The Life and Times of Elisha Bourne Bassett by Ryan Powers

The Life and Times of Worshipful Brother Elisha Bourne Bassett

First Worshipful Master of Allegan Masonic Lodge #111

First Worshipful Master of Allegan, Michigan Lodge #111 (1859 - 1861)

ABOUT THE COMPILER

Brother Ryan J. Powers Lives in Allegan, Michigan with his wife April and three wonderful children Alexander, Benjamin and Elizabeth. Ryan is a Master Mason with Doric Lodge #342, Grand Rapids, Michigan and 32nd degree Mason of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Valley of Grand Rapids. Compiled May 27, 2011

INDEX

CHAPTER

PAGE #

A Brief Background.............................................5 Timeline...............................................................6 Delta Upsilon.......................................................7 Marriage and Family...........................................8 Civil Service.......................................................9 Military Service................................................10 Soldiers' Monument..........................................11 Masonic Noncommissioned Officers Sword....13 The Battle of Thompson's Station, TN.............15 The Battle of Brentwood ................................26 Obituary...........................................................28 Endnotes..........................................................30

A BRIEF BACKGROUND 1 Elisha B. Bassett came to Allegan from his home in Mass. in 1846 to teach in a school that had been organized the previous year. In 1848 ANNE LAWRENCE, and English girl, came to visit her uncle JOHN HIGGINS. The two met and after a short courtship were married September 16th, 1848. To them were born 5 children: ETTE (Mrs. J.M. KILLIAN); MARY (Mrs. WILLIAM LUCAS); HELEN who died in infancy; JOHN LANSING; CHARLES E.B. A daughter by a former marriage, MARIA F., was married to DAN J. ARNOLD. With the exception of the sorrow caused by the death of little HELEN their life was a happy one until the Civil War. Mr. BASSETT raised a company and went with them to fight for his country and came back to die as the result of imprisonment in Libby Prison where he contracted consumption (the deadly stage of tuberculosis). He died November 25th, 1865. Mrs. BASSETT was both father and mother to the children until her death in 1896. In 1854 Mr. BASSETT built the home which for over half a century was known as the BASSETT home. It was built on a hill extending from Cutler Street to Monroe Street just west of the Presbyterian Church property and having 3 lots on Cutler Street and 5 lots on Monroe Street extending from Chestnut Street west. The house, an upright, with two large wings extending on either side was painted and sanded a light brown. It was surrounded by an orchard of apple, peach, pear and plum trees, and in the spring was a bower of beauty. The birds built their homes hear an many migrating birds found it an ideal resting place. In winter, with its coating of snow, it was the delight of the neighborhood children who slide on its hills and made merry playing on its banks. At the gate, for in those days each yard was shut in with fences, were two large silver-leafed poplar trees and another of the same kind at the top of the hill. From the house to the gate on either side of the walk were flower beds filled will all sorts of plants cared for by Mr. SLIM, the gardener in town. The house was the scene of many activities. In its parlor, which at first was unfurnished, the Presbyterian Church ladies held their sewing Societies and here they made by hand the tent that was used to house the first Allegan County Agricultural Fair. Here, the History Class had its birth and many of its early meetings were held here. After the organization of the Episcopal Church, Mr. BASSET, who was a fine singer, led the music and the BASSETT home was the headquarters for visiting Bishops an Clergymen, and many Church societies were held in its rooms and on its lawn. In the early part of this century the house and the Monroe Street lots were sold to T.M. COOK who moved the building to lots north of the cemetery, making two houses using the upright for one and putting the two wings together for the other. Much of the hill was cut down and two houses were built in what had been the front yard and so the old home lost its individuality. (signed) MARY B. LUCAS, Daughter.

