Mayor of St Joseph from 1855-1856
Quincy Whig - January 7, 1871
Obituary
Death of Gen. J.M. Bassett, of St. Joseph
The St. Joseph Union announces the sudden death of Gen. J.W. Bassett, a prominent lawyer of that city, and formerly a citizen of Quincy, which took place at St. Joseph after a brief illness on Wednesday last, and supposed to have been caused by heart disease.
Gen. Bassett was born in Connecticut and emigrated West when quite a young man. He first settled in this city in 1838 or 1840, where for a short time he conducted the Quincy Herald in partnership with Wm. F. Carnes. Afterwards he went into the study and practice of law with Hon. I.N. Morris of this city. In 1843 or 1844 he removed to Plattsburg, Missouri, and began the practice of law. In 1845 he was elected to the Constitutional Convention and discharged his arduous duties with credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. A year or two later he removed to St. Joseph, and at once took an active part in politics, where he also became eminent in his profession and remained in that city till the day of his death. The St. Joseph Union says of him:
"Some fifteen years ago, deceased was elected Mayor of St. Joseph, and filled the office with much ability. Shortly afterwards he was elected Circuit Attorney of this District, which position he occupied for several years. At the commencement of the war he was an unswerving friend of the Union, and cast his fortunes with the loyal men of Missouri. For a long time he was Provost Marshal of this District while acting in that capacity, have not been forgotten.
At the time of his death, deceased was about fifty-three years old. More than twenty years ago he was married at Jefferson City of Miss Dixon, a sister-in-law of Judge Scott, of the Supreme Court. There were born to him two children - a son and a daughter, both of whom are now living.
Gen. Bassett was in many respects a great man. He was always careful in forming his opinions, and afterwards fearless in their advocacy. His perceptive faculties were remarkably clear. His vigorous intellect seemed to burn through mysteries and fogs to the naked truth and reveal it. One short, sharp sentence from him has frequently been known to drive away a cloud of mysticisms, and give a jury a better understanding of the case in hand, than hours of ordinary speeches could have supplied.
The old Spartan is gone, and thousands mourn his loss!"
Quincy Whig - January 7, 1871
Gen. J.M. Bassett, a prominent citizen and lawyer of St. Joseph, and many years ago a resident of Quincy, died in the former city on Wednesday last.
Reminiscences of the Bench and Bar of Missouri
Jonathan M. Bassett
By William Van Ness Bay
We regret that our information in regard to Mr. Bassett is almost confined to our personal knowledge. We met him in the Legislature in 1844 or 1846. He represented in part the county of Buchanan, and was a practicing lawyer residing at St. Joseph. He was born in Oxford County, Connecticut, February 17, 1817, and had the advantage of an excellent education. His first location after coming West was at Quincy, Illinois, where he practiced some, and took charge of the editorial department of a political paper. From Quincy he went to Plattsburg, Clinton County, Missouri, and as soon as St. Joseph became the county-seat of Buchanan County he moved to that place, where he remained till his death. He first formed a partnership in St. Joseph with John Wilson, son of Colonel Robert Wilson, upon the dissolution of which he entered into a partnership with J.C.C. Thornton, and the last partnership was with Wash Jones.
Mr. Bassett was a fine-looking, portly man and a handsome, fluent speaker. He was esteemed a good lawyer, and always enjoyed a good practice, which extended over a large section of country. He stood well in the Legislature, though not as active and influential as many others.
Shortly after leaving the Legislature he married Miss Nancy Dixon, a bell of Jefferson City, and daughter of Henry Dixon, Esq. She was an interesting lady, and a particular friend of the author.
It is possible that Mr. Bassett may have filled other offices, but we cannot recall any. He was highly esteemed in the north-west, not only for his ability as a lawyer, but for many personal attributes which he possessed. He died January 4, 1871, leaving a widow and two children - a son and daughter.
The History of Clinton County, Missouri
General J.M. Bassett
J.M. Bassett was born in New Haven, Connecticut, February 7, 1817. He came with his father, when a small boy, to Ohio, and at the age of ten years removed to Springfield, Illinois, where he completed his education. He read law with Governor Cailin, and was admitted to the bar by Judge Stephen A. Douglas. Afterward he opened an office in Quincy, Illinois, and, after several years of successful practice, came to Plattsburg, Clinton County, Missouri, in 1844, where he remained two years. While here he was elected a delegate to the Constitutional Convention, and came to St. Joseph shortly after the labors of that convention were closed.
