Transcript:Indiana, United States. Biographical and Genealogical History of Wayne, Fayette, Union and Franklin Counties/B/Bassett, David D.

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David D. Bassett (p 1017)

A representative of an honored pioneer family, David D. Bassett has long been identified with the growth and development of this section of Indiana, and with the promotion of its farming interests. He was born in Fairfield Township, Franklin County, Indiana, August 31, 1832, a son of Nathaniel and Eliza (Dubois) Bassett, the former a native of Massachusetts, and the latter of New Jersey. Their marriage was celebrated in Indiana, where the father located when a young man. He was one of the pioneers of the state, and prior to his arrival here had spent some time in Cincinnati, where he worked at the brick-mason's trade. He afterward came to Fairfield, Franklin County, where he followed the same pursuit until after his marriage. He then purchased a farm on which a log cabin had been built, while a few acres had been partly cleared. In addition to agricultural pursuits he then carried on brick laying, and erected some of the best buildings of that day in the surrounding country. He reared his family upon his farm and in his declining days removed to Fairfield, where his death occurred in 1867. His wife afterward made her home with her children, and she died at the residence of her daughter, in Fairfield Township, in 1875. They were both consistent members of the Methodist Church and were leading advocates of the temperance cause, the father ever admonishing his sons never to take the first drink. Their children were Jonathan, now deceased; Ann, who became the wife of B. Gentry, and died in Decatur County; Lyda, who was the wife of J. Lane, and died in Illinois; David D.; Mrs. Caroline Smith, who died in Brookville; Mrs. Martha J. Skinner; and Charles, a stone-mason by trade, now residing at Elwood, Indiana. The last named served throughout the Civil War, and now receives a pension on account of injuries sustained.

David D. Bassett was reared on the old home farm and for a year after his marriage continued there. He afterward purchased a farm in Blooming Grove Township, but subsequently sold it and removed to another farm, upon which he lived for three years. He then bought property at Colter's Corners, and engaged in the manufacture of tile for two years, when he turned his attention to the butchering business, which he carried on three years. On the expiration of that period he purchased his present farm, three-fourths of a mile east of the town of Colter's Corners, on which was a small log house of one room. Therein he lived until, as the result of his industry and capable management, he was enabled to erect his present commodious two-story residence. He has also cleared the land, placed many rods of tiling upon it and now has his farm under a high state of cultivation. He has planted a good orchard and set out a fine grove around his house and now has one of the most attractive and desirable country homes in the locality. A few years after taking up his residence on the farm he built a large tile factory, which he conducted for several years. He then sold out and after two years resumed the butchering business, having a market at his home and also selling to farmers in the neighborhood and at Oxford, from a wagon. He has met with some difficulties in the course of his business career, but through his undaunted energy and perseverance and the assistance of his good wife he has triumphed over all obstacles and is now the possessor of a handsome competence.

On the 1st of January, 1856, Mr. Bassett was united in marriage to Miss Matilda C. Fry, a member of an honored pioneer family. She was born January 12, 1836, a daughter of Philip and Catherine (Butler) Fry, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Indiana. Her father was a son of Henry Fry and came with his parents to the west in 1818, the family settling in Fairfield Township, Franklin County, where the father purchased large tracts of land, giving to each of his five children a farm. He built a gristmill on Templeton's Creek and successfully conducted his farm and mill. He was a leading member of the United Brethren Church and an active factor in securing the erection of the first house of worship of that denomination in the neighborhood. Honest and upright in all things, he lived to a ripe old age and died respected by all who knew him. His children were Simon, who reared a family and died in Franklin County; Lewis, who reared a family and died in this county; Lizzie, wife of J. Flint; Philip, father of Mrs. Bassett; Samuel, who reared a family and died in Union County. Philip Fry remained with his parents until his marriage and then settled on land, which his father had given him, and upon which he made many excellent improvements. He remained there until his children were grown, when he removed to Colter's Corners, where he and his wife spent their last days. His wife died there August 21, 1887, at the age of eighty-two years, after which Mr. Fry went to live with his daughter, passing away at her home June 14, 1896, in the eighty-eighth year of his age. Both were members of the United Brethren Church in early life, but afterward united with the Methodist Church and died in that faith. Their children were Henry W., who died at the age of nine years; Joshua, a retired farmer and banker living at Oxford; Matilda C., the wife of our subject; Mary B. Glasner, now deceased; Robert J., who is living with Mrs. Bassett; and Mrs. Nancy K. Beasley, who is living on the old family homestead.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Bassett have been born four children: Jonathan M., who was born October 17, 1856, now resides near Oxford; Emma A., born November 14, 1866, is at home; Mary D., born November, 1869, is the wife of W. H. Garrod, a businessman of Oxford; and Bertha M., who was born May 6, 1873, and is the wife of C. V. Wilson, a tile manufacturer.

The parents and children are all faithful members of the Methodist Church, Mr. Bassett having been connected therewith since the age of sixteen years. He has always been very active in Christian work. When he came to his present home religious services were held in private houses, and he inaugurated the plans, which resulted in the erection of the house of worship. He has filled all the church offices, has long been class-leader, and is a recognized leader in both church and Sunday school work. His life exemplifies his Christian belief through his kindly spirit, his benevolence and his liberality in support of all good measures. In politics he is a stalwart Republican, but has never been an office seeker, preferring to devote his attention to his business interests, in which he has met creditable success.