Bassett Family Association Database

Guy William Bassett[1, 2, 3, 4]

Male 1891 - 1955  (64 years)


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  • Name Guy William Bassett 
    Born 15 Jan 1891  Bloomfield, Davis, Iowa, United States Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Gender Male 
    Physical Description Thin, about 6'1", white hair 
    _UID 321BBEB88467C143B4058240DD14E48B8D05 
    Died 4 Jun 1955  Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States Find all individuals with events at this location  [5
    Cause: Coronary Artery disease 
    Buried 7 Jun 1955  Rose Hills Memorial Park, Whittier, Los Angeles, California, United States Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Notes 
    • SOURCES:
      MARRIAGE: !MARRIAGE: Certification of marriage, State of Iowa., Davis Co. book 8, pg 408

      BIRTH: Birth date from family record prepared by subject, Guy W. BASSETT.

      DEATH:
      1. Calif. Certificate of Death # 55-047900; Dist # 7053; Registrar's # 9933.
      Name: Guy William Bassett, Date of Birth: Jan. 15, 1891, Iowa
      Date/Time of Death: June 4, 1955, 11:05 PM
      Place of Death: Los Angeles County General Hospital, Los Angeles, Ca.
      Cause of Death: (Heart)
      Residence: 6108 1/2 South Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, Los Angeles, Ca.
      Sex: Male; Color: White; Married; Occupation, Masseur.
      Father: William Bassett of Iowa; Mother: Pricilla Puffer of Iowa, Spouse: Stella Bassett
      He did not serve in the US Armed Forces.
      Buried on June 6, 1955 at Rose Hills Memorial Park, by Paramount Mortuary.
      2. California Death Index:
      BASSETT, GUY WILLIAM; Social Security #: 0 ; Sex: MALE
      Birth Date: 15 Jan 1891, Birthplace: IOWA
      Death Date: 4 Jun 1955, Death Place: LOS ANGELES
      Mother's Maiden Name: PUFFER, Father's Surname: BASSETT
      3. Social Security Death Index:
      BASSETT, GUY WILLIAM, born 01/15/1891, mother's maiden name: PUFFER, father BASSETT -Married, born in IOWA, died in LOS ANGELES(19) <http://resources.rootsweb.com> died 06/04/1955, age 64 yrs.

      BURIAL:
      1. Rosehills Memorial Park, Whittier, CA, grave 1, lot 816 in Ivy Gardens, Section 2
      BASSETT, GUY WILLIAM, Date Of Death: Saturday, June 04, 1955, Burial Property Name: Ivy Gardens Lawn, Burial Section: 2, Burial Lot: 815, Grave/Niche: 4, Entrance Gate: 11
      !Copies of these records held by grandson, Ronald L. Bassett.
      2. http://www.rosehills.com/graveLocationSearch/placement.aspx
      BASSETT, GUY WILLIAM
      Date Of Death: Saturday, June 04, 1955, Burial Property Name: Ivy Gardens Lawn, Burial Section: 2 Burial Lot: 815, Grave/Niche: 4, Entrance Gate: 11.

      BIRTH:
      [A typed letter from GWB to his sister Ora Bassett BATTTIN, Feb 1948]
      Feby 11th 48
      Dear Ora & Kids;
      I wrote home for my Birth Cert and John Lang went to get it, and Dr (Shel crossed out) Young's Slip and the Books showed I was Born Jan 15th 1891.
      I know by the way I feel thats not right.
      John went and hunted up Fathers last wife and she said You took the Family Bible when Father Died, with the records.
      I can remember when I still lived on the farm, Elmer Hill told me I was born the same year he was and that I claimed to be a year older than he was.
      I Am sure I can remember looking up in the Bible to see and I was booked for 1890., I still think I was born 20 years too soon., or maby it was too late, well any how the question is how old am I., and where am I going.
      John Lang Phoned Austin, and he didnt even know for sure if I had been born yet., but told John Frank had some records, but that Frank had been there at Austins and had left for Texas, or Old Mexico.
      I seen in paper One Guy went to get his Birth Cert., and they told him he died at Birth., so I dont know which of us is the better off.
      Jennie ., John said was married again.
      Lets know what you know., I Can get My Cert without any trouble if I will be born in 1891. Idaho was born in 1890 and Am sure I Am as old as Idaho.
      Love. GWB

