First Generation
First Generation
1. George Washington BASSFORD. Born on 8 Jun 1835 in Maryland.1,2 George Washington died in Edwardsville, Madison Co., IL, on 19 Apr 1926.3,4,2 at home of his son George. Buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Mt. Vernon, Jefferson Co., IL.5,2 Occupation: Rail Road Employee.6 aka: Charles.7
He was born just outside of Washington, D.C.3 (The death record of his adopted son George gives his birthplace as Georgetown, MD.8)
He was a Civil War veteran, enlisting in the Union Army in St. Louis, MO. He was with General Grant’s Army and took part in a number of campaigns.3
He married Mrs. Ann Riley on 8 Sep 1877.9,10 Her maiden name was Fuqua. She had a son from her first marriage, George W. Riley, who later took the name Bassford. (Presumably he was adopted by George Sr.--officially or unofficially--since most records show the father of George W. Jr. as being George W. Bassford rather than a Riley.)
1880 federal census for Mt. Vernon, Jefferson Co., IL, p. 525D11
Geo. W. Bassford, male, head, age 36, b. MD, father b. PA, mother b. England,
R. R. Car Repr., married
Amelia A., female, wife, age 28, b. TN, father b. TN, mother b. TN, keeps House, married
Geo. W. Riley, male, step-son, age 4, b. KY, father b. KY, mother b. TN, single
They removed from Mt. Vernon, IL to Princeton, IN in 1899.12
1900 federal census for Princeton, 2 Ward, Gibson Co, IN, Gibson St., 7 Jun 1900, p. 176A7
Charles W. Barsford, male, head, age 50, b. Jun 1849, MD, father b. Scotland,
mother b. England, carpenter (RR), married 25 years
Permelia A., female, wife, age 49, b. Jan 1851, TN, father b. TN, mother b. TN,
married 25 years, 5 children, 2 living
Curtis P., male, son, age 12, b. May 1888, IL, father b. MD, mother b. TN, at school, single
They are listed in the 1907 and 1916-1917 Princeton, IN city directories, living at 1001 S. Main St.13
1910 federak census fir Princeton, 4th Ward, Gibson Co., IN, ED 18, 1001 Main St., p. 98B14
George W. Bassford, male, head, age 64, b. MD, father b. U.S., mother b. U.S.,
carpenter-RR shops, married 33 years
Amelia A., female, wife, age 54, b. TN, father b. VA, mother b. KY, married 33 years,
5 children, 2 living
Curtis A., male, son, age 21, b. IL, father b. VA, mother b. KY, single
(several lodgers are also listed with the family)
1920 federal census for Patoka, ED 21, Gibson Co., IN, 1001 Main St., p. 3A15
George W. Bassford, male, head, age 83, b. MD, father b. England, mother b. England, married
Permilia, female, wife, age 61, b. TN, father b. TN, mother b. unknown, married
He removed to Edwardsville, IL from Princeton, IN following the death of his wife, about four years before his death.3
Besides Curtis and George, George had two other children who “preceded the father to the grave.”3
His residence at the time of his death was 534 Hillsbora Ave., Edwardsville, IL. The informant on his death certificate is his son George W. Bassford, who indicated that the names of his parents were unknown.2
There is quite a bit of inconsistency in his age given in various records. His obituary indicates that he would have been 91 years old on the next June 8.3 This would correspond to a birth date of 8 Jun 1835. His gravestone gives his birth year as 1832.5 The 1880 census gives his age as 36, which would correspond to a birth year of abt 1844.11 The 1900 census gives his age as 50, which would correspond to a birth year of abt 1850.7 The 1910 census gives his age as 64, which would correspond to a birth year of abt 1846.14 The 1920 census gives his age as 83, which would correspond to a birth year of abt 1837.15 I will assume that the obituary has the highest probability of being correct, although it is possible that whoever gave the information for the obituary may not have had accurate information.
