Oliver C. Bassett descends from William Bassett of Plymouth as follows:
William Bassett and wife Elizabeth
William Bassett (b. 1624) and wife Mary Rainsford
William Bassett (b. 1656) and wife Rachel Willison
William Bassett (b. 1681) and wife Abigail Bourne
William Bassett (b. 1711) and wife Lydia Smith
Rufus Bassett (b. 1757) and wife Jedidah Handy
Nymphas Bassett (b. 1785) and wife Thankful Ann Bruce
Oliver C. Bassett (b. 1824) and wife Elizabeth Monroney
A picture of the this family was featured in the May, 2014 issue of the newsletter. The picture may have been taken at one of the family reunions mentioned in the article below.
Shelbyville Democrat, January 3, 1910
Bassett Family Reunion Held On New Year’s Day
Children and Grandchildren Met at the Home of Mrs. Elizabeth Bassett
On New Year’s Day of 1849 on the bluff overlooking big Blue river near the present site of the Marion bridge, there were united in marriage Oliver C. Bassett and Elizabeth Monroney. They purchased a small tract of land, built their cabin, cleared the land and for over fifty-six years, or until the death of Mr. Bassett five years ago, lived together on the same land. These old pioneers reared a large family, five of whom are still living. They are Mrs. N.J. Bowman, of Anderson, Ind.; John R. of Van Buren township; James K. and Marshall, of Marion township, and Mrs. L.B. Carrithers, of this city. It has been the custom of this family to gather around the parental board each New Year’s day and help the old folks remember the event of 1849. Each year is looked forward to by children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren as the one day of the year – a home coming. Last Saturday was no exception to the event as on that day all of them to the number of fifty gathered at the old homestead two and one-half miles north of this city to wish each a Happy New Year, talk of the events of the year, and to enjoy the feast they knew was sure to await them. Just before the happy gathering separated to their homes and as a fitting finish to the joyous day, Mrs. Bassett presented each of her children a check for $114, at the same time wishing them all a Prosperous and Happy New York. May Mrs. Bassett see many, many returns of this annual gathering.
Shelbyville Daily Democrat, November 3, 1904
Aged Man Injured
Oliver Bassett, aged eighty years, of Marion township, experienced a rather severe hardship for a man of his age on Monday. He was assisting in hauling in some corn from the field and was riding on the wagon with one of the hands. When they approached the gate he jumped from the wagon and opened the gate. After the wagon had passed through and he had closed the gate, he shouted to the driver to go ahead. Like he had always done in younger years, he started to jump on the side of the wagon and slipping fell under the wheels which passed over his left lower limb from the hip to near his ankle without breaking his leg or injuring him other than to cut a gash some six inches in length on his “shin”. Dr. J. B. Stewart attended his injuries and he will probably not suffer any serious effects.
Shelbyville Daily Democrat, July 26, 1906
Death of Oliver C. Bassett
Well-Known Citizen Passes Away Thursday Shortly After Noon.
Oliver C. Bassett died at his home in Marion township, this afternoon, shortly after twelve o’clock, aged eighty-tw0 years.
Mr. Bassett was born in Marion township. He was one of ten children born to Mr. and Mrs. Nimphus Bassett and was the last of that family. He has always resided in Marion township and was one of the best known people in Shelby county.
Several years ago he became troubled with a cancer on his face near his nose. This did not give him much trouble until about three or four years ago. For the past few months he has been a great sufferer from his affliction, which finally resulted in his death.
Mr. Bassett was the owner of considerable farming land in the county, which he accumulated by strict attention to business. In politics he was a staunch republican.
Surviving him is a widow and five children, namely; Nancy Jane Bowman, John Bassett, James K. Bassett, Marshall Bassett and Mrs. Lee Carrithers.
Arrangements for the funeral services have not, as yet, been made.