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- Biographical Review
George H. Bass
George H. Bass, an enterprising shoe manufacturer of Wilton, Maine, and a prominent resident of this town, which is his native place, was born on July 22, 1843, son of Seth and Nancy “Russell” Bass.
The family is of early Colonial origin, - the original ancestors in America, Samuel and Anne Bass, having settled in Roxbury, Massachusetts, in 1630. They later moved to Braintree, where Samuel died in 1694, aged ninety-four; and his wife died in 1693, aged ninety-three years. Before his death Samuel Bass was the father, grandfather, and great-grandfather of one hundred and sixty-two children. The line of descent is traced directly from Samuel and Anne Bass through Samuel, second, and Mary (Howard) Bass, Samuel, third, and Rebecca (Faxon) Bass, Seth and Eunice (Allen) Bass, Samuel and Alice (Spear) Bass, Jeriah and Lucretia (Saville) Bass, to Seth and Nancy (Russell) Bass, parents of Mr. George H. Bass.
Seth Bass, second, was born in Wilton, where his father, Samuel Bass, fourth, had settled, and when a young man he learned the hatters’ trade of his brothers, who carried on a hat manufactory in this town. For some time he travelled all over the State with a team, selling a fine quality of fur hats. He later engaged in mercantile business in Wilton, also becoming interested in a starch factory, which was located here. Retiring from business toward the latter part of his life, he continued to reside here until his death, which took place when he was seventy-nine years old; and his wife died a year later at the age of seventy-two. An upright, conscientious business man and a respected citizen, he labored diligently for the best interests of the community; and he served the town faithfully as Treasurer for twenty-three years. In politics he acted, originally, with the Whig party, later uniting with the Republicans; and he was a member of the Congregational church. Seth and Nancy (Russell) Bass were the parents of six children, namely; Mary Ann; Emily A.; Emmons; George H., the subject of this sketch; Ella S.; and Clara L.
George H. Bass was educated at the common and high schools of his native town and at a private school. At the age of seventeen he taught school for a short time, but relinquished that occupation in order to learn the tanner’s trade; and after serving in apprenticeship of two years he worked as a journeyman in Massachusetts until he was twenty-two years old. From that time until 1880 he owned and conducted the tannery in Wilton, which is now carried on by J.O. Ashton; and, having previously bought an interest in the shoe manufacturing business formerly carried on by E.P. Pakcard & Co., he one year became sole proprietor of the enterprise. He continued to occupy the old quarters until 1887, when he bought the Eaton carriage shop, which he fitted up with new and improved machinery, introducing water-power; and he is now conducting a thriving business, employing a force of about twenty-five workmen. In 1886 he bought a lot on Prospect Street, where he erected a handsome residence and stable. He has laid out lawns and otherwise beautified the grounds, upon which he has located an artificial pond to supply his factory with water for fire protection. It is a well-known fact that he has always given his undivided interest to whatever he has undertaken, striving earnestly and industriously to make a success of his business ventures, and the result has been most satisfactory in every particular.
Mr. Bass married Mary Louise Streeter, who was born in Austinburg, Ohio, March 9, 1847, daughter of Sereno W. and Sarah Jane (Willard) Streeter, and grand-daughter of Major John H. Willard, who was of an honored and highly reputable family. Mr. Willard had the honor of proposing the name Republican for the designation of the new political party, originated at a convention held in Strong in 1854, which has since written the grandest pages of American history. Mrs. Bass died May 2, 1896, leaving four children, as follows: Willard Streeter, who was born July 27, 1876, and was graduated from Bowdoin College with the class of 1896; John Russell, who was born September 6, 1878; Elizabeth, who was born August 4, 1881; and Annie Louise, who was born November 26, 1888. In politics Mr. Bass is a Republican, and has served as Town Treasurer with ability for twelve years. He is an active member of the Congregational church.
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Bassett Family Association Database
1843 - 1926 (83 years)