There is also quite a bit of confusion in the census records about the birthplaces of his parents. The 1880 census indicates that his father was born in Pennsylvania, and his mother in England.11 The 1900 census indicates that father was born in Scotland, and his mother in England7 The 1910 census indicates that both parents were born in the U.S.,14 while the 1920 census indicates that they were both born in England.15 His obituary indicates that he was the son of a “sturdy English parentage.”3
These inconsistencies make it quite difficult to determine who his parents might have been. If we assume a 1835 birthdate, then this would suggest that there should be a 15 year old George W. Basford listed in the 1850 census, with a birthplace of Maryland. One candidate would be the son of Alfred and Eleanor (Smith) Basford listed in the 1850 census for Buckeystown Dist., Frederick Co., MD, p. 236.16 However, both of these parents were born in Maryland which is inconsistent with the parent’s birthplaces given in the census data. Another possibility would be son of John and Mary Busford listed in the 1850 census for N. Buffalo Twp., Armstrong Co., PA, p. 96.17 The birthplace of this George and his parents is given as Pennsylvania rather than Maryland, but at least one of George’s census entries (1880) does give a Pennsylvania connection. No other likely candidates have been found in the 1850 census records. (Likewise, no likely candidates have been found in the 1860 and 1870 census records, although those have not been searched as thoroughly. In fact, I have not yet found records for the two potential candidates that were identified in 1850.) Without additional information, it is not possible to determine whether either one of these might be the correct person, or whether there is some other family that he would fit into.
18,3,5,12,9,10,4,11,14,13,7,15,19,20,2,21,8,22
Obituary: Edwardsville Intelligencer, Edwardsville,ILLinois, 19 Apr 1926
Nonegenarian Dies, Father of Laundry Owner Expires this Morning
George Washington Bassford to be buried Wednesday
George Washington Bassford passed away this morning at 9 O`clock at the home of his son George W. Bassford, owner of the Excelsior Laundry, after a decline in health that has extended over several months. His demise was due entirely to old age.
Although rather feeble on account of advanced age, Mr. Bassford was up and about the home as late as Friday. During Saturday and Sunday a decided change became noticeable in his physical condition and yesterday it was realized that the end was only a few hours away.
Mr Bassford came to Edwardsville from Princeton,Ind., about four years ago to make his home following the death of Mrs. Bassford.
He was a native of the District of Columbia, being born just outside the city of Washington. Had he lived until June 8, Mr. Bassford would have observed his 91st birthday anniversary. He was the son of a Sturdy English parentage.
As a young man he was engaged in railroading and followed that life for many years. He was making his home at Princeton when the death of Mrs Bassford occurred. She was formerly Miss Vermelia Fuqua, member of an old family of Tennessee.
Two of four children survive, They are the son with whom he had lately made his home and Curtis Bassford of Springfield, O. The brother arrived today, Two children preceded the father to the grave.
Mr. Bassford was member of the Odd Fellows for many years. He was also a Civil War Veteran, enlisting in The Union Army in St. Louis. Mr. Bassford was with General Grant's Army and took part in a number of campaigns.
Plans are being made to hold the funeral Wednesday, taking the body to Mount Vernon, his former home at one time for services and burial. Details will completed this evening.
He was born just outside of Washington, D.C.3 (The death record of his adopted son George gives his birthplace as Georgetown, MD.8)
He was a Civil War veteran, enlisting in the Union Army in St. Louis, MO. He was with General Grant’s Army and took part in a number of campaigns.3
He married Mrs. Ann Riley on 8 Sep 1877.9,10 Her maiden name was Fuqua. She had a son from her first marriage, George W. Riley, who later took the name Bassford. (Presumably he was adopted by George Sr.--officially or unofficially--since most records show the father of George W. Jr. as being George W. Bassford rather than a Riley.)