TIMELINE 1822 - Born (August 6) in Lee, Massachusetts. 1842 (Age 20) • Delta Upsilon Fraternity at Williams College • Married Frances M. Brewer (fathered his first daughter shortly thereafter). 1843 (Age 21) - Took up residency in Allegan County 1845 and 1846 (Age 23-24) - Township Clerk 1846 (Age 24) - Allegan Academy established and conducted for several years by Elisha (this was the predecessor to Allegan Union Schools). 1847 (Age 25) • County Clerk (replaced Nathan Mason Jr. who died in office). • Became Chief Editor of the Allegan Journal 1848 (Age 26) - Married Anne Lawrence (September 16th) 1849 (Age 27) • County Clerk • Admitted to the bar 1850 (Age 28) - Partnered with Josiah Hawks and Rev. Albertus C. Van Raalte to start Holland, Michigan's first newspaper "The Hollander", a bilingual newspaper in both English and Dutch. 1851 (Age 29) • County Clerk • Etta (Ettie) B. Basset Born (Oct. 29th) 1853-1856 (Age 31-34) - Allegan Township Supervisor 1854-1857 (Age 32-35) - Probate Judge (replaced Elisha Ely who died in office). 1858 (Age 36) - Masonic Lodge formed (August 4) • Elisha Bassett was the first Worshipful Master, • E.D. Follett was Senior Warden, • A. Rossman was Junior Warden, • J.E. Babbitt was Treasurer, • H. Mauson was Secretary. 1859 (Age 37) - Masonic Lodge chartered in Allegan (January 14) 1862 (Age 40) - Presented with Masonic sword and soldiers leave for service (August 25) 1863 (Age 40) • The Battle of Thompsons Station, TN (March 5) • The Battle of Brentwood (March 25) - Surrender • Released from Libby Prison in Richmond, VA and headed home to Allegan (June). 1864 (Age 42) • Elected Mayor of Allegan • Purchased Allegan Record Newspaper Plant from William Frances, an accomplished English gentleman, who was a long resident of Allegan. 1865 (Age 43) - Died November 25th of consumption (contracted disease in Libby Prison) 6

DELTA UPSILON

Elisha was the past vice president of the Williams College Delta Upsilon fraternity. The 1903 decennial catalogue lists the following: * Elisha Bourne Bassett 2 Lawyer * V. prez; * b. Lee Mass. '22; son of Nathan and Maria (Howk); prep., Lee. * B.A. * Tea., Allegan, Mich.; law stu: law., - '62; cap. in 19th Mich. vols., '62 disch., '63. * Ed., Allegan Record; co clerk and register of deeds; judge of probate. * m. Frances M. Brewer '42; (2) Ann E. Lawrence, Allegan, Mich., 16 Sep. '48 * d. 25 Nov. '65 Note, the above write-up lists that Elisha didn't receive his law degree until '62 however, this is a misprint as other sources state that he was admitted to the bar in 1849 and was probate judge by 1854. It's not surprising that Elisha belonged to this specific fraternity. philosophy is "The Promotion of Friendship" and the principles are: 1) The Development of Character 2) The Diffusion of Liberal Culture 3) The Advancement of Justice

The founding

These same principles surrounded Elisha through both his professional career and involvement as the first Worshipful Master of Allegan Lodge #111. It's also noteworthy that Delta Upsilon continues to be North America's oldest and largest non-secret fraternity.3

MARRIAGE AND FAMILY Elisha first married Frances M. Brewer in 1842 and fathered his first daughter, Maria F. Basset. Not much is known about Frances, or how Elisha met and later married Anne Lawrence in 1848. While married to Anne she gave birth to five children: 1) 2) 3) 4) 5)

John Bassett Mary Bassett Charles E. Bassett Helen Bassett and Etta (Ettie) B. Bassett.

A newspaper clipping photo of Anne Bassett is below; she lived 31 years beyond Elisha and essentially raised the five children independently.

CIVIL SERVICE Shortly after arriving in Allegan, Elisha took up public service by serving in various roles including township clerk, school administrator through the Allegan Academy (the forerunner to Allegan Union Schools), county clerk, township supervisor, probate court judge, Worshipful Master of Allegan Masonic Lodge #111, Captain in the Union Army and Mayor. In addition, Elisha and Anne used their house for many social activities to support church activities, provide lodging for traveling clergymen, and other social occasions. Elisha also sung in his local church. Lastly, Elisha was highly respected in the community and signs of his time in Allegan can still be found. For example, Bassett Street in Oakwood Cemetery is named after the Bassett family, it's also where he and members of his family are buried.