General Bassett was a ready and powerful writer; generous, pleasant, social and charitable. He was a fluent speaker, and strong in argument, and his success before juries and judges was proverbial.
Keen, cool, shrewd and cautious, his speeches in court often veined with glowing sarcasm, were not only models of terseness and force, but revealed a background of study, reflection and special preparation, which stamped him as one of the foremost lawyers of Northwest Missouri. He seemed to rise with the occasion when the subject in hand demanded intellect and power. Then it was he would pour forth argument, and hurl invective and eloquent appeals to the jury, sweeping everything before him.
Whenever he devoted his full powers to a case, no client in the West had a more safe, competent and successful advocate. General Basset died in 1871.
History of Buchanan County and the city of St. Joseph (1904)
Gen. Jonathan Miles Bassett
Among the distinguished lawyers and notable and representative men of Missouri, was the late Gen. Jonathan Miles Bassett, who died in this city in 1871. Of New England birth and rearing, almost the whole of his life was spent in the West, where he earned laurels and fortune. General Bassett was born February 17, 1817, at New Haven, Connecticut, and there he was given the educational advantages offered by the public schools of his time.
Those were the days when a youth, on emerging from school, immediately set about to become proficient in some craft or trade, the following of which would assure his future. Young Bassett decided in favor of the printer's trade, was apprenticed to the same and completed his education at Springfield, Illinois. At various times in after life, although occupied with other interests, he returned to his first love, resuming his connection with journalistic work. In Springfield he began to read law and continued under the encouragement of such statesmen and lawyers as Governor Carlin. Subsequently he was admitted to the bar by Judge Stephen A. Douglas. Shortly after, he removed to Quincy, Illinois where he took charge of a newspaper, published it for several years and then resigned it into other hands in order to give more attention to a pressing law practice.
In 1844, the brilliant young lawyer removed to Missouri, locating at Plattsburg, in Clinton County, where he soon took his place as a leading member of the bar. He became active in politics and was chosen a delegate to the State convention at Jefferson City, which met for the purpose of framing a new constitution. Shortly after his marriage, in 1850, he removed to St. Joseph, of which city he continued a resident until his death, and in which city he gained great eminence in his profession. In the course of time he became an important political factor, was elected circuit attorney for this judicial district, and subsequently became mayor of the city. In the agitating days at the beginning of the Civil War, he boldly announced himself an uncompromising Union man and his example and efforts did much to arouse loyal sentiment in Northwestern Missouri. His title was obtained as commander of the State militia. He was appointed provost marshall of the district including St. Joseph, and served effectively for several years.
In 1850 he was united in marriage with Nannie Dixon, who was born at Raleigh, North Carolina. They had two children: Harry D., late judge of the Buchanan County Court, who was born August 26, 1852, and died August 28, 1903; and Deedie Bell, who was born in 1856, and is the widow of the late John T. Maddux, whose death occurred November 28, 1900, a sketch of whom as well as of the late Judge Bassett, will be found in this volume.
The late General Bassett was of such commanding presence as to attract attention in any body, and his mental equipment and personal character were equally above those of the common herd. St. Joseph has few citizens who have been more thoroughly and honorably representative. His real kindness of heart, his generous sympathies, his charities and his justice, all won to him personal attachments of remarkable strength.
1860 Federal Census of St. Joseph, Buchanan County, Missouri (6 Aug 1860)
J. Basset - 40 - M - Ohio - Lawyer 19,000 2,500
N.W. - 38- F - North Carolina
H.D. - 8 - M - Missouri
D. - 4 - F - Missouri
1870 Federal Census of St. Joseph, Buchanan County, Missouri (29 Jun 1870)
Johnathan M. Bassett - 52 - M - Connecticut - Lawyer 26,000 2,500
Nannie W. - 41 - F - Mississippi - Keeps House
Harry - 18 - M - Missouri - At Home
Dedee - 16 - F - Missouri - At Home
Lucy Burge - B - 20 - F - Missouri - Domestic Serv
Contributor: Doris Miller (47736439)Major E. M. M. This may be Major Jonathan M. Bassett who was not only a union solider, but a successful lawyer, and mayor of Saint Joseph. If so, his body was moved to Mount Mora Cemetery.