      BIOGRAPHY:
      Guy William Bassett
      1. Bassett Family Bible, Printed in 1829, Ronald L. Bassett, 5076 Midas Ave, Rocklin CA. "Shows birth & death dates.".
      2. Theresa Smith has copy of certificate., Marriage License.
      3. Bassett Family Bible, Printed in 1829, .Shows birth & death dates.

      1895 Iowa State Census
      G??y Bassett Age: ?? Race: W Birthplace: Davis Co IA County: Davis Place: Wyacondah

      1910 US Census
      Bassett, G. W., 20, M, W Birth: IA, Border {in home of W.F. Riock), speaks English; father born IN, speaks English, mother born IA, speaks English; Telegraph Operator for C M & St. P. RR {Railroad?} NOTE: Also bording in same house is Arthur Hopkinson, 25 from IA, a telagraph operator, Living next door is M.A. Devoe of NY, who is the RR station agent for the C M & St. P. RR}
      Iowa, Benton Co,Fremont Twp, Series: T624 Roll: 391 Part: 2 Page: 122B

      1917: World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918
      Guy William Bassett: 27, born Jan 15 1890 at Bloomfield, Iowa. Home address: Powersville, Putnam, Missouri. Birthplace: Bloomfield, Davis, Iowa; United States of America. Race: Caucasian, Occupation: Farmer, has wife and 3 children.
      No military experience. Height: Tall, Build: Meduim, Color of Eyes: Light Blue, Color of Hair: Light, not balding. #103, Roll: 1683501 Registration Place: Putnam, MO. DraftBoard: Putnam MO, 5 1917, on 6-5-Age: 27, Occupation: Farmer, No former Military. Nearest Relative: Wife & 3 children. Signature: Yes
      Source Citation: Registration Location: Putnam County, Missouri; Roll: 1683501; Draft Board: 0.

      1920 US Census
      Bassett, Guy W., 29, M, W, birthplace: IA, parents IN, works as a merchant in Drygoods.
      Estella F., Wife, F, W, 25, IA, parents IA
      Mary M. Dau, F, W, 7, IA
      William W., Son, M, W, 4 yr 11 mon, IA
      Robert G, Son, M, W, 2 yr 6 mo, MO.
      Missouri, Putnam County, Medicine Twp. Roll: T625-943, page 1B, ED: 131. Taken 5 Jan 1920.
      FamilySearch data: Film Number: 1820943 Digital Folder Number: 4313211 Image Number: 00142 Sheet Number: 1



      1930 US Census
      Bassett, Guy W., age 40, born IA, parents born IA, railroad ticket agent.
      - Stella F, wife, age 36 (Married at 17), born IA, parents born IA.
      - Mary M, Dau, 17, IA
      - William W, Son, 15, IA
      - Robert G., Son, 12, MO
      - Betty F., Dau, 9, MO
      For Paso Robles City, San Luis Obispo, Calif., page 38, sheet 16A, enumeration Dist. 40-16, taken on 14 April 1930: 605 20th Street,
      Guy Bassett also shown on 1930 Census for Gonzales Twp, Monteray Co., CA, ED 27-16, sheet 4A, taken 4 April 1930. This page shows employees of Southern Pacific Railroad and shows Guy as being 43 years old, born Iowa, father born IN, mother in PA.

