| Notes |
- Elmer and Maggie lived their married life on the old Bassett Homestead and raised their children there. Elmer farmed the land. He also added an addition to the house.
ELMER BASSETT
(From Brinkerhoff's History of Marion County, Illinoi
1909
Among the young agriculturists of Foster township, Marion county, who
have shown by their industry and perseverance what can be accomplished among
circumstances none too favorable, is the gentleman whose name appears above,
for he has gained definite success through his life of rightly applied effort
and at the same time has established a reputation for honesty and integrity.
Elmer Bassett was born on the old Bassett homestead in Foster
township, Marion county, August 29, 1871, the son of Harvey F. and Sarah
(Chilton) Bassett, the former a native of Jackson county, Indiana, and the
latter a native of Jennings county, Indiana. They came to Marion county,
Illinois, about 1860 and bought land in section 22, Foster township. It had
little improvements on it, but being thrifty he improved the land and added to
it until he owned three hundred and twenty acres in sections 22, 23 and 27,
devoting his life to farming. He held many of the township offices, and took
an interest in politics. He was a Republican and was a member of the Methodist
Episcopal church, well known and highly respected by everyone. He died January
20, 1890, and his wife in May, 1907. The following children were born to them:
Belle, who married J. B. Altum, now deceased, the former making her home at
present in Mossville, Texas; Ansel H., a farmer near Mena, Arkansas, married
Mary McCune; Lafayette, a farmer in Foster township, Marion county, married
Illinoi Arnold; Elmer, the subject of this sketch. Harvey F. was married
twice and of the last marriage there was no issue.
Mr. Bassett was educated in the common schools and always lived at
home. He was united in marriage October 3, 1897, to Maggie McWhirter, of
Foster township, this county, the daughter of Charles Pitt and Rebecca
(Hammels) McWhirter, the former a native of Tennessee and the latter of
Illinois. The former came to Marion county as a young man and located in Tonti
township, where he rented land for awhile and later bought a farm in section
23, Foster township, where he died in April, 1907, after an active and useful
life. His wife is still living on the old place. Eleven children were born to
them, six of whom are still living, namely: Mattie, wife of Isaac Sprouse,
living in Alma township; Belle, married A.J. Williams, of Foster township;
Amanda married Benjamin Williams, of Foster township; Charles is a farm
living in Foster township; Richard is a farmer living in Alma, Illinois;
Maggie, the subject's wife.
Five children have been born to the subject and wife, names as
follows: Gage, Gail, Grace, Charles and Mason.
The subject has always been a farmer and one of the best, too. He owns
one hundred and sixty acres of the old place and eighty acres of the E.
Thomas place, Foster township. This land is under a high state of improvement.
Final Rites Held Sunday Afternoon for Elmer Bassett
The Kinmundy Express, Nov. 16, 1950
Again the enemy, Death, has passed through our community, bringing to
an end the life of a prominent citizen, a good neighbor and sincere friend.
Elmer Bassett, son of Harvey F. and Sarah Bassett, was born in Foster
township on Aug. 29, 1871, finished his earthly career November 10, 1850, aged
79 years, 2 months, and 12 days.
He was of a family of six children, one sister and four brothers; also
two half-sisters and one half-brother, all whom preceded him in deat
On Oct. 3, 1897 he was united in marriage to Maggie McWhirter, whose
life span ended March 2, 1935.
As the years rolled by, four sons and three daughters came to bless
this matrimonial union, all of whom survive, except one son, Charles was
killed in an auto accident, Jan. 30, 1935.
The deceased has been in failing health for more than a year. He
realized time was running out for him, having so confided to some of his
children and close friends.
Mr. Bassett lived his entire life on the farm where he was born, was a
men of sterling character and sound judgement, dealing honestly and fairly
with his fellow man.
Many are they who have sought his advice on problems confronting them.
The high standards by which he lived, proved conclusively by his
belief in a just and loving God, who has made provision future life in a
righteous "New World for All who Seek After It".
Left to mourn his passing are six children, namely, Gage, Gale, Grace,
Mason, Edith, and Ellis, all living within the same township, where they and
their father were born, three sons-in-law, three daughters-in-law, thirteen
grandchildren, a large number of nieces, nephews, and other relatives not to
mention a host of friends and neighbors.
We, his neighbors and friends, feel very keenly that we have lost the
council of a substantial citizen and friend, and how much more must the
children and other relatives realize their loss.
Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock from Zion
Church, Rev. Oscar L. Hawkins officiating. Interment was made in Sandy Branch
Cemetery.
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Bassett Family Association Database
1871 - 1950 (79 years)