My Genealogy Hound

BASSHAM, B. U. hotel and livery, Greenfield, was born in Jackson County, Tennessee, Nov. 4, 1842, son of Merideth A. Bassham; his mother’s name was Elizabeth A. Fox prior to her marriage, and a native of Tennessee. His father was born in the “Old Dominion,” and emigrated to Tennessee at an early day and became a well-to-do farmer; but in consequence of his inability to say “No,” went security to such an extent that he became embarrassed and lost nearly everything he had, and to better his fortune emigrated to this State, first locating in Madison County; remained two years, then moved to Jersey, where he farmed about ten years; then went to Macoupin County, where he bought him a farm and lived eight years; then sold out and moved to Greenfield, bought the farm now owned by Smith Lemasters, where he lived until he died, which occurred April 2, 1875. Benjamin remained under the parental roof until April, 1865, when he married Louisa V. McBride, a native of this county, had four children: John H., born Jan. 12, 1866; Eva May, born May 1, 1868; Altha Ann, born Sept. 14, 1870; Laura E., born Feb. 1, 1873. After his marriage, farmed six years on the McBride property, of which he had a lease. Nov. 12, 1864, moved to Greenfield, where his wife died March 11, 1874. After coming to town was engaged in teaming, which business not being satisfactory, abandoned it and bought out the livery stable owned by Joseph Carter, Nov. 12, 1874. Two years later built the hotel building he now occupies, and has since been running it in connection with his livery. June 26, 1876, was married to Elizabeth J. Crauch, born in Washington, Tennessee, May 11, 1841. No issue.