1880 federal census for Mt. Vernon, Jefferson Co., IL, p. 525D11
Geo. W. Bassford, male, head, age 36, b. MD, father b. PA, mother b. England,
R. R. Car Repr., married
Amelia A., female, wife, age 28, b. TN, father b. TN, mother b. TN, keeps House, married
Geo. W. Riley, male, step-son, age 4, b. KY, father b. KY, mother b. TN, single
They removed from Mt. Vernon, IL to Princeton, IN in 1899.12
1900 federal census for Princeton, 2 Ward, Gibson Co, IN, Gibson St., 7 Jun 1900, p. 176A7
Charles W. Barsford, male, head, age 50, b. Jun 1849, MD, father b. Scotland,
mother b. England, carpenter (RR), married 25 years
Permelia A., female, wife, age 49, b. Jan 1851, TN, father b. TN, mother b. TN,
married 25 years, 5 children, 2 living
Curtis P., male, son, age 12, b. May 1888, IL, father b. MD, mother b. TN, at school, single
They are listed in the 1907 and 1916-1917 Princeton, IN city directories, living at 1001 S. Main St.13
1910 federak census fir Princeton, 4th Ward, Gibson Co., IN, ED 18, 1001 Main St., p. 98B14
George W. Bassford, male, head, age 64, b. MD, father b. U.S., mother b. U.S.,
carpenter-RR shops, married 33 years
Amelia A., female, wife, age 54, b. TN, father b. VA, mother b. KY, married 33 years,
5 children, 2 living
Curtis A., male, son, age 21, b. IL, father b. VA, mother b. KY, single
(several lodgers are also listed with the family)
1920 federal census for Patoka, ED 21, Gibson Co., IN, 1001 Main St., p. 3A15
George W. Bassford, male, head, age 83, b. MD, father b. England, mother b. England, married
Permilia, female, wife, age 61, b. TN, father b. TN, mother b. unknown, married
He removed to Edwardsville, IL from Princeton, IN following the death of his wife, about four years before his death.3
Besides Curtis and George, George had two other children who “preceded the father to the grave.”3
His residence at the time of his death was 534 Hillsbora Ave., Edwardsville, IL. The informant on his death certificate is his son George W. Bassford, who indicated that the names of his parents were unknown.2
There is quite a bit of inconsistency in his age given in various records. His obituary indicates that he would have been 91 years old on the next June 8.3 This would correspond to a birth date of 8 Jun 1835. His gravestone gives his birth year as 1832.5 The 1880 census gives his age as 36, which would correspond to a birth year of abt 1844.11 The 1900 census gives his age as 50, which would correspond to a birth year of abt 1850.7 The 1910 census gives his age as 64, which would correspond to a birth year of abt 1846.14 The 1920 census gives his age as 83, which would correspond to a birth year of abt 1837.15 I will assume that the obituary has the highest probability of being correct, although it is possible that whoever gave the information for the obituary may not have had accurate information.
There is also quite a bit of confusion in the census records about the birthplaces of his parents. The 1880 census indicates that his father was born in Pennsylvania, and his mother in England.11 The 1900 census indicates that father was born in Scotland, and his mother in England7 The 1910 census indicates that both parents were born in the U.S.,14 while the 1920 census indicates that they were both born in England.15 His obituary indicates that he was the son of a “sturdy English parentage.”3
These inconsistencies make it quite difficult to determine who his parents might have been. If we assume a 1835 birthdate, then this would suggest that there should be a 15 year old George W. Basford listed in the 1850 census, with a birthplace of Maryland. One candidate would be the son of Alfred and Eleanor (Smith) Basford listed in the 1850 census for Buckeystown Dist., Frederick Co., MD, p. 236.16 However, both of these parents were born in Maryland which is inconsistent with the parent’s birthplaces given in the census data. Another possibility would be son of John and Mary Busford listed in the 1850 census for N. Buffalo Twp., Armstrong Co., PA, p. 96.17 The birthplace of this George and his parents is given as Pennsylvania rather than Maryland, but at least one of George’s census entries (1880) does give a Pennsylvania connection. No other likely candidates have been found in the 1850 census records. (Likewise, no likely candidates have been found in the 1860 and 1870 census records, although those have not been searched as thoroughly. In fact, I have not yet found records for the two potential candidates that were identified in 1850.) Without additional information, it is not possible to determine whether either one of these might be the correct person, or whether there is some other family that he would fit into.
