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- Springfield Republican, July 31, 1908
Drowned in Agawam
Post-Office Clerk Loses Life
Ralph H. Bassett The Victim
Seized With Cramps While Bathing Near the Old Ferry
Desperate Efforts at Rescue
Ralph H. Bassett, 26, a well-known clerk in the Springfield post-office, was drowned yesterday afternoon at 3.30 o?clock while swimming in the Agawam river near the old ferry. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Rollin Bassett of Greenfield and came to this city five years ago to work in the post office. With his roommate and chum, Leroy Smead, also of Greenfield, he took a canoe early in the afternoon and paddled over to the Agawam and up to what is known as the upper pool near the old wire ferry. They entered the water on the Springfield side of the river and Smead swam across. He had barely reached the bank when he heard Bassett cry for help and turned in time to see him sink. He was seized with cramps, as he sank at once. Smead hastened back and immediately tried to dive for his companion. Bassett, however, had sunk in a hole in the river bottom where the water is close to 20 feet deep and it was difficult to locate his body.
Several men were attracted to the spot, both by Bassett?s cry and Smead?s calls for help; and Mr. Sepossy of New York city, who is visiting in Merrick, and John Dana of this city at once began to dive for the body. It was 15 minutes before they succeeded in recovering it and bringing it to the surface. They made every effort to restore consciousness, but life was extinct. Associate Medical Examiner Bacon was summoned and after viewing the body he had it placed in a boat and towed to this city by one of the launches which had been attracted to the spot. The Body was then taken to Washburn?s undertaking rooms.
Postmaster Hyde was greatly grieved to learn of Mr. Bassett?s death, as the young man was a favorite with all who knew him, both his fellow employes at the post office and his large circle of friends in this city and Greenfield. Mr. Hyde assisted Mr. Smead to make the necessary arrangements here and allowed him to go to Greenfield last night to notify Bassett?s family. Mr. Bassett was a sorting clerk in the city division at the post office. Since Mr. Smead came to this city three years ago they had roomed together at 33 Edwards street. His parents in Greenfield live in the lower meadows of the Colrain road, his father being a farmer and milk peddler. Besides his parents, he leaves several brothers and sisters. His father is expected in this city today to make arrangements for taking the body to Greenfield.
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Bassett Family Association Database
1881 - 1908 (26 years)