      BIOGRAPHY:
      [Letter from Guy W. Bassett to his son William, dated June, 1950, and reproduced much as it was typed.]
      Letterhead: Guy W. Bassett & Stella F. Bassett, Graduate Masseur. Bassett's Steam Baths, Steam and Medicated Vapor Baths, Swedish Massage. 6108 1/2 So. Vermont Ave. Los Angeles 44, Calif. Phone: THornwall 3672.
      "Dotty & Bill."
      [Handwritten note in margin: “Wm Bassett was of English & Scotch Descendant of Early settles also”]
      At the request of our Daughter in Law, Dorothy Bauer Bassett, for further Family record, I will attempt to hit some Points in the Family’s History.
      First I would like to mention of My Father. Who together with Mother. William Bassett Purchesed Half of the Old Nathan Puffer Farm in Davis County Iowa, which consisted of the Improvements and the orchard as mentioned in the genealogy., there they lived and raised their Family until a few months before Mothers Death when they moved to Bloomfield to retire, I was then 11 Years Old.
      Father was a wonderful Man very hard worker, His activities on the Farm were numerous., besides Farming the Farm, He owned and operated a Thrashing machine & wood saw, in which he covered a large farming area during threshing and wood sawing seasons, These machines were powered by Horse power machines and required several teams to provide power. Father loved his horses and took great pride in his main team Dick and Keck large Bay horses. He had a large Ice house and from the Pond, He Filled the Ice house each winter to provide Ice, and also furnished Ice to other farmers for several miles around mostly them days for making Ice cream, therse were truly horse and bugy days. When the Header was first put on the Market, Father was first to buy one and the big Header Boxes on wagons would cover the country ahead of threshing season and head the grain, Viz Timothy, Wheat and other grains. Father died at the Age of 87. Father was widely known and liked by all who knew him, and went by name of Billy. He was always engaged in hard work cared little for public activities never belonged to any organization, when such was mentioned to him He replied it’s a poor tub that cant set on its own bottom.
      I only regret My children and Grand children haven’t the opportunity to know and live/him now. /with
      Now as for My family life, I have not so much to mention. Viz as has been formely mentioned Mother died when I was 11 Yrs of age Father remarried about two yrs later, I remained at home until I finished 2nd grade in Hi school then I went to live with Sister Ora for while in Bloomfield and, a doctors son and I equipped our selves with saw horses and Buck saws, and sawed wood by the cord over town, and I continued school by private teacher and home study for some time until I Learned Telegraphy, in the Local western Union Telegraph office, then I stayed with Bro. Austin who was Telegrapher for the Wabash Ry [railway] at Kirksville Mo to get the railroad portion of Telegraphing, then I secured My first job on the Frisco Ry between Springfield and St. Louis Mo, at age of 15 yrs worked 12 Hrs nights in a Box car in the wilderness of the Ozark Mtns, unable to stay awake, I soon got canned for stopping the fast trains, From there I secured employment with the MK&T Ry known as the Katy, they shipped me to Dennison Texas, then back to what then was Indian territory
      I worked on the Wild Praries of the I.T. until the Depression of 1907 when I returned home, and worked for various Railroads over the country, and as I became very good in my work I loved Terminal jobs where lots of trains lots of activities and what we termed as mad houses, ended up at Mountin Iowa Division point for the Wabash.
      I worked as Telegrapher and extra Train Dispatcher in the Train Masters Office.
      At this point I was keeping company with a Girl over at Bloomfield they called Stella Fay, My feet became Itchy, and I decided to go west, and see what My west meant. So I asked Stella if she would go with me, She aksed her Mother, and as I had demonstrated my ability of stemming Gooseberries, Mother said yes and we were Married Jul 23rd 1911, and boarded the Train immediately got St Louis for our Honeymoon, there I contacted the Missouri Pac Ry, and they shipped us to Kansas, after working there at various points I went to Council Grove to relieve the Local Chairman of the Union, at this terminal, and upon his return he Loaned me on western Divn as relief agent, a few Months later, Stella Began to have sick spells so we left and went home and loe and behold about 9 Mths later a Baby came to our house called Maxine. She was a beautiful (Little) Girl and later we entered her and won a Diamond