18,3,5,12,9,10,4,11,14,13,7,15,19,20,2,21,8,22
Obituary: Edwardsville Intelligencer, Edwardsville,ILLinois, 19 Apr 1926
Nonegenarian Dies, Father of Laundry Owner Expires this Morning
George Washington Bassford to be buried Wednesday
George Washington Bassford passed away this morning at 9 O`clock at the home of his son George W. Bassford, owner of the Excelsior Laundry, after a decline in health that has extended over several months. His demise was due entirely to old age.
Although rather feeble on account of advanced age, Mr. Bassford was up and about the home as late as Friday. During Saturday and Sunday a decided change became noticeable in his physical condition and yesterday it was realized that the end was only a few hours away.
Mr Bassford came to Edwardsville from Princeton,Ind., about four years ago to make his home following the death of Mrs. Bassford.
He was a native of the District of Columbia, being born just outside the city of Washington. Had he lived until June 8, Mr. Bassford would have observed his 91st birthday anniversary. He was the son of a Sturdy English parentage.
As a young man he was engaged in railroading and followed that life for many years. He was making his home at Princeton when the death of Mrs Bassford occurred. She was formerly Miss Vermelia Fuqua, member of an old family of Tennessee.
Two of four children survive, They are the son with whom he had lately made his home and Curtis Bassford of Springfield, O. The brother arrived today, Two children preceded the father to the grave.
Mr. Bassford was member of the Odd Fellows for many years. He was also a Civil War Veteran, enlisting in The Union Army in St. Louis. Mr. Bassford was with General Grant's Army and took part in a number of campaigns.
Plans are being made to hold the funeral Wednesday, taking the body to Mount Vernon, his former home at one time for services and burial. Details will completed this evening.
He married Permelia Ann FUQUA on 8 Sep 1877 in Jefferson Co., IL.9,10 Born on 14 Jan 1852 in Cumberland Co., TN.12,23 Permelia Ann died in Princeton, Gibson Co., IN, on 17 Dec 1921.23 Buried on 19 Dec 1921 in Oakwood Cemetery, Mt. Vernon, Jefferson Co., IL.5,23 aka: Amelia Ann, Annie, Prunella, Vermelia.3,12,14
5 gives death as 1922.
The death record for her son George gives her birthplace as Chattanooga, TN.8
5,12,9,10,11,14,7,15,20,8,24
Obituary: Grim Reaped
Mrs. Prunella Ann Bassford
Mrs Prunella Ann Bassford , wife of George W. Bassford died at her home, 1001 South Main Street, Saturday, afternoon at 3:25 o'Clock.
The funeral servies were held at the residence Sunday afternoon With Rev Roy N. Cloyd in Charge. The body was taken to Mt. Vernon, ILL where burial took place yesterday morning at 10 o'clock.
Mrs. Bassford was born January 17,1852 in Cumberland Co,TN. She was united in marriage to George W. Bassford in September 1877. They had made their home here since 1899, having moved here from Mt. Vernon.
Besides the husband, Two Sons, George of Edwardsville, ILL and Curtis, of Anderson, IND survive.
5 gives death as 1922.
The death record for her son George gives her birthplace as Chattanooga, TN.8
5,12,9,10,11,14,7,15,20,8,24
Obituary: Grim Reaped
Mrs. Prunella Ann Bassford
Mrs Prunella Ann Bassford , wife of George W. Bassford died at her home, 1001 South Main Street, Saturday, afternoon at 3:25 o'Clock.
The funeral servies were held at the residence Sunday afternoon With Rev Roy N. Cloyd in Charge. The body was taken to Mt. Vernon, ILL where burial took place yesterday morning at 10 o'clock.
Mrs. Bassford was born January 17,1852 in Cumberland Co,TN. She was united in marriage to George W. Bassford in September 1877. They had made their home here since 1899, having moved here from Mt. Vernon.
Besides the husband, Two Sons, George of Edwardsville, ILL and Curtis, of Anderson, IND survive.
They had the following children:
2i.
George Washington (Step Child) (1876-1946)
3ii.
Myrtie M. (Died as Child) (~1878-1878)
4iii.
Minnie (Died as Child) (~1882-1892)
5iv.
Curtis A. (1888-1944)