Person:Prudence Bassett (1)

Death of a Former Resident of Polo

From the Emmetsburg (Iowa) Tribune we learn of the death of Prudence Bassett, widow of the late William Illingworth, one of the very early settlers of Buffalo Grove, which occurred at 11:30 a.m., Friday, Dec. 23, 1898, at her home a few miles from Emmetsburg, at the age of 71 years, 2 months a days. She had been sick about fifteen days with bronchitis, from which she had been a sufferer at times for many years. The Tribune says the funeral was held at the Methodist church, Christmas day, Rev. Maynard conducting the services. Prudence Bassett was a daughter of Cornelius Bassett, who was well known to many of the early settlers of Buffalo Grove thirty five years ago. She was born near Little Utica, N.Y., in 1827, and the first twenty-six years of her life were spent in that state, living in New York city and at Andes, in Delaware county. At the age of 20 she was married to Lemuel Davis, who died six years later, leaving a son and daughter. The latter died soon after her father, in 1853, and the son, Geo. H. Davis, died in Chicago three years ago last April. In 1853 or 4 Mrs. Davis came to Buffalo Grove, when in 1855 she married William Illingworth and resided in this vicinity until their removal to Emmetsburg, about twenty or twenty-two years ago. Five sons and four daughters were born here. Four sons - Fred, Frank with whom she lived, and Herbert, all of Palo Alto county, Iowa, and Cornelius, of Galesburg, are her only surviving children. Mrs. Illingworth was a woman of broad sympathy, cheery and pleasant, making warm friends. The Tribune says of her: "During a long residence here Mrs. Illingworth, through kindly and entertaining ways, was beloved by a large circle of friends. For years the home she presided over was the scene of many grand social gatherings". In church work, Mrs. Illingworth took an acti part; always a consistent and devout member of the Methodist church and in the consolations of that belief she died. A devoted wife and mother, a kind neighbor, a friend to those who needed help." Having reached the age of 71, she has gone to her reward and her memory will be cherished by all who knew her.

1. ↑ Ogle County Press
   1 Jan 1899 .