Notes |
- Family Notes by Ward Wlliam Bassett (June 2001)
Albert J. Bassett went to Emporia with his older sister, Hattie, to attend the State Normal School. He was one of the youngest students to graduate in 1904. He received a Latin Degree in 1905. He spent over thirty years in teaching. He taught in several small communities, always going to the next school for a higher wage. Once he took a job as principal of a grade school because he could get a $5.00 a month raise.
In 1916 Albert quit teaching and went into the grocery business in Dover. By 1918 he had changed to the hardware business. He later was back in the grocery business which he sold in 1923. In 1920 the community of Dover decided to establish a Rural High School. He became its principal and was there for twenty years. His two children graduated from Dover Rural High School while he was the principal.
In January 1941 Albert changed professions again and became the manager of the Rural Electrification Coop. He was instrumental in getting it organized in the 1930's. He was its manager until 1959 when he retired.
He died June 11, 1971 at the age of 88 in Topeka, Kansas. He served on the Dover Telephone board for many years. Several of these years he was its secretary. Many times he repaired the switchboard, working in the evening after his school duties were over.
1930 Federal Census of Dover Township, Shawnee County, Kansas (16 Apr 1930)
Albert J. Bassett - 47 - M - KS-EN-EN - Head - Teacher HIgh School
Sara - 38 - F - WA-OH-WL - Wife
James - 17 - M - KS-KS-TX - Son
Ward - 8 - M - KS-KS-WA - Son
(WL - Wales)(Married at 28 & 26)
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