at
Lloydsville. At various times he lived alternately with his brothers, most of
the time with Morris until the latter’s death, seven years ago; then wi
Orrin, and afterwards, until his death, with Stillman Bassett in Plainfield.
Throughout his long life there was no page which did not contain a clear
record of honor and industry. No suspicion or charge of wrong doing was ever
harbored against him. He belonged to no church, but for religious life and
upright dealing he had profound respect. He was one of a company of fox
hunters who on bleak, wintry days oft’ traversed the wind-swept hills of
Brookfield and Plainfield. For the pleasures of the chase they had the keenest
enjoyment, and in their ears the barking of the hounds was sweetest music. Of
that company, who were in at the death after many an exciting run, Mr. Bassett
was among the last survivors .His favorite companions were Gideon Babcock,
Alanson and Lewis Clark, Alanson Babcock and John R. Searle. Like all h
family, Mr. Bassett believed in the Republican party, which he supported from
its birth. He will be missed, and his name will never be spoken except as that
of one who was “a man among men,” who made friends and kept them because of
his quiet, helpful nature. Many of us who knew him, young as well as old, have
lost a faithful friend. Funeral services were held at his brother’s home last
Friday, conducted by Rev. W.R. Wood. Interment was at Unadilla Forks.
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Bassett Family Association Database
1822 - 1899 (77 years)