Quincy Whig - January 7, 1871
Obituary
Death of Gen. J.M. Bassett, of St. Joseph
The St. Joseph Union announces the sudden death of Gen. J.W. Bassett, a prominent lawyer of that city, and formerly a citizen of Quincy, which took place at St. Joseph after a brief illness on Wednesday last, and supposed to have been caused by heart disease.
Gen. Bassett was born in Connecticut and emigrated West when quite a young man. He first settled in this city in 1838 or 1840, where for a short time he conducted the Quincy Herald in partnership with Wm. F. Carnes. Afterwards he went into the study and practice of law with Hon. I.N. Morris of this city. In 1843 or 1844 he removed to Plattsburg, Missouri, and began the practice of law. In 1845 he was elected to the Constitutional Convention and discharged his arduous duties with credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. A year or two later he removed to St. Joseph, and at once took an active part in politics, where he also became eminent in his profession and remained in that city till the day of his death. The St. Joseph Union says of him:
"Some fifteen years ago, deceased was elected Mayor of St. Joseph, and filled the office with much ability. Shortly afterwards he was elected Circuit Attorney of this District, which position he occupied for several years. At the commencement of the war he was an unswerving friend of the Union, and cast his fortunes with the loyal men of Missouri. For a long time he was Provost Marshal of this District while acting in that capacity, have not been forgotten.
At the time of his death, deceased was about fifty-three years old. More than twenty years ago he was married at Jefferson City of Miss Dixon, a sister-in-law of Judge Scott, of the Supreme Court. There were born to him two children - a son and a daughter, both of whom are now living.
Gen. Bassett was in many respects a great man. He was always careful in forming his opinions, and afterwards fearless in their advocacy. His perceptive faculties were remarkably clear. His vigorous intellect seemed to burn through mysteries and fogs to the naked truth and reveal it. One short, sharp sentence from him has frequently been known to drive away a cloud of mysticisms, and give a jury a better understanding of the case in hand, than hours of ordinary speeches could have supplied.
The old Spartan is gone, and thousands mourn his loss!"
Quincy Whig - January 7, 1871
Gen. J.M. Bassett, a prominent citizen and lawyer of St. Joseph, and many years ago a resident of Quincy, died in the former city on Wednesday last.
Reminiscences of the Bench and Bar of Missouri
Jonathan M. Bassett
By William Van Ness Bay
We regret that our information in regard to Mr. Bassett is almost confined to our personal knowledge. We met him in the Legislature in 1844 or 1846. He represented in part the county of Buchanan, and was a practicing lawyer residing at St. Joseph. He was born in Oxford County, Connecticut, February 17, 1817, and had the advantage of an excellent education. His first location after coming West was at Quincy, Illinois, where he practiced some, and took charge of the editorial department of a political paper. From Quincy he went to Plattsburg, Clinton County, Missouri, and as soon as St. Joseph became the county-seat of Buchanan County he moved to that place, where he remained till his death. He first formed a partnership in St. Joseph with John Wilson, son of Colonel Robert Wilson, upon the dissolution of which he entered into a partnership with J.C.C. Thornton, and the last partnership was with Wash Jones.
Mr. Bassett was a fine-looking, portly man and a handsome, fluent speaker. He was esteemed a good lawyer, and always enjoyed a good practice, which extended over a large section of country. He stood well in the Legislature, though not as active and influential as many others.
Shortly after leaving the Legislature he married Miss Nancy Dixon, a bell of Jefferson City, and daughter of Henry Dixon, Esq. She was an interesting lady, and a particular friend of the author.
It is possible that Mr. Bassett may have filled other offices, but we cannot recall any. He was highly esteemed in the north-west, not only for his ability as a lawyer, but for many personal attributes which he possessed. He died January 4, 1871, leaving a widow and two children - a son and daughter.
The History of Clinton County, Missouri
General J.M. Bassett
J.M. Bassett was born in New Haven, Connecticut, February 7, 1817. He came with his father, when a small boy, to Ohio, and at the age of ten years removed to Springfield, Illinois, where he completed his education. He read law with Governor Cailin, and was admitted to the bar by Judge Stephen A. Douglas. Afterward he opened an office in Quincy, Illinois, and, after several years of successful practice, came to Plattsburg, Clinton County, Missouri, in 1844, where he remained two years. While here he was elected a delegate to the Constitutional Convention, and came to St. Joseph shortly after the labors of that convention were closed.
