LaFayette BASSETT, born 4 Mar 1861, Bassett Homestead, Foster Township, Marion County, Illinois, son of Harvey Foster and Sarah (Chilton) Bassett. He died 6 Mar 1937, Foster Township, Marion County, Illinois. Uncle Lafe and Aunt Noi are buried in Sandy Branch Cemetery, Foster Township, Marion County, Illinois.
Lafe married 1st Mary Illinois "Noi" ARNOLD 28 Aug 1889, by Rev. Albert HARRIS of the Patoka Methodist Church. She was born 15 Mar 1867, Foster Township, Marion County, Illinois, daughter of James Anderson and Elizabeth Caroline (GREEN) ARNOLD. Aunt "Noi" was a twin Jonathan Elroy ARNOLD. Aunt "Noi" was a second cousin of President Abraham LINCOLN through her mother's family. Aunt Noi died 4 Nov 1922.
Photo at left is Mary Illinoi "Noi" (ARNOLD) BASSETT.
Uncle Lafe married 2nd Mary Elizabeth (BISSONETT) NEAVILL 27 May 1931. She was born 31 Dec 1856, Kankakee, Kankakee County, Illinois, daughter of Jerry and Mary E. (VONNEAV) BISSONETT of Canada. She died 15 Apr 1934, Foster Township, Marion County, Illinois. She is buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Kinmundy, Marion County, Illinois.
Some of Aunt Noi's genealogy is as follows: James A. ARNOLD, son of Johnathan ARNOLD (1793, South Carolina - 1887, Texas) and Elizabeth WEBB (17971867, Illinois); Johnathan was the son of Rev. William ARNOLD, a Methodist minister from England, born 1766, England. Elizabeth Caroline (GREEN) ARNOLD (1836, Ilinois -1902, Illinois) was dau. of Jonathan GREEN (1812, Virginia - 1879, Illinois) & Sarah (VICKERY) GREEN (1800-1845, Illinois).
Uncle Lafe was born and reared on his father's farm. He attended the country schools for his education and learned the trade of farmer from his father.
Uncle Lafe moved to Cooke County, Texas with his brother and his family, Uncle Sid. Uncle Lafe began working on a ranch. He learned the trade of a cowboy in Texas. They all returned to Illinois, then back to Texas.
In late 1880's, Lafe returned to Foster Township, Marion County, Illinois. He lived in a single-story frame home about a mile west, down the road, from his father's place. He prospered in his farming and later added a 2nd floor to his house, making it a very fine home. He was a well respected man where he lived and reared his children.
On 12 Jun 1900, the census shows Lafayete (39) and Illinois (33) BASSET living in Foster Township, Marion County, Illinois. With them were their children Harvy age 6; James age 2; and Clyde age 8 months. LaFayette was a farmer and he owned his farm free of morgage.
On 25 Apr 1910, the census shows Layfayette (49) and Mary I. (43) BASSETT living in Foster Township, Marion County, Illinois. With them were their children Harvey L. age 15; James A. age 12; Clyde C. age 10; and Ralph L. age 2. Mary had given birth to 5 children with 4 living at time of census. They owned their farm free of morgage.
On 26 Jan 1920, the census shows LaFayette (58) and Mary Illinois (52) BASSETT living in Foster Township, Marion County, Illinois. With them were their sons Charles Clyde age 20; and Ralph Lewis age 12. Also with them was LaFayette's brother and wife Henry (64) and Mary Isabel (61) BASSETT. LaFayette was a farmer.
On 19 Apr 1930, the census shows the widowed LaFayette BASSETT age 69 living in Foster Township, Marion County, Illinois. He owned his home. He was a farmer.
My grandmother, Grace BASSETT CONANT, told me that when she was young whenever Uncle Lafe would stop by and see them he would give her a hug and kiss. She remembered how his mustache tickled her.
Children of LaFayette and Mary Illinois (ARNOLD) BASSETT:
1. son BASSETT, born and died 9 May 1893 and buried in Sandy Branch Cemetery, Foster Township, Marion County, Illinois.
2. Harvey LaFayette BASSETT, born 29 May 1894, Foster Township, Marion County, Illinois.
3. James Arnold BASSETT, born 27 Jul 1897, Foster Township, Marion County, Illinois.
James married Florence OSBORNE.
4. Clyde Charles BASSETT, born 4 Sep 1899, Foster Township, Marion County, Illinois.
Clyde married 1st Mamie Marceline GARRETT.
Clyde married 2nd Florence DOOLEN.
5. Ralph Lucius BASSETT, born 30 Oct 1907, Foster Township, Marion County, Illinois.
Ralph married Rebecca Lois FREITAG.
I still have much to add to this site, so please check back later.
The complete Bassett Family Genealogy is located in the files section of the Sandy Branch Yahoo Group.
There are chapters 1 thru 16, including most of the descendents of Harvey Foster Bassett by his two wives, Mary Sullivan Bassett and Sarah Chilton Bassett.
