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- 1850 Federal Census of Castleton, Rutland County, Vermont (28 Aug 1850)
Hollis Freeman - 56 - M - Massachusetts - Farmer 200
Rachel - 52 - F - Massachusetts
Herbert - 14 - M - Vermont
Iona H. Bassett - 21 - F - Vermont
Julia E. Bassett - 22 - F - Vermont
Lucy L. Bassett - 18 - F - Vermont
Simon J. Bassett - 16 - M - Vermont - Laborer
Letter sent to Mrs. Charles Bassett in 1964 by Julia McCann of Castleton, Vermont
My grandfather, Simon Goodyear Bassett was born Dec. 25, 1833 in Sharon, VT. He was 9 years old when his father, a Dr., died at the age of 41. He had two sisters and one brother. His mother was left with little support and it was necessary for her boys to live with other persons and working from place to place until they were 15/16, receiving such schooling as could be taken advantage of in the intervals of their labor.
When grandfather was 15 years old his mother bought a farm on the East Hubbardton road - known then aas North Britain. Her house was typical of the times with a summer kitchen, wood house, carriage house, etc., all attached. She also owned the house located at the point of roads where the sculptor now lives, (I'm sure grandfather would have much to say if he could see the strange (naked) figures on his property).
My grandfather's mother married the second time - a man from Massachusetts, Hollis Freeman. He had two sons older than her boys and after a few years grandfather went west and settled in Tuscola, IL. He built the first grocery store and post office, and managed both. It was there he met and married Mary Robertson in 1862. Their daughter Avah was born there. Back East the following year, Mr. Freeman became ill and died in 1863 - again leaving Grandfather's mother a widow.
Simon G. and family returned to Castleton in 1863 to manage the farm for his mother. There they had 2 more children, my father Clinton & Uncle Charles. His mother died in 1885 leaving the farm to her son.
In 1876, Grandfather built a saw mill at Margaret falls. This was a lucrative business. He also had a Maple Sugar orchard. In August of 1886 he was one of the committee of 7 who selected the site on Bird Mountain to build a Masonic Monument....
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Bassett Family Association Database
- 1885
d. 12 Apr 1839 (Age 42 years)