W. C. Baskett, farmer, P. O., Marshall. Was born in Fluvanna county, Virginia, July 22, 1826. When six years of age, he went to Shelby county with his parents, where he was educated and spent the greater part of his life. His parents were both natives of Virginia, living on a farm. October 23, 1845, he married Amanda E. Yeager, a native of Jefferson county, Kentucky, by whom he had eleven children, nine of whom are now living: James, Charley F., Mrs. Mary Devall, Mrs. Alice Thompson, Mrs. Phoebe Bozzell, Rosa, Maggie, Carrie, Lizzie. While living in Kentucky he engaged in farming. During the years of 1871 and 1872 he operated a distillery in connection with his other business. By the accidental explosion of a steam boiler the building and apparatus sustained damages, the reparation of which cost him $6,000. In addition to this he was obliged to pay $6,000 government tax for the time during which his distillery was lying idle. Being unable to raise the money at the time, his entire property was attached and sold to liquidate his indebtedness. He succeeded in saving about $5,000 from the wreck, which he brought to Missouri and invested in Saline county land. He owns 160 acres of excellent land.
