| Notes |
- Brookfield New York Courier, 1882
Obituary
Died, at West Edmeston, N.Y., on Feb. 2, 1882, Grace Whitford Bassett,
aged 87 years 3 months and 4 days.
The subject of this sketch was born at Brookfield, N.Y., Oct. 2
1794, and was one of a family of seven children of Joshua and Phebe Whitford.
At that time the country was almost an unbroken wilderness, and marked trees
served to point out the way to the nearest neighbors. Her early educati
consisted in learning to read and spell in the little log school-houses of the
settlers. In February, 1820, at the age of 23 years, she married Ethan Coon.
This relation was soon terminated by the death of Mr. Coon, and from this time
onward she became the Aunt Grace of the community – indispensable with the
children in cases of measles, whooping cough and the like. Having no family
except an adopted daughter, Aurilea Lee, she was at liberty to go from house
to house and minister to the needy. In July, 1822, she became a convert of the
Lord Jesus and united with the 1st S.D.B. Church of Brookfield. For nearly 60
years she was a regular attendant at the Sabbath services of this church.
In June, 1834, she was married to Lewis Bassett and removed to his
home on the west branch of the Unadilla, Bringing to that home a mother
tender care and wise counsel to Mr. Bassett’s daughters, Emeline and Hannah,
and receiving from then a love and esteem that has continued without a break
from that early time until they followed her to her last resting place in the
silent city.
Mr. Bassett and wife resided in this pleasant home for 36 years, when
Aunt Grace was left a second time a widow, Mr. Bassett dying at the advanced
age of 94 years. From this time until her decease she had a home with, and was
tenderly cared for by, Mr. Clark Bassett and family. From an acquaintance with
this aged relative for fifty years, we can think of no more fitting tribute to
her memory than the words of the martyred Lincoln, “With malice toward none,
with charity for all.”
Thus are the aged ones passing away, who have lived and watched the
nation’s growth from its early life. But very few, if any, of Brookfield
birth, can say, as could this one, that she had lived under the administration
of every president from George Washington to Chester A. Arthu
We can only conjecture what the next four score and seven years will
bring to us. What strifes, what turmoils? Shall our future history be written
in blood, as in the past, or will the sword be beaten into plowshares, and
peace and tranquility reign? We can only say, trustingly and confidingl
“Lead thou me on; I do not ask to see the distant scene; one step’s enough for
me.”
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Bassett Family Association Database
1794 - 1882 (87 years)