Edward Franklin Bassett descends from William Bassett of Plymouth as follows:
William Bassett and wife Elizabeth
Nathaniel Bassett (b. 1628) and wife Dorcas Joyce
Nathan Bassett (b. 1677) and wife Mary Crowell
Deacon Nathan Bassett (b. 1713) and wife Elizabeth Rogers
David Bassett (b. 1749) and wife Elizabeth Chase
Jonathan Bassett (b. 1790) and wife Sally Tripp
Abner Bassett (b. 1823) and wife Mary Ann Turner
Abner Bassett (b. 1857) and wife Catherine Mahoney
Edward Franklin Bassett (b. 1890)
Anaconda Standard, Montana, Tuesday, December 14, 1920
Ed Bassett Dies Result Of Accident In Tunnel
First Commander of Silver Bow Post of American Legion
Is Caught by Escaping Steam at Mine
Edward Franklin Bassett
Funeral services for Edward Franklin Bassett, former commander of the Silver Bow post, American Legion, who died at the hospital yesterday from burns received when he was caught by escaping steam in a tunnel at the Leonard mines, will be held under the auspices of the American Legion, at a time to be announced later.
Until word is received from Abner Bassett, a brother, now in San Francisco, no definite arrangements will be made. It is probable that the funeral will be held Thursday or Friday afternoon.
The body of Commander Bassett is at the Sherman & Reed chapel. It will be moved from the chapel, 24 hours before the funeral, to legion headquarters, where it will lie in state until the final ceremonies.
The regular meeting of the legion will be held Wednesday evening at which time funeral plans will be celebrated. A special meeting of the ladies’ auxiliary will be held this evening to formulate plans for the funeral.
Bassett met his death as the result of burns received when he was enveloped by escaping steam in a long communication tunnel at the Leonard mine, in which he and three other men were working. Discovering a leak in the pipe, 25 feet from the entrance to the tunnel Bassett, who was foreman of the crew, ordered his companions from the place.
John J. Thomas, one of the men ordered from the tunnel, went back to get his coat, and was returning to the portal when he realized that Bassett was still in the tunnel. Search was immediately started.
When the searching party found him at 10:30 o’clock Bassett was unable to tell what had happened. An ambulance was called and he was rushed to Murray hospital, where he died at 1:30 o’clock. Those who were with him shortly before the accident occurred believe that he attempted to escape from the long tunnel through onhe of the eight entrances, but was overcome by the steam before he reached the entrance.
Aided Post Organization
Bassett was 30 years of age and was one of the best-known men in Butte. With the formation of the American Legion he became one of its most active workers. He was elected first commander of Silver Bow post. At the second election held by the post he was again honored by being chosen commander. At the last election he was succeeded by John Troup.
During the war he made a fine record. Those who fought beside him during the sanguinary engagements participated in by his regiment speak highly of him as a soldier. His record after the war was an admirable one.
A leader in the activities of local ex-service men, he did much to bring the legion in to a prominent position in the affairs of the community. An indefatigable worker for the ex-service men, he will be remembered by many for the many acts of kindness he performed. He was a clean fighter and a good citizen.
As soon as the news of his death became general, expressions of regret were heard on all sides. The regular dance of the American Legion, which was to have been held last night, was declared off. A spirit of gloom pervaded legion headquarters during the night.
Although he was not born in Butte, Bassett spent the greater part of his life in this city, coming here with his father, Abner Bassett, when he was a small boy. He lived with his father, 1204 West Silver street.
Foreman of Cement Gang
He has been employed in the mines as a miner and as a foreman for the past several years, excepting the time spent in the army. At the time of his death he was foreman of the cement crew at the Leonard. When the accident occurred he was directing the work of lining the tunnel, which was close to completion.
Commander Troup of the American Legion, said that the death of Bassett was a distinct blow to the Legion. “He was an indefatigable worker, a good comrade and a fine citizen.” said the commander. “It was largely due to his efforts that the Butte post attained its remarkable growth. His interest in Legion affairs was not only local, but extended to state and national activities. He was a delegate to the national convention and was also a conspicuous figure at all state gatherings. His death will be mourned by many and will be a distinct blow to our post, where his counsel was eagerly sought.”
Adjutant Emmet O’Brien, expressed a similar sentiment. “During the time I have served as adjutant of the post I have never met a finer fellow than Ed Bassett,” is the way he summed up Bassett’s character. ”His heart and soul was given to the advancement of the cause of his former comrades. It was due to his energetic efforts that Silver Bow post experience its wonderful growth. As a soldier he was a rea lone, as his record will prove. The same traits that distinguished him from others in the army were evidenced in civil life. We will all miss him keenly.”
Surviving besides his father is an aunt, Mrs. Alice Ellis of San Francisco, a brother, Roy Abner Bassett of the same city; another aunt, Mrs. Mary Regan of San Francisco, an uncle, Charles Bassett of Philipsburg, and a cousin, Mrs. Elmer Williams of this city.