| Notes |
- The Waterloo Press, February 7, 1895
OBITUARY
Charles Bassett, was born in Brownhelm, Lorain Co. Ohio, Jan. 8, 1838; died Jan. 31, 1895, aged 57 years and 23 days.
He was the son of Thomas and Nancy Bassett, who died while he was yet a child, leaving him to battle life for himself. When eight years of age, he went to Erie Co. O., where he remained four years. He then went to Union City, Mich. and from there to Coldwater, where he began to learn the jeweler?s trade, serving as an apprentice four years. Mr. Bassett was married to Caroline Maxson, (sister of Jno. F. Maxson) on Jan. 1, 1859; at Jackson, Mich. and came to Waterloo the same year and in partnership with J.F. Maxson engaged in the jewelry business. Mrs. Bassett departed this life July 20, 1889, since which time Mr. Bassett has never remarried. To this union was born four children: Carrie, Charles Lewis, Bessie and William; all married except the latter. Mr. Bassett has held several offices of trust in the township, was a member of the Masonic Lodge and was an earnest member and supporter of the Christian church. The funeral was held on Sunday forenoon, at 10:30, in the Christian church, Prof. L.W. Fairfield of Angola, officiating. The Masons attended in a body and he was buried under the auspices of the fraternity. The funeral was one of the largest attended in Waterloo, for several years.
The death of Mr. Charles Bassett, announced in this paper, removed from the community one of the most highly esteemed citizens, and one who has been closely identified with the interests of the town from its foundation. When a young man he located here and established a trade as Jeweler and Silversmith, in partnership with his brother-in-law, Mr. Jno. F. Maxson, and the business grew with the town until the firm became prominent throughout this and Steuben counties. Mr. Bassett was an excellent workman and for many years during and following the war period owners of good watches believed that no one could so successfully repair their favorite time pieces as he, and in this manner his reputation as a reliable jeweler was wide spread. His general good citizenship and reliability in every good work and work gathered about him many warm friends. His integrity of purpose was never questioned, and he was always found on the right side of good morals. He was a devoted member and one of the financial supporters of the Christian church and although retiring and unassuming, but few knew of his sacrifices in the interests of the cause of right. Several times his fellow citizens called him to serve in som municipal office, as trustee of the town or school, or treasurer of the town or school board and in every fiduciary capacity to which he was called, he served with integrity and was never found wanting. The earlier citizens of the town who have outlived him will cherish his memory as an exemplary citizen. He was a charter member of Waterloo Lodge 307, F. & A.M., and was always beloved by his brethren. Like many others he had many burdens to bear, some of which were known only to himself. The loss of a devoted wife six years since, the destruction of his home by fire a little more than a year ago, the depression of business in the jewelry trade, his failing health, losses in the Building and Loan association, and other difficulties rested heavily upon him, and less
1860 Federal Census of Waterloo, Union Twp., Dekalb County, IN (15 Jun 1860)
Charles Basset 23 M Ohio Goldsmith 100 200
Caroline 24 F New York
Douglas? 1/12 M Indiana
Jessie 1/12 F Indiana
John M. 27 M Ohio Goldsmith
1870 Federal Census of Waterloo, Union Twp., Dekalb County, IN (11 Jul 1870)
Charles Bassett 32 M Ohio Jeweler 1200 1000
Caroline 34 F New York Keeping house
Charles (twin) 10 M Indiana
Carrie (twin) 10 F Indiana
Bessie 3 F Indiana
Nathan Bassett 20 M Ohio
1880 Federal Census of Waterloo, DeKalb County, Indiana
Charles Bassett 42 M OH NY NY Head Jeweler
Caroline 45 F NY NY NY Wife Keeping House
Charles S. 20 M IN OH NY Son Works in Jewelry Sh
Carrie C. 20 F IN OH NY Daughter
Bessie E. 13 F IN OH NY Daughter
Willis 5 M IN OH NY Son
John J. Maxon 79 M NY RI NY Father-in-law
Mariette Maxon 62 F NY VT NY Mother-in-law
History of DeKalb County, Indiana
Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885
Charles Bassett, of the firm Bassett & Maxson, jewelers, Waterloo,
Ind., was born in Brownhelm, Lorain Co., Ohio, Jan. 8, 1838, a son of Thomas
and Nancy Bassett. While yet a child his parents died, and he was thus left to
battle with the world for himself. When eight years of age he went to Erie
County, Ohio, and remained four years; then went to Union City, Mich., and
from there to Coldwater, where he began to learn the jeweler's trade, serving
an apprenticeship with C.H. Thompson, remaining four years. In 1859 he came to
Waterloo and in company with J.F. Maxson, established their present business.
They have had a steadily increasing trade, and rank among the most prominent
and substantial business men of Waterloo. Mr. Bassett was married Jackson,
Mich., Jan. 1, 1859, to Caroline Maxson, a sister of his partner. They have
four children --- Carrie, wife of Amos B. Walworth; Charles Lewis, Bessie and
William. In politics Mr. Bassett adheres to the Republican party. He has held
several local offices of trust in the township. He is a member of the Masonic
fraternity, lodge, chapter and council, and has been treasurer of Waterloo
City Lodge, No. 307, twenty years. He and his wife are members of the
Christian church.
|
Bassett Family Association Database
1838 - 1895 (57 years)