MILITARY SERVICE (SUMMARY) Elisha B. Bassett was one of the most prominent citizens of Allegan, Michigan in 1862. A newspaper owner/ editor, and the master of his Masonic Lodge, Bassett was elected captain of Company B, 19th Michigan Infantry at the organization of this unit in late July 1862. Bassett's sword was presented to him on Monday, August 25th at the Masonic Hall in Allegan (per the Allegan Journal of Sept. 1, 1862). Unfortunately, Bassett was more adept as a politician than a soldier. When the 19th Michigan was sent on a reconnaissance to Thompson's Station (south of Franklin, Tenn.) on March 5, 1863, severe fighting occurred and nearly the entire regiment was captured by Confederate cavalry under General Earl Van Dorn. The 19th fought well, losing in this fight 113 killed and wounded of 512 present. When the firing began, however, Bassett lost his nerve, "deserted his company," and behaved "in a most disgraceful and cowardly manner," said the 19th's colonel. Yet Bassett, having run away, was one of the very few who escaped capture. His misdeeds being unreported, Bassett was assigned to command of a stockade near Brentwood, Tenn. (just south of Nashville) with the remnant of the 19th Mich. (230 officers and men). On March 25th 1863, Confederate raiders under NATHAN BEDFORD FORREST surrounded this stockade, which guarded a key railroad bridge. Following a single cannon shot, the timorous Bassett surrendered the stockade to the bare chested Anderson (who had taken off his shirt and displayed it as a flag of truce). Ironically, Bassett was sent to Libby prison in Richmond, Va. where he joined the original portion of the 19th Michigan captured at Thompson's Station. Although all officers and men were soon exchanged, when within the Union lines, Bassett was immediately arrested by order of his colonel. He was dishonorably discharged in June, and later died of tuberculosis in November 1865. Amazingly, however, Bassett was elected mayor of Allegan following his return from the war.4 The election of Bassett to Mayor is a testament to his contributions to Allegan and his upright character. It's the opinion of the compiler of this document that one deed, during the course of a raging bloody civil war battle, does not define Elisha. Instead, the collective achievements and contributions of this man, throughout his life, define him as one of strong moral fiber and character. It's presumed that the citizens of Allegan knew and understood this fact and therefore continue to revere him.

SOLDIERS' MONUMENT It's noteworthy that Allegan sent many men to fight in the civil war. As a memorial to their tireless and courageous service soldier's monument was erected near the Allegan County courthouse and can still be seen today. The below exert describes the 14 years of dedication and efforts of the Women's Soldier Monument Associated in erecting this memorial.

MASONIC NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICERS SWORD Elisha, as the Captain of the 19th Michigan Infantry Company B, was awarded a nonregulation Calvary officers sword, by his Masonic lodge, the night he and his unit deployed for civil war duties. The ceremony surrounding this event was reported in the Sept. 1st, 1862 Allegan Journal which read: Presentation of Sword, Sash and Belt to Capt. E.B. Bassett. The ceremony of presenting a sword, sash and belt to Capt. Basset took place in the Masonic Hall at Allegan, on Monday evening. The elegant and costly present was made solely by the Masonic fraternity of this place, as a slight token of their esteem for their worthy and patriotic brother, Capt. Bassett, who was (at the time of raising his company) Master of the Lodge. At the hour appointed the Masons, their wives, daughters and sisters in large numbers, assembled at the Hall. The presentation was by A.S. Butler, Esq., acting Master of the Lodge, and his address in making it , was happy in thought, and impressive in utterance. The reply of Capt. Bassett was such as to start the tear from every eye. Some soul stirring melodies were sung, and words of encouragements, of hope and manly resolve were uttered by Judge Littlejohn, when the ceremonies were concluded and the assembly bade their hasty adieus to the citizen soldier who goes to save our government from peril and country from ruin.6

Worshipful Master of Allegan Lodge #111, Master of Ceremonies and Presenter of this sword to Capt. E.B. Bassett The inscription of the sword was as follows: "THE CONSTITUTION [MASONIC LOGO] AND THE UNION/ CAPT. E. B. BASSETT/ MASTER OF THE ALLEGAN LODGE NO. 111. FROM THE MEMBERS OF THE CRAFT. AUGUST 1862"

