| Notes |
Wisconsin State Journal, Madison, Wisconsin, 19 April 1934
Stephen Baas Stricken, Died at Car Wheel
Wife Uninjured as Auto Lands in Ditch
While driving to the Lake Monona cottage of his son, Alexius Baas, Madison musician, Wednesday afternoon, Stephen C. Baas, 79, of 516 S. Paterson st., fell dead of heart disease in the arms of his wife.
The car ran into the ditch, striking a small pole. Police were notified and Sgt. H. A. White and Officer Gilbert Brumm removed Mr. Baas to St. Mary's hospital, where Dr. H. M. Kay pronounced him dead. The body was removed to the Frautschi Funeral home.
Motorist Calls Ambulance
Mrs. Baas said her husband had not complained of being ill as they drove toward the cottage. While on highway 5- in Lake Edge park, Mr. Baas reached up to turn on the windshield wiper and slumped back into the arms of his wife. A passing motorist, noticing the car leave the road, called the police ambulance.
For many years a capitol policeman and elevator operator, Mr. Baas had a wide circle of friends among capitol employees and high state officials. Shortly before his death, Mrs. Baas had expressed regret over the deaths of Justice W. C. Owen and John J. Blaine. He had been retired from capitol for several years.
Ardent Fisherman, Hunter
An ardent fisherman and hunter, Mr. Baas won a cup years ago for two-mile rowboat racing on Madison lakes. He also took a keen interest in his son's musical activities. Despite his years, Mr. Baas braved a blustery snow storm to accompany his son to Fond du Lac, where the latter directed music at a Christmas midnight mass last year.
Bornin in Milwaukee, Jan. 3, 1855, Mr. Baas moved her in 1864 and lived in the third ward since that time. He was a former Madison alderman.
Mr. Baas for many years was a member of the form of Chamberlain and Baas operating a boat livery on Madison lakes. He also operated a boat livery at the site of the present Wirka line.
Member of Maennerchor
During his long residence here, Mr. Baas was a member of the Madison Maennerchor, the Modern Woodmen of America, and the Mozart club.
Survivors include his widow, son Alexius, and a sister Miss Amelia Baas, Madison.
When Mr. Baas came from Milwaukee, his family took possession of the home which stook on the site of the Chicago and North Western depot. The railroad had not been built at the time. When the company extended its line to Madison in the early 60's, the Baas family vacated the house to make way for a passenger station. The homestead still stands in the 700 block on Jenifer st.
Enjoyed Reminiscences
Mr. Baas always enjoyed indulging in reminiscences of the old Madison days. He remembered when practically all of the territory lying between his home, on the depot site, and the Yahara river was under water after heavy spring rains and how resident of the at side used row boats for transportation.
For years, Mr. Baas sang in the bass section of the Maennerchor, of which organization his son is now director, and of the Mozart club. Some time ago he retired from active membership of the Maennerchor and Mozart clubs, bur remained as an associated member.
Served in Council
He served in the common council in 1882 from the old third ward. His aldermanic colleagues from the same ward were Benijah Warnes and Dexter Curtis. The late James Conklin was mayor at the time.
Funeral services will be held at the Frautschi funeral parlors Saturday at 2 p.m.
A double quartet of the Maennerchor will sing and pallbearers will be Frank C. Blied, Karl Loprich, George Scherer, George Schaus, Otto Niemann and John Marhoefer, all members of the society.
|
Bassett Family Association Database
1855 - 1934 (79 years)