General Bassett was a ready and powerful writer; generous, pleasant, social and charitable. He was a fluent speaker, and strong in argument, and his success before juries and judges was proverbial.
Keen, cool, shrewd and cautious, his speeches in court often veined with glowing sarcasm, were not only models of terseness and force, but revealed a background of study, reflection and special preparation, which stamped him as one of the foremost lawyers of Northwest Missouri. He seemed to rise with the occasion when the subject in hand demanded intellect and power. Then it was he would pour forth argument, and hurl invective and eloquent appeals to the jury, sweeping everything before him.
Whenever he devoted his full powers to a case, no client in the West had a more safe, competent and successful advocate. General Basset died in 1871.
History of Buchanan County and the city of St. Joseph (1904)
Gen. Jonathan Miles Bassett
Among the distinguished lawyers and notable and representative men of Missouri, was the late Gen. Jonathan Miles Bassett, who died in this city in 1871. Of New England birth and rearing, almost the whole of his life was spent in the West, where he earned laurels and fortune. General Bassett was born February 17, 1817, at New Haven, Connecticut, and there he was given the educational advantages offered by the public schools of his time.
Those were the days when a youth, on emerging from school, immediately set about to become proficient in some craft or trade, the following of which would assure his future. Young Bassett decided in favor of the printer's trade, was apprenticed to the same and completed his education at Springfield, Illinois. At various times in after life, although occupied with other interests, he returned to his first love, resuming his connection with journalistic work. In Springfield he began to read law and continued under the encouragement of such statesmen and lawyers as Governor Carlin. Subsequently he was admitted to the bar by Judge Stephen A. Douglas. Shortly after, he removed to Quincy, Illinois where he took charge of a newspaper, published it for several years and then resigned it into other hands in order to give more attention to a pressing law practice.
In 1844, the brilliant young lawyer removed to Missouri, locating at Plattsburg, in Clinton County, where he soon took his place as a leading member of the bar. He became active in politics and was chosen a delegate to the State convention at Jefferson City, which met for the purpose of framing a new constitution. Shortly after his marriage, in 1850, he removed to St. Joseph, of which city he continued a resident until his death, and in which city he gained great eminence in his profession. In the course of time he became an important political factor, was elected circuit attorney for this judicial district, and subsequently became mayor of the city. In the agitating days at the beginning of the Civil War, he boldly announced himself an uncompromising Union man and his example and efforts did much to arouse loyal sentiment in Northwestern Missouri. His title was obtained as commander of the State militia. He was appointed provost marshall of the district including St. Joseph, and served effectively for several years.
In 1850 he was united in marriage with Nannie Dixon, who was born at Raleigh, North Carolina. They had two children: Harry D., late judge of the Buchanan County Court, who was born August 26, 1852, and died August 28, 1903; and Deedie Bell, who was born in 1856, and is the widow of the late John T. Maddux, whose death occurred November 28, 1900, a sketch of whom as well as of the late Judge Bassett, will be found in this volume.
The late General Bassett was of such commanding presence as to attract attention in any body, and his mental equipment and personal character were equally above those of the common herd. St. Joseph has few citizens who have been more thoroughly and honorably representative. His real kindness of heart, his generous sympathies, his charities and his justice, all won to him personal attachments of remarkable strength.
1860 Federal Census of St. Joseph, Buchanan County, Missouri (6 Aug 1860)
J. Basset - 40 - M - Ohio - Lawyer 19,000 2,500
N.W. - 38- F - North Carolina
H.D. - 8 - M - Missouri
D. - 4 - F - Missouri
1870 Federal Census of St. Joseph, Buchanan County, Missouri (29 Jun 1870)
Johnathan M. Bassett - 52 - M - Connecticut - Lawyer 26,000 2,500
Nannie W. - 41 - F - Mississippi - Keeps House
Harry - 18 - M - Missouri - At Home
Dedee - 16 - F - Missouri - At Home
Lucy Burge - B - 20 - F - Missouri - Domestic Serv
Contributor: Doris Miller (47736439)Major E. M. M. This may be Major Jonathan M. Bassett who was not only a union solider, but a successful lawyer, and mayor of Saint Joseph. If so, his body was moved to Mount Mora Cemetery.