After Elisha's capture his sword was kept by the Confederate army. This sword surfaced for action in February of 1981. As part of the auction specifics of the sword were described as follows: INSCRIBED U.S. NON-REGULATION CAVALRY OFFICER'S SWORD AND IRON SCABBARD. Manufacturer: unknown - unmarked. Inscription: "THE CONSTITUTION [MASONIC LOGO] AND THE UNION/ CAPT. E. B. BASSETT/ MASTER OF THE ALLEGAN LODGE NO. 111. FROM THE MEMBERS OF THE CRAFT. AUGUST 1862" (engraved on a 3" silver band set between the carrying mounts on the obverse scabbard). The Bassett sword is of foreign manufacture, possibly German, and is of the exact type imported by military dealers early in the war. Its overall length is 39-1/2", and the brass hilt is of modified cavalry type, with a two branch guard decorated in relief with scroll designs. The backstrap is highly decorated in the same manner, while the grips are leather, wrapped with a twisted gilt wire. The 33-3/4" blade is similar to the U.S. M1833 Dragoon Officer's sword, but is slightly curved, single edged, and is etched with military trophies, flags and a 13" floral scroll. The scabbard is all metal, 34-1/2" overall, with two 2/1/4" decorated brass carrying mounts. CONDITION: The sword is in good condition, showing normal wear. Its blade is smooth gray, and the iron scab the elements. Scattered pitting, and a few nicks and dings, are visible on the body. The top carrying ring is elongated from mounted service. Published in the North-South Trader, Jan. - Feb. 1981, pp. 16 ff, "Carried Under Two Flags." This presentation sword, captured from a hard fighting Union regiment, appears to have been used by a gallant officer of one of the most famous of all Civil War cavalry units, that of Nathan Bedford Forrest! (Forrest himself used after Dec. 1862 a captured U.S. Model 1840 Cavalry Officer's Saber as his personal sword). 4-39435. (Compilers Note: The comment above, regarding Nathan Bedford Forrest using Capt. Bassett's sword was written by the auction house in 1981. There is no way to be certain whether Nathan Bedford Forrest used Capt. Bassett's sword but the timeline and circumstances do correlate with Capt. Bassett's capture by Confederate forces.)

THE BATTLE OF THOMPSONS STATION, TN (DETAILS) (March 5, 1863) 7 This battle lasted roughly 5 hours.

Note: The listing below illustrates that Elisha Bassett was not Capt. of Company B but rather Capt. Samuel M. Hubbard. Presumably, this is because of Elisha's capture by Confederate forces and subsequent dishonorable discharge. Capt. Samuel M. Hubbard took this position after Elisha's capture.

Homestead Manor, US-31 (Columbia-Franklin Pike) north of Thompson's Station, west view. Scene of much action during the Battle of Thompson's Station. Site Marker: Built between 1809 and 1819 by Francis Giddens, Revolutionary War gunsmith from Virginia. This house served as refuge for neighbors during the battle of Thompson's Station in 1863. During the fight, 17-year old Alice Thompson , daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Elijah Thompson, dashed out of the cellar when she saw the color-bearer of the 3rd Arkansas Regiment fall. She retrieved his colors and inspired the regiment to carry the field. The house, which also served as a hospital during the battle, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977 BATTLE OF BRENTWOOD (March 25, 1863) 8 The village of Brentwood, situated between Nashville and Franklin on the Nashville & Decatur (also called the Tennessee & Alabama) Railroad, was a strategic supply depot and source of food and livestock for the Union army during its operations in Middle Tennessee. This also made it a target for Confederate cavalry forces with the mission of disrupting communication and supply lines. In March of 1863, Confederate Brig. Gen. Nathan B. Forrest directed two brigades of cavalry toward the Union garrison at Brentwood. This was one of several Confederate cavalry attacks against Union bases in Middle Tennessee that spring, following a Confederate victory at Thompsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Station and defeat at Vaughtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hill that same month. The Union forces, under the command of Lt. Col. Edward Bloodgood, were divided into two locations: about five hundred men were camped near the railroad depot in Brentwood and about two hundred at a fortified stockade south of town, guarding the bridge over the Little Harpeth River. On March 24, Brigadier General Forrest sent Col. James W. Starnes and the Second Brigade to ride ahead, disrupting communications by tearing up the railroad tracks and telegraph lines below town and cutting off any retreat. The rest of the troops, under Forrest and