ring in Beauty contest at Bassett Iowa where I was Agent for the Milw Ry. But Prior to this I was Agent at Sumner Mo for the Burlington Ry, when Stellas Father came down from Canada where he was engaged in the Lumber Biz, and thought the opportunities were much greater up there, so not having been there away I went arrived in Winnapeg Manitoba Jan 1st 55 below zero, I was located at a Division north of Moose Jaw toward the eace river country (Outlook). Stella Joined me that spring and They sent me out on a new Branch line to Open the first station at Wymark, first town on the Van Gard Branch, It was German menonite settlement, they furnished us new Depot with 5 Living room Hardwood floors and hard coal furnace, but we soon tired of this and resigned and returned to the states, in 1915 I reigned from the Milwaukee Ry at Calmar Iowa where Bill was Born, and engaged in Farmning in Mercer Cty Mo, 3 yrs lapsed and we traded a Farm we had for a Mercantile store at Lucerne Mo , in meantime on the Farm P.O. Powersville, Robert was Born. We operated the store for few months then traded it for Farm near LaPlata Mo, and when the slump came I went Back to Railroading, for the Santa Fe, and worked some for the Prarie Pipe Line Co owned by Standard Oil co through Mo as Telegrapher.
      On this Farm near La Plata, Betty was Born. We lived in Laplata Mo for some time, and worked as relief Agent for the Santafe Ry, then for the Kansas City Terminal Ry Operating a Tower in the Terminal.
      Then we transferred to Arizona for the Santafe, where we worked at Phoenix, Glendale, Skull Valley and other places until they put on the Automatic signals, then we loaded to Calif Divn and worked at Goffs on the Desert for while then Resigned and hired back to the Missouri Pac Ry in Mo., Refusing to Live at Cotter Ark and work as Train Dispatcher, they let me go to Springfield Mo as Ticket Agent.
      While in Springfield Little Ellen Louise was born, She was a Lovely Affectionate little Blond Baby, but Took Disintary and died at age of 18 months, This grieved us very much we left there returning to Bloomfield where She was buried on Fathers lot in IOOF Cemetary.
      Then I Hires out to Western Union Tele Co at Desmoines and worked in Relay Office there during summer then went to the Postal Tele co as Branch Manager in Iowas Loan and trust Co Bldg Lobby at corner of Square and Union Depot Park. My Health got bad and I hired back to the Santfe and they sent us back to Arizona, where I worked at Various stations, including Agent at Mayer for several months, then left the Santafe for the 5th time took uptown express agency at Tempe. Later resigning I Hired to So Pac Ry at San Francisco Calif, and we Moved to San Jose, Working at Various stations as Relief Agent and Telegrapher, Viz San Jose Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, Paso Robles, Gaviota, Hollister, Salinas, Mt Hermon, Assilomar, Del Monte Jct & Others including Felton big trees, Felton Station.
      The Dep of 1929, we returned to Phoenix, times tough I took up Shoe Repairing, remained there until 1938 when I secured a truck loaded up and Migrated to Idaho, Located at Emmet for 6 Yrs where My health got bad, and stumbled on to a Massuer who gave me much relief, and became attracted by the work, and studied Physiotherapy, when Stella and I both secured our diplomas, we began Practice, Selling our My shoe stock, also Shoe repair shop, and entered our new field of work.
      Our location attracted a Doctor so we sold to Him, Our Office which consisted our apartment in the back we had Built, and Migrated to Los Angeles, Purchasing the Property at 6108 So Vermont Ave we have lived and continued our practice to this Date.
      To all of our Children I wish to add, that Your Mother Has been a Wonderful Mother To all of you Children, words fail to express the Love and Care She has Given to the Raising of each of You children, during her many years of hard toil, and many of these Years She endured by herself while I was away in My employment in the Railroad service, and wish to ask that She deserves Your utmost and highest esteem and Love to the end.
      I Remain.
      Your Father,
      Guy Wm Bassett.
      P.S. Before closing, I Just must mention William how He worked from his small childhood Days lets say since he was large enough to Hallow papers on the street, how conservative, and would do so much toward the amusement, and financing the other children in spending Money, Will say he done much in helping Father them and We wish Him well., Dotty We believe in YOU and believe as much as we hope that You will mean much to Bill for all time to come.
      May Our Heavenly Father be Your guide.
      Love Dad.