Mayor of St Joseph from 1855-1856
Quincy Whig - January 7, 1871
Obituary
Death of Gen. J.M. Bassett, of St. Joseph
The St. Joseph Union announces the sudden death of Gen. J.W. Bassett, a prominent lawyer of that city, and formerly a citizen of Quincy, which took place at St. Joseph after a brief illness on Wednesday last, and supposed to have been caused by heart disease.
Gen. Bassett was born in Connecticut and emigrated West when quite a young man. He first settled in this city in 1838 or 1840, where for a short time he conducted the Quincy Herald in partnership with Wm. F. Carnes. Afterwards he went into the study and practice of law with Hon. I.N. Morris of this city. In 1843 or 1844 he removed to Plattsburg, Missouri, and began the practice of law. In 1845 he was elected to the Constitutional Convention and discharged his arduous duties with credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. A year or two later he removed to St. Joseph, and at once took an active part in politics, where he also became eminent in his profession and remained in that city till the day of his death. The St. Joseph Union says of him:
"Some fifteen years ago, deceased was elected Mayor of St. Joseph, and filled the office with much ability. Shortly afterwards he was elected Circuit Attorney of this District, which position he occupied for several years. At the commencement of the war he was an unswerving friend of the Union, and cast his fortunes with the loyal men of Missouri. For a long time he was Provost Marshal of this District while acting in that capacity, have not been forgotten.
At the time of his death, deceased was about fifty-three years old. More than twenty years ago he was married at Jefferson City of Miss Dixon, a sister-in-law of Judge Scott, of the Supreme Court. There were born to him two children - a son and a daughter, both of whom are now living.
Gen. Bassett was in many respects a great man. He was always careful in forming his opinions, and afterwards fearless in their advocacy. His perceptive faculties were remarkably clear. His vigorous intellect seemed to burn through mysteries and fogs to the naked truth and reveal it. One short, sharp sentence from him has frequently been known to drive away a cloud of mysticisms, and give a jury a better understanding of the case in hand, than hours of ordinary speeches could have supplied.
The old Spartan is gone, and thousands mourn his loss!"
Quincy Whig - January 7, 1871
Gen. J.M. Bassett, a prominent citizen and lawyer of St. Joseph, and many years ago a resident of Quincy, died in the former city on Wednesday last.
Reminiscences of the Bench and Bar of Missouri
Jonathan M. Bassett
By William Van Ness Bay
We regret that our information in regard to Mr. Bassett is almost confined to our personal knowledge. We met him in the Legislature in 1844 or 1846. He represented in part the county of Buchanan, and was a practicing lawyer residing at St. Joseph. He was born in Oxford County, Connecticut, February 17, 1817, and had the advantage of an excellent education. His first location after coming West was at Quincy, Illinois, where he practiced some, and took charge of the editorial department of a political paper. From Quincy he went to Plattsburg, Clinton County, Missouri, and as soon as St. Joseph became the county-seat of Buchanan County he moved to that place, where he remained till his death. He first formed a partnership in St. Joseph with John Wilson, son of Colonel Robert Wilson, upon the dissolution of which he entered into a partnership with J.C.C. Thornton, and the last partnership was with Wash Jones.
Mr. Bassett was a fine-looking, portly man and a handsome, fluent speaker. He was esteemed a good lawyer, and always enjoyed a good practice, which extended over a large section of country. He stood well in the Legislature, though not as active and influential as many others.
Shortly after leaving the Legislature he married Miss Nancy Dixon, a bell of Jefferson City, and daughter of Henry Dixon, Esq. She was an interesting lady, and a particular friend of the author.
It is possible that Mr. Bassett may have filled other offices, but we cannot recall any. He was highly esteemed in the north-west, not only for his ability as a lawyer, but for many personal attributes which he possessed. He died January 4, 1871, leaving a widow and two children - a son and daughter.
The History of Clinton County, Missouri
General J.M. Bassett
J.M. Bassett was born in New Haven, Connecticut, February 7, 1817. He came with his father, when a small boy, to Ohio, and at the age of ten years removed to Springfield, Illinois, where he completed his education. He read law with Governor Cailin, and was admitted to the bar by Judge Stephen A. Douglas. Afterward he opened an office in Quincy, Illinois, and, after several years of successful practice, came to Plattsburg, Clinton County, Missouri, in 1844, where he remained two years. While here he was elected a delegate to the Constitutional Convention, and came to St. Joseph shortly after the labors of that convention were closed.