Brig. Gen. Frank Armstrong, crossed the river south of Brentwood on the morning of March 25. The river proved difficult to cross, delaying Forrest and preventing him from joining with Starnes in a coordinated attack. Therefore, Forrest attacked the Union garrison near the depot with only Armstrongâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brigade and a field artillery unit under Maj. E. J. Sanders. At first, Bloodgood refused Forrestâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s offer of surrender, but after finding himself completely surrounded and shelled by artillery, he surrendered his troops in town, all within about half an hour of the initial Confederate attack. Forrest then rode about two miles south of Brentwood to the Federal stockade, which was commanded by Captain Elisha Basset. Upon finding himself surrounded and shelled, Basset also surrendered, leaving the Confederates to burn the bridge over the Little Harpeth and to head westward with several captured supply wagons and as many as eight hundred Union prisoners. A nearby Union cavalry unit under Brig. Gen. Green Clay Smith, however, pursued the Confederates and engaged them a few miles west of the stockade. Over an hour-long engagement, the Union troops managed to push back the Confederates and retake many of the captured stores and prisoners. Colonel Starnes and his brigade then appeared on the Union right, halting their advance, driving them back, and recapturing troops and supplies. The Confederates escaped with three to fifty-nine casualties while the Federals suffered from five hundred to eight hundred losses. Union Maj. Gen. William S. Rosecrans was disgusted with the lack of fight on the part of the infantry, and Bloodgood was court-martialed for cowardice. Rosecrans was, nevertheless, pleased at the good stand made by the Union cavalry, which was improving in its ability to counter the operations of Confederate cavalry leaders in Middle Tennessee.

Nathan Bedford Forrest (1821-1877)

In the book titled They died to make men free: a history of the 19th Michigan Infantry in the Civil War by William Martin Anderson the author cites many geographical locations as illustrated in the map below. The citing of these locations provides a good visual as to the movement of this unit in the civil war. The unit starts out in Southwest Michigan (Allegan) and since this unit traveled to the nations capital before the men were discharged, the line in red is 27

the presumed route that the unit followed throughout the civil war; all based on the various locations mentioned in this historical publication. 9 Regarding Capt. Basset, it's noteworthy that from Tennessee, in the custody of Confederate forces, Bassett likely took a more direct route to Libby Prison in Richmond, Virginia; before being released and returning to Allegan, Michigan.

OBITUARY 10 Judge Bassett is Dead. Our much esteemed fellow-citizen, Hon. Elisha B. Bassett died on Saturday, at 5 o'clock A.M. He had been in poor health for about a year and a half. Judge B. was one of our most benevolent enterprising and public spirited citizens. He had served for several terms as a member and Chairman of our County Board of Supervisors and held several County Offices, among others Judge of Probate. Judge B. was a fine classical scholar and graduated at Williams College. He edited the Allegan "Record" - a newspaper sheet formally issued in this Village - and under Judge B's management that journal was an able and entertaining reflex of current events. Judge B. was a member of the legal profession and was one of its brightest ornaments in Allegan County, and we may say in Western Michigan. The deceased was a native of Berkshire Co., Mass., and 43 years of age. He was an old citizen of Allegan County - having taken up his residence here in 1843. He leaves a wife and

`five children to lament his untimely decease. One of his daughters is the wife of Hon. Dan J. Arnold, Judge of Probate. Judge B. lost two brothers in the Union Army, one of whom was the lamented Col. C. J. Bassett, of the 1st Louisiana U.S. Colored Troops, who fell gloriously upholding the flag of his country in the Red River Expedition. Deceased was a member of the Episcopalian Church. The deceased will be buried with the usual Masonic honors and all members of the fraternity are invited to attend. His funeral will take place this (Monday) at 1 o'clock, P.M.

Oakwood Cemetery, Allegan, Michigan (Plot 105, Grave #12 on Basset St.) 29

ENDNOTES 1

Sketches of Early Homes Churches Schools and Residents of Allegan, Michigan 1954, p. 30-31 The Delta Upsilon decennial catalogue [1903 3 Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delta_Upsilon) 4 http://tennessee-scv.org/Camp33/cwanderson.htm 5 A Twentieth Century History of Allegan County, Michigan, p. 615 6 Allegan Journal, Sept. 1, 1862 7 History of Allegan and Barry counties, Michigan, with illustrations and biographical sketches of their prominent men and pioneers. p107-110. 8 http://tennesseeencyclopedia.net/entry.php?rec=1573 9 http://www.google.com/maps?q=http://books.google.com/books/download/They_died_to_make_men_free.kml%3F id%3D_avhAAAAMAAJ%26output%3Dkml 10 Allegan Journal, November 1865 2