The White Pine news