The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-05-09
DEATH OF THOMAS N. BAsSETT.
Another Man PROMINENT In the Dry
Goods Business Dead.

Mr.. Thomas or Bassett, who retired from
active business life seven years ago on ac-
count Of i'll health. died yesterday morning
at 9:45 at his home, No. 500 North Pennsyl-
vania street. Mr.. Bassett was until his re-
tirement one of the proprietors of the New
York store, under the firm name OF Pettis
Bassett & Co. Mr.. Bassett was born in
Westport, Mass, in 1892 When he was a
child his family removed TO New Bedford
Mass. where, at the age OF fourteen, he
went into the dry goods house of Samuel
Southgate. A few years later, when the
store was removed to Taunton, Mass, Mr.
Bassett went also. 1t was at Taunton that
he met and married Miss Sarah NJ Town
send. They lived afterward in Boston, where
Mr.. Bassett was employed as buyer in the
great dry goods house of Jordan. Marsh &
Co. He continued, in this capacity until he
had an offer from two firms-W. NJ. Whit
ney, OF Albany, and Neal q Co., OF Bati-
more, TO become buyer for the two houses, a
position which he accepted, and for conven-
fence he was obliged to remove to Stamford,
Conn. In l6I1 he became a partner OF Pettis
Ives Co., of the New York store, and came
to indianapolis, where ne has resided ever
since. When Mr.. Ives withdrew from the
inent.
Seven years ago, by reason of organic
heart trouble, Mr.. Bassett retired. He looked
plexion and firm build. He was of genial
and kindly disposition, and a warm ana true
friend The one great sorrow OF MS life was
the death of his only son, about sixteen
years ago.. de was always lover of chill
dren. and it was his great joy to give pleas
ure TO them. He was a devoted helper TO
the cause of the. orphans at the Orphans
Asylum, and holidays never passed without
a generous remembrance 10 them. He was
liberal In his charities. His widow and two
nieces. Miss Ella Waite. who mas made her
md NrS Ra cQe%
years. and Mrs Walter 5. Frost. of Boston,
OF the immediate family. survive him. Mr.
Bassett was an attendant at Plymouth
Snurch, although ne was a Unitarian He
belonged TO the st. Johns Fraternity of
Masons, or Boston. Mr.. Bassett was one of
the men Instrumental In founding the New
England Society, of indianapolis. The fun
eral viii not take place until Monday. as
relatives from Massachusetts are expected
The burial Will occur at Crown Hill. where
ne will be placed by the side OF his SON and
mother.
1t is a coincidence that Mr. Ayres and Mr..
Bassett, who were both prominent dry goods
merchants, and did business a square apart
for many years and lived but square apart,
should die within day of each other.
A Tribute to Mr.. Ayres.
The employees of Mr.. L. s. Ayres have Of
fered this tribute 10 his memory:
transformations kindly, pure, was the life
Of the man who has left US. Like a bene-
diction. the memory OF his generous deeds
ana cheering words Will llnger Win US. now
that he has crossed the bar How much
his sunny presence will be missed few save
those who have been associated with him in
everyday business relations understand
Upright in all his dealings. he Won our per-
feet trust. and never. in all the years. caused
IL to wayer- His unfailing kindness and
thoughtfulness won for him our steadfas,
love. We felt. instinctively. that any trouble.
real or imagined, il carried to Mr. Ayres.
would be speedily and satisfactorily adj
justed
His mere presence was an aid and an in
spiration to better deeds. His kindly tenn
per. his quick sympathies. his genial nature.
made him the personal friend OF every one
who knew him long we'll To each and all
OF US he was a friend indeed. Among us all.
no one was nearer 10 the other than he was
70 each 1t is with sorrow unspeakable that
we feel this parting. The example of his
life-hls memory fragrant with good deeds
and kindliness-wil be with US always a
source OF strength
The funeral OF Mr. Ayres will be held at
2 o'clock to-day. at his home. No. ESQ North
Delaware street.