General Bassett was a ready and powerful writer; generous, pleasant, social and charitable. He was a fluent speaker, and strong in argument, and his success before juries and judges was proverbial.
Keen, cool, shrewd and cautious, his speeches in court often veined with glowing sarcasm, were not only models of terseness and force, but revealed a background of study, reflection and special preparation, which stamped him as one of the foremost lawyers of Northwest Missouri. He seemed to rise with the occasion when the subject in hand demanded intellect and power. Then it was he would pour forth argument, and hurl invective and eloquent appeals to the jury, sweeping everything before him.
Whenever he devoted his full powers to a case, no client in the West had a more safe, competent and successful advocate. General Basset died in 1871.
History of Buchanan County and the city of St. Joseph (1904)
Gen. Jonathan Miles Bassett
Among the distinguished lawyers and notable and representative men of Missouri, was the late Gen. Jonathan Miles Bassett, who died in this city in 1871. Of New England birth and rearing, almost the whole of his life was spent in the West, where he earned laurels and fortune. General Bassett was born February 17, 1817, at New Haven, Connecticut, and there he was given the educational advantages offered by the public schools of his time.
Those were the days when a youth, on emerging from school, immediately set about to become proficient in some craft or trade, the following of which would assure his future. Young Bassett decided in favor of the printer's trade, was apprenticed to the same and completed his education at Springfield, Illinois. At various times in after life, although occupied with other interests, he returned to his first love, resuming his connection with journalistic work. In Springfield he began to read law and continued under the encouragement of such statesmen and lawyers as Governor Carlin. Subsequently he was admitted to the bar by Judge Stephen A. Douglas. Shortly after, he removed to Quincy, Illinois where he took charge of a newspaper, published it for several years and then resigned it into other hands in order to give more attention to a pressing law practice.
In 1844, the brilliant young lawyer removed to Missouri, locating at Plattsburg, in Clinton County, where he soon took his place as a leading member of the bar. He became active in politics and was chosen a delegate to the State convention at Jefferson City, which met for the purpose of framing a new constitution. Shortly after his marriage, in 1850, he removed to St. Joseph, of which city he continued a resident until his death, and in which city he gained great eminence in his profession. In the course of time he became an important political factor, was elected circuit attorney for this judicial district, and subsequently became mayor of the city. In the agitating days at the beginning of the Civil War, he boldly announced himself an uncompromising Union man and his example and efforts did much to arouse loyal sentiment in Northwestern Missouri. His title was obtained as commander of the State militia. He was appointed provost marshall of the district including St. Joseph, and served effectively for several years.
In 1850 he was united in marriage with Nannie Dixon, who was born at Raleigh, North Carolina. They had two children: Harry D., late judge of the Buchanan County Court, who was born August 26, 1852, and died August 28, 1903; and Deedie Bell, who was born in 1856, and is the widow of the late John T. Maddux, whose death occurred November 28, 1900, a sketch of whom as well as of the late Judge Bassett, will be found in this volume.
The late General Bassett was of such commanding presence as to attract attention in any body, and his mental equipment and personal character were equally above those of the common herd. St. Joseph has few citizens who have been more thoroughly and honorably representative. His real kindness of heart, his generous sympathies, his charities and his justice, all won to him personal attachments of remarkable strength.
1860 Federal Census of St. Joseph, Buchanan County, Missouri (6 Aug 1860)
J. Basset - 40 - M - Ohio - Lawyer 19,000 2,500
N.W. - 38- F - North Carolina
H.D. - 8 - M - Missouri
D. - 4 - F - Missouri
1870 Federal Census of St. Joseph, Buchanan County, Missouri (29 Jun 1870)
Johnathan M. Bassett - 52 - M - Connecticut - Lawyer 26,000 2,500
Nannie W. - 41 - F - Mississippi - Keeps House
Harry - 18 - M - Missouri - At Home
Dedee - 16 - F - Missouri - At Home
Lucy Burge - B - 20 - F - Missouri - Domestic Serv
Contributor: Doris Miller (47736439)Major E. M. M. This may be Major Jonathan M. Bassett who was not only a union solider, but a successful lawyer, and mayor of Saint Joseph. If so, his body was moved to Mount Mora Cemetery.
