Summerfield Bassett descends from William Bassett of Plymouth as follows:
William Bassett and wife Elizabeth
William Bassett (b. 1624) and wife Mary Raynesford
Nathan Bassett (b. 1667) and wife Mary Huckins
Samuel Bassett (b. 1693) and wife Martha Pease
Cornelius Bassett (b. 1722) and wife Lydia Norton
Ebenezer Bassett (b. 1751) and wife Abigail Adams
Elishab Adams Bassett (b. 1785) and wife Esther Bouton
Peter Norton Bassett (b. 1812) and wife Arluna Samuels
Summerfield Bassett (b. 1855)
San Francisco Call, Volume 87, Number 132, April 11, 1902
Engineer Bassett Loses His Agostina
Pretty Guatemalan Girl Will Be Sent
Home To Her Mother in Guatemala
Agostina Morales, the 16-year-old Guatemalan girl who was brought to this country a few months ago by Summerfield Bassett will be sent on the next steamer home to her mother, who sold her to Bassett for $100 and a silk dress, if his story is be believed.
The girl is at present confined in the Presbyterian Chinese Home Mission by order of the Commissioner of Immigration at Washington. The local immigration authorities a few days ago gave Bassett permission to interview Miss Morales at the home in the presence of Inspector De la Torre. Bassett pleaded with the girl to marry him, but she refused.
Photo of Summerfield Bassett taken in Guatemala
Picture provided by descendant Cheryl Casciani
Denver Post, July 14, 1908
Bullet In Brain Cure For Lingering Disease
Summerfield Bassett Bids Beautiful Wife Goodby
And a Moment Later Ends Years of Suffering
Rather than endure the sufferings of a wasting disease, Summerfield Bassett, at one time a well-known mechanical engineer, committed suicide shortly after 11 o’clock last night. The report of the revolver was heard by his wife, Fernando Bassett, who rushed to his room. Before she could reach him, life was extinct.
Several times Bassett threatened to end his life, but his wife always coaxed him out of the mood.
Last night he again made the threat. Again his wife told him he would some day be cured of consumption, with which he has suffered for years, and to cheer up.
After supper last night Bassett went to his bedroom, called his wife, and said: “Dear, I am through with it all. I have nothing else to live for and I am going to kill myself before morning.”
His wife tried to make him forget his illness and cheer up, but all was useless. Mrs. Bassett had left the room but a few minutes when Bassett, placing the muzzle of the revolver against his temple, pulled the trigger. Death was instantaneous.
His body was removed to the morgue by Coroner’s Deputy Gustave Hanson. Detective Green investigated the death.
For some time Bassett’s mind has been wandering. Last Friday over some trivial matter, and seizing a revolver from the bureau fired two shots at her. Neither took effect. His wife begged his forgiveness, which was granted. Last night when asked about the incident she said: “My God, please do not remind me of that night. My husband is dead now and I will not allow anyone to speak ill of him. He was not in his right mind when he tried to kill me. Had he injured me so badly that I would die I would still forgive him.”
Several weeks ago Bassett telephoned William D. Peirce of the Cemetery association. He instructed Peirce to cremate him the day after his death.
“I am going to die within a short while,” said Bassett, “and I want to be burned up. I will cover all expenses.”
Bassett was a Socialist. He met and married the daughter of a wealthy Spanish merchant in Central America about seven years ago. He was 54 years old and she but 21. They came to this country shortly after their marriage. They lived in El Paso for some time, where Bassett was employed by several railroads in the capacity of master mechanic. They then came to Denver.
Besides his wife Bassett leaves a wealthy brother, Adams Bassett, of 817 Twenty-first street, a banker in Los Angeles.