      BIRTH:
      Wm Bassett Family Letter:
      Letter from Guy W. Bassett to his son William, dated March 20th, 1948, and reproduced much as it was typed by his grandson, Ronald Lynn Bassett.
      Letterhead: Guy W. Bassett & Stella F. Bassett, Graduate Masseur. Bassett's Steam Baths, Steam and Medicated Vapor Baths, Swedish Massage. 6108 1/2 So. Vermont Ave. Los Angeles 44, Calif. Phone: THornwall 3672.
      Dear William;
      Just a few lines, for a glimpse at a period in our life that happened before your Memory, as we sit here at home tonight our conversation drifted back to the Year of 1915 and the story runs something like this.
      While Agent at Bassett, Iowa, a small town only about 12 miles from the Minnesota line, popular for the little Brown church in the Dell which was located about 8 miles away., We decided to make application for Telegraph and ticket job at Calmar just few miles to the east. Calmar a town of Aproximately four thousand Population, and Division point the CM St.P Ry, Lines running 5 different ways, and located about ten miles distance is Decorah Iowa, known as the coldest point in the state of Iowa.
      Calmar was located in furtile farming district and very important in the raising of Potatoes as well as other crops.
      On moving to Calmar, we located House, house plan on back of letter located in N.E. part of town about six blocks from Depot, and about 4 Blocks from shopping district, our Family consisted only of one Daughter Maxine, three years of age.
      As this stage I was 24 Yrs old and Mother 21., I worked at the depot from 5 pm till 3 Am, My salary was 62.50 per month /// very good in those days., for hobby, I operated a print shop in an up-stairs room of our house, and solicited about town, and printed calling cards for the Ladies , Business cards for the Men, and some statements for stores, however My printing press was too small for any large work, but considerable was realized for this work.
      During the period of Residence here we were visited by Grandpa walker whose name was Milton J.Walker and who at that time was in Lumber business in Sask., and Alberta Canada. later We were visited by Grandmother Walker, this being in march of 1915, when one night the 20th of march 1915 the snow was 3 feet deep, having shoveled it off the sidewalk in front of House it was piled high like walking through a tunnel., I made my way as usual, and all was well until about 2 Am the 21st I answered the Phone, and Mother Walker was requesting I call a Doctor, and come Home , that I did and found that the Stork had been Soaring aloft and was expected in for landing at our house and at about 3 Am, the Egg arrived it was a 9 plus Baby Boy.
      The best remembered Neighbor was a Mrs Luzum, A bohemian Lady just accross the street south who was nice old lady and very good cook who enjoyed bringing Mother something that she had cooked in the Bohemian way.
      The first train ride was from Calmar down to Bloomfield to Visit Grandma Walker.
      Dad and Mother
    Person ID I14  7B William Bassett of Cross Plains, Indiana
    Last Modified 22 Jun 2011 

