My Genealogy Hound

GEORGE S. BASSETT. Benton Harbor contains a number of beautiful residences, which in point of architectural design and attractive surroundings rival the more pretentious homes of the city. One of the most elegant residences in the village is that owned and occupied by the subject of this sketch. It is pleasantly located at No. 131 Brunson Avenue, and is a substantial frame structure, containing all the modern improvements and furnished with an elegance and taste betokening the refinement and culture of the inmates.

The owner of this home, Mr. Bassett, is the senior member of the firm of Bassett & Loring, dealers in real estate, wood and coal at Benton Harbor, and also insurance agents, representing a number of the best companies. The subject of this sketch was born in Brown County, Ohio, on the 24th of August, 1846, and is the descendant of English ancestors. His paternal grandfather, John Bassett, was a native of New York, where also the father of our subject, Orin, was born. The latter settled at an early day in Brown County, Ohio, and then removed to Peoria, Ill., in 1847, and in 1889 came to Berrien County, Mich., where he now resides. His wife was a Miss Margaret Moore, and was born in Virginia.

George S. Bassett is the third son among nine children. He was only one year old when he accompanied his parents to Peoria, Ill.; later he removed to La Salle County, Ill., and prepared for college at the Tonica High School. At the age of twenty years he entered Hedding College, at Abingdon, Knox County, Ill., where he prosecuted his studies with diligence for some time. Upon leaving the college he engaged in farming and stock-raising, making a specialty of breeding fine thoroughbred Hereford cattle, and conducting a general farming business with success. In the fall of 1891 he disposed of his agricultural interests and soon afterward came to Benton Harbor, where he has since been engaged in the real-estate business. In the spring of 1893 he formed a partnership with B. B. Eldridge, under the firm name of Bassett, Eldridge & Co., and did a large trade in wood and coal. In July, 1893, Mr. Eldridge went out of the firm.

In December, 1871, occurred the marriage of Mr. Bassett and Miss Huldah Pitch, the daughter of Charles Fitch, of Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. Bassett are the parents of two daughters: Nellie M. and Lois A. In their religious belief, they are identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and contribute with the utmost generosity to the various enterprises of that denomination. Politically, Mr. Bassett adheres to the principles of the Republican party, and always gives his influence to its support.