![\"SummerfieldBassett\"](\"http:\/\/www.bassettbranches.org\/newsblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/SummerfieldBassett.jpg\")
<\/a>\nPhoto of Summerfield Bassett taken in Guatemala
\nPicture provided by descendant Cheryl Casciani<\/p>\n
Denver Post, July 14, 1908
\nBullet In Brain Cure For Lingering Disease
\nSummerfield Bassett Bids Beautiful Wife Goodby
\nAnd a Moment Later Ends Years of Suffering<\/p>\n
\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 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\u2019clock 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.<\/p>\n
Several times Bassett threatened to end his life, but his wife always coaxed him out of the mood.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
After supper last night Bassett went to his bedroom, called his wife, and said: \u201cDear, I am through with it all. I have nothing else to live for and I am going to kill myself before morning.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
His body was removed to the morgue by Coroner\u2019s Deputy Gustave Hanson. Detective Green investigated the death.<\/p>\n
For some time Bassett\u2019s 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: \u201cMy 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Several weeks ago Bassett telephoned William D. Peirce of the Cemetery association. He instructed Peirce to cremate him the day after his death.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am going to die within a short while,\u201d said Bassett, \u201cand I want to be burned up. I will cover all expenses.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Besides his wife Bassett leaves a wealthy brother, Adams Bassett, of 817 Twenty-first street, a banker in Los Angeles.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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 … Continue reading