    Father William M Bassett,   b. 29 Mar 1851, Cross Plains, Ripley, Indiana, United States Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 22 Oct 1938, Mt Pleasant, Henry, Iowa, United States Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 87 years) 
    Mother Priscilla Hastings Puffer,   b. 23 May 1851, Mount Vernon, Linn, Iowa, United States Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 18 Jun 1903, Bloomfield, Davis, Iowa, United States Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 52 years) 
    Married 14 Apr 1873  , Henry, Iowa, United States Find all individuals with events at this location  [6
    Notes 
    • SOURCES:
      MARRIAGE:
      1. Letter from Blanche Battin shows marriage date as 15 April 1873. The 14 April date may be the bond or license/bond date.

      2. U.S. and International Marriage Records, 1560-1900 <http://www.ancestry.com>
      Priscilla Puffer, Gender: female, Birth Place: IA, Birth Year: 1851, Spouse Name: William Bassett, Spouse Birth Place: IN, Marriage Year: 1873, Number Pages: 1
      Source Citation: Source number: 957.000; Source type: Electronic Database; Number of Pages: 1; Submitter Code: JJ2.
      Source Information: Yates Publishing. U.S. and International Marriage Records, 1560-1900 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2004.
      Original data: This unique collection of records was extracted from a variety of sources including family group sheets and electronic databases. Originally, the information was derived from an array of materials including pedigree charts, family history articles, querie.

      3. FamilySearch.org:
      Iowa Marriages, 1809-1992 for Priscilla Puffer
      Groom's Name: William Bassett Groom's Birth Date: Groom's Birthplace: Groom's Age: Bride's Name: Priscilla Puffer Bride's Birth Date: Bride's Birthplace: Bride's Age: Marriage Date: 15 Apr 1873 Marriage Place: Cedar Rapids, Linn, Iowa Groom's Father's Name: Groom's Mother's Name: Bride's Father's Name: Bride's Mother's Name: Groom's Race: Groom's Marital Status: Groom's Previous Wife's Name: Bride's Race: Bride's Marital Status: Bride's Previous Husband's Name: Indexing Project (Batch) Number: M02695-8 System Origin: Iowa-EASy Source Film Number: 1704465
    Family ID F21  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

    Family Estella Fay Walker,   b. 4 Feb 1894, Moulton, Washington Twp, Appanoose, Iowa, United States Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 21 Apr 1965, Banning, Riverside, California, United States Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 71 years) 
    Married 24 Jul 1911  Bloomfield, Davis, Iowa, United States Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Notes 
    • Certification of Marriage issued by the Dept. of Health, State of Iowa.
      for: Guy W. Bassett & Estella Fay Walker, married in Bloomfield, Davis County Iowa, on July 24, 1911.
      Groom born at Bloomfield, Davis Co., age 22 Next; Bride born Appanoose Co., Iowa, age 18 Next.
      Date Filed: August 8, 1912
      Groom & Bride's place of residence: Bloomfield, Iowa.
      Groom's Occupation: Telegraph Operator
      Color: White
      No. of Groom's Marriage: 1st
      Father's Name: Wm Bassett
      Mother's Maiden Name: Priscilla H. Puffer.
      Bride: color, White
      No. of Bride's Marriage: 1st
      Father's Name: Milton Jennings Walker
      Mother's Maiden Name: Mary Alice Bowling
    Children 
    +1. Mary Maxine Bassett,   b. 12 Sep 1912, Bloomfield, Davis, Iowa, United States Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 20 Nov 2005, , Los Angeles, California, United States Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 93 years)
    +2. William Walker Bassett,   b. 21 Mar 1915, Calmar, Fremont Twp., Winneshiek, Iowa, United States Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 20 Dec 1961, Placerville, El Dorado, California, United States Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 46 years)
    +3. Robert Gail Bassett,   b. 9 Jun 1917, Powersville, Putnam, Missouri, United States Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 12 Sep 1985, Whittier, Los Angeles, California, United States Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 68 years)
    +4. Betty Flossie Bassett,   b. 27 Oct 1920, La Plate, Macon, Missouri, United States Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 5 Nov 1995, Stockton, San Joaquin, California, United States Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 75 years)
     5. Ellen Louise Bassett,   b. 16 Jan 1924, Springfield, Green, Missouri, United States Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 5 Jul 1925, Zink, ,Arkansas, United States Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 1 years)
    Family ID F5  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  • Sources 
    1. [S4] Bassett Family Bible, (Printed in 1829).

    2. [S5] Marriage License, Theresa Smith has copy of certificate.

    3. [S6] California Death Index, (Ancestry.com).

    4. [S7] Bassett Family Bible, (Printed in 1829).

    5. [S3] California Death Index, 1940-1997.

    6. [S162] U.S. and International Marriage Records, 1560-1900, Ancestry.com, (Ancestry.com).