Bassettc
Transcribed from "History of North Washington, an illustrated history
of Stevens, Ferry, Okanogan and Chelan counties", published by Western
Historical Publishing Co., 1904.
CHANDLER BASSETT. Although
Mr. Bassett has not resided in Okanogan county so long as many of the pioneers,
nevertheless the tireless energy he has manifested and the keen interest
in its welfare and upbuilding make him thoroughly allied with its interests,
and as such he deserves representation in any work that recognizes so many
of the leading citizens. At present he is doing a large livery business,
in which his skill in catering to the public demands has given him a fine
patronage. He also deals extensively in flour, feed, lumber, shingles
and so forth, and is proprietor of the Brewster meat market. He is
one of the prosperous men of the county.
Chandler Bassett was born on February 14,
1849, in Oxford county, Maine, the son of John W. and Harriett (Knight)
Bassett, both natives of Maine. They were pioneers to Minnesota,
and in 1862, while visiting in Maine, the father died. The mother
returned to her western home and before a year had expired she had also
passed the river of death. Our subject was then but thirteen years
of age and had received his education in the public schools of Minneapolis.
Having a friend who was captain and quartermaster in the Seventh Minnesota
who desired his company he went with him. His expedition was under
command of General Sibley who was chastising the Indians for the terrible
Minnesota massacre. The general captured a large portion of the Indians
and rescued many white prisoners and our subject was present when thirty-nine
Indians were hanged for the murders. In 1863, Mr. Bassett went to
work for the government as teamster and was soon promoted to the post of
wagon master and traveled through Dakota and Minnesota and adjacent country
until the fall of 1876, having in the meantime made one trip to Tennessee.
He was wagon master for General Custer in his expedition to the Black Hills
in 1874 and was present in many of the hot engagements with the savages
and experienced dangerous times, although he did no fighting himself.
During the time of his service with the government he was married, in about
1874. Miss Alice A. Goodwin became his bride on this occasion.
She was born in Minnesota in 1859, and their wedding occurred at Jamestown,
North Dakota, where Mr. Bassett located, after severing his connection
with the government. He remained there until 1890, and then was appointed
chief farmer for the Sioux Indians at Fort Totten. Three years later
he went to Palo Pinto county, Texas, and took charge of the Texas and Pacific
coal company's lands for two years. In 1896 we find him in Hinsdale,
Illinois, and the following year he went to Jamestown, North Dakota.
In 1889 he was in Wenatchee as agent for the Okanogan Steamboat company
and in 1900 he came to Brewster and engaged in his present position.
Mrs. Bassett died at Wenatchee on March 6, 1900, leaving two children,
Rose E., wife of B. A. Griggs, manager of the Columbia & Okanogan Steamboat
Company, and John E., who married Miss Jessie Reniff, who now resides in
Brewster. Mr. Bassett is a member of the Episcopalian church, as
was also his wife.