| Notes |
- 1880 Federal Census of Barre, Worcester County, Massachusetts
Henry M. Bassett 44 M MA MA MA Head Carpenter
Irene C. 39 F MA MA MA Wife Keeping House
Walter A. 19 M MA MA MA Son Driving Team
Burnell 8 M MA MA MA Son
Charles H. 4 M MA MA MA Son
Arther H. 3 M MA MA MA Son
Della I. 3/12 F MA MA MA Daughter
Death of Henry M. Bassett
The thoughtful observer of New England community life notices with
regret the passing of a generation of men whose life and service have been
notable in the work of church and state. Their services link this generation
to those stirring scenes of slavery days, the civil war and the reconstruction
period in United States history. Of this number was Mr. Henry Makepeace
Bassett, who fell asleep on last Friday night to wake to the eternal glories
on Saturday morning. Mr. Bassett was the youngest son of the five children of
Deacon Joseph P. and Elizabeth (Smith) Bassett, and was born at the Bassett
home in the northern part of Barre, on April 19, 1836, so that at the time of
his death he was nearly seventy-five and one-half years old. Like many of our
New England boys he received his education at the district school at Ri
village and at the old New Salem academy. After his education was finished he
came home and for all of his life, with the exception of two years in
Michigan, he was a faithful worker in the service of the community and his
home. His first wife was Jane S. Brigham of Petersham, to whom he was married
Feb. 8, 1860. From this union there were two children, Mr. Walter A. Bassett,
now an honored citizen of Petersham, and Stella, who died in infancy. H
second wife was Irene C. Finley of Belchertown, to whom he was united in
marriage on June 25, 1868. Three stalwart sons and one fair daughter blessed
their home, and Mr. Bassett was spared to see them all happily settl
business and prospering in life. These children are located as follows:
Burnell F. and Arthur H., are at Tacoma, Washington, Charles H., is at
Worcester, while Delia (Mrs. E.J. Parmenter) and her husband, are at Wayland.
Of the original family of five children of Deacon Joseph P. Bassett, only one
survives at present, Mr. Charles S. Bassett of Franklin, Mass. There are two
grandchildren, Mr. Leslie M. Bassett, the son of Walter Bassett, and Irene
Roseanna, the infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Parmenter. The life of Mr. Henry
Bassett was particularly notable for its constant industry, for almost to the
last day of his life he was able to work, being a successful carpenter and
also enjoying very much agricultural pursuits. He was early in life attracted
toward holy and divine things, joining the church in boyhood, and in his riper
years doing faithful service in the church and parish work of the Barre
Congregational church. Those who recall his prayers at the social services of
the church, will remember their reverent spirit and the beautiful and trustful
utterances of one who was talking with his Heavenly Father. His death came
painlessly and quietly last Saturday morning, when from the sleeping of the
night he woke to Heaven's morning. The funeral services were held on Tuesday,
the 10th, at 1 p.m., at the house, his pastor, Rev. C.H. Smith, and his long
time neighbor and friend, Rev. A.F. Bailey, officiating. Two beautiful musical
selections were part of the service, "The Silver Chord" and "Asleep in Jesus,"
which were sung by Mrs. C. H. Smith and Miss Bessie Bacon. Mr. Bassett was
buried in the family lot in the Lincoln Cemetery, where his body lies next to
those of father and mother and other relatives. As we think of the end of this
long and useful life it suggests the lines from the poet Bryant:
"Sustained and soothed
By an unfaltering trust approach thy grave
Like one who wraps the drapery of his couch
About him and lies down to pleasant dreams."
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Bassett Family Association Database
1836 - 1911 (75 years)