Quincy Whig - January 7, 1871
Obituary
Death of Gen. J.M. Bassett, of St. Joseph
The St. Joseph Union announces the sudden death of Gen. J.W. Bassett, a prominent lawyer of that city, and formerly a citizen of Quincy, which took place at St. Joseph after a brief illness on Wednesday last, and supposed to have been caused by heart disease.
Gen. Bassett was born in Connecticut and emigrated West when quite a young man. He first settled in this city in 1838 or 1840, where for a short time he conducted the Quincy Herald in partnership with Wm. F. Carnes. Afterwards he went into the study and practice of law with Hon. I.N. Morris of this city. In 1843 or 1844 he removed to Plattsburg, Missouri, and began the practice of law. In 1845 he was elected to the Constitutional Convention and discharged his arduous duties with credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. A year or two later he removed to St. Joseph, and at once took an active part in politics, where he also became eminent in his profession and remained in that city till the day of his death. The St. Joseph Union says of him:
"Some fifteen years ago, deceased was elected Mayor of St. Joseph, and filled the office with much ability. Shortly afterwards he was elected Circuit Attorney of this District, which position he occupied for several years. At the commencement of the war he was an unswerving friend of the Union, and cast his fortunes with the loyal men of Missouri. For a long time he was Provost Marshal of this District while acting in that capacity, have not been forgotten.
At the time of his death, deceased was about fifty-three years old. More than twenty years ago he was married at Jefferson City of Miss Dixon, a sister-in-law of Judge Scott, of the Supreme Court. There were born to him two children - a son and a daughter, both of whom are now living.
Gen. Bassett was in many respects a great man. He was always careful in forming his opinions, and afterwards fearless in their advocacy. His perceptive faculties were remarkably clear. His vigorous intellect seemed to burn through mysteries and fogs to the naked truth and reveal it. One short, sharp sentence from him has frequently been known to drive away a cloud of mysticisms, and give a jury a better understanding of the case in hand, than hours of ordinary speeches could have supplied.
The old Spartan is gone, and thousands mourn his loss!"
Quincy Whig - January 7, 1871
Gen. J.M. Bassett, a prominent citizen and lawyer of St. Joseph, and many years ago a resident of Quincy, died in the former city on Wednesday last.
Reminiscences of the Bench and Bar of Missouri
Jonathan M. Bassett
By William Van Ness Bay
We regret that our information in regard to Mr. Bassett is almost confined to our personal knowledge. We met him in the Legislature in 1844 or 1846. He represented in part the county of Buchanan, and was a practicing lawyer residing at St. Joseph. He was born in Oxford County, Connecticut, February 17, 1817, and had the advantage of an excellent education. His first location after coming West was at Quincy, Illinois, where he practiced some, and took charge of the editorial department of a political paper. From Quincy he went to Plattsburg, Clinton County, Missouri, and as soon as St. Joseph became the county-seat of Buchanan County he moved to that place, where he remained till his death. He first formed a partnership in St. Joseph with John Wilson, son of Colonel Robert Wilson, upon the dissolution of which he entered into a partnership with J.C.C. Thornton, and the last partnership was with Wash Jones.
Mr. Bassett was a fine-looking, portly man and a handsome, fluent speaker. He was esteemed a good lawyer, and always enjoyed a good practice, which extended over a large section of country. He stood well in the Legislature, though not as active and influential as many others.
Shortly after leaving the Legislature he married Miss Nancy Dixon, a bell of Jefferson City, and daughter of Henry Dixon, Esq. She was an interesting lady, and a particular friend of the author.
It is possible that Mr. Bassett may have filled other offices, but we cannot recall any. He was highly esteemed in the north-west, not only for his ability as a lawyer, but for many personal attributes which he possessed. He died January 4, 1871, leaving a widow and two children - a son and daughter.
The History of Clinton County, Missouri
General J.M. Bassett
J.M. Bassett was born in New Haven, Connecticut, February 7, 1817. He came with his father, when a small boy, to Ohio, and at the age of ten years removed to Springfield, Illinois, where he completed his education. He read law with Governor Cailin, and was admitted to the bar by Judge Stephen A. Douglas. Afterward he opened an office in Quincy, Illinois, and, after several years of successful practice, came to Plattsburg, Clinton County, Missouri, in 1844, where he remained two years. While here he was elected a delegate to the Constitutional Convention, and came to St. Joseph shortly after the labors of that convention were closed.
General Bassett was a ready and powerful writer; generous, pleasant, social and charitable. He was a fluent speaker, and strong in argument, and his success before juries and judges was proverbial.
Keen, cool, shrewd and cautious, his speeches in court often veined with glowing sarcasm, were not only models of terseness and force, but revealed a background of study, reflection and special preparation, which stamped him as one of the foremost lawyers of Northwest Missouri. He seemed to rise with the occasion when the subject in hand demanded intellect and power. Then it was he would pour forth argument, and hurl invective and eloquent appeals to the jury, sweeping everything before him.
Whenever he devoted his full powers to a case, no client in the West had a more safe, competent and successful advocate. General Basset died in 1871.
History of Buchanan County and the city of St. Joseph (1904)
Gen. Jonathan Miles Bassett
Among the distinguished lawyers and notable and representative men of Missouri, was the late Gen. Jonathan Miles Bassett, who died in this city in 1871. Of New England birth and rearing, almost the whole of his life was spent in the West, where he earned laurels and fortune. General Bassett was born February 17, 1817, at New Haven, Connecticut, and there he was given the educational advantages offered by the public schools of his time.
Those were the days when a youth, on emerging from school, immediately set about to become proficient in some craft or trade, the following of which would assure his future. Young Bassett decided in favor of the printer's trade, was apprenticed to the same and completed his education at Springfield, Illinois. At various times in after life, although occupied with other interests, he returned to his first love, resuming his connection with journalistic work. In Springfield he began to read law and continued under the encouragement of such statesmen and lawyers as Governor Carlin. Subsequently he was admitted to the bar by Judge Stephen A. Douglas. Shortly after, he removed to Quincy, Illinois where he took charge of a newspaper, published it for several years and then resigned it into other hands in order to give more attention to a pressing law practice.
In 1844, the brilliant young lawyer removed to Missouri, locating at Plattsburg, in Clinton County, where he soon took his place as a leading member of the bar. He became active in politics and was chosen a delegate to the State convention at Jefferson City, which met for the purpose of framing a new constitution. Shortly after his marriage, in 1850, he removed to St. Joseph, of which city he continued a resident until his death, and in which city he gained great eminence in his profession. In the course of time he became an important political factor, was elected circuit attorney for this judicial district, and subsequently became mayor of the city. In the agitating days at the beginning of the Civil War, he boldly announced himself an uncompromising Union man and his example and efforts did much to arouse loyal sentiment in Northwestern Missouri. His title was obtained as commander of the State militia. He was appointed provost marshall of the district including St. Joseph, and served effectively for several years.
In 1850 he was united in marriage with Nannie Dixon, who was born at Raleigh, North Carolina. They had two children: Harry D., late judge of the Buchanan County Court, who was born August 26, 1852, and died August 28, 1903; and Deedie Bell, who was born in 1856, and is the widow of the late John T. Maddux, whose death occurred November 28, 1900, a sketch of whom as well as of the late Judge Bassett, will be found in this volume.
The late General Bassett was of such commanding presence as to attract attention in any body, and his mental equipment and personal character were equally above those of the common herd. St. Joseph has few citizens who have been more thoroughly and honorably representative. His real kindness of heart, his generous sympathies, his charities and his justice, all won to him personal attachments of remarkable strength.
1860 Federal Census of St. Joseph, Buchanan County, Missouri (6 Aug 1860)
J. Basset - 40 - M - Ohio - Lawyer 19,000 2,500
N.W. - 38- F - North Carolina
H.D. - 8 - M - Missouri
D. - 4 - F - Missouri
1870 Federal Census of St. Joseph, Buchanan County, Missouri (29 Jun 1870)
Johnathan M. Bassett - 52 - M - Connecticut - Lawyer 26,000 2,500
Nannie W. - 41 - F - Mississippi - Keeps House
Harry - 18 - M - Missouri - At Home
Dedee - 16 - F - Missouri - At Home
Lucy Burge - B - 20 - F - Missouri - Domestic Serv
Contributor: Doris Miller (47736439)Major E. M. M. This may be Major Jonathan M. Bassett who was not only a union solider, but a successful lawyer, and mayor of Saint Joseph. If so, his body was moved to Mount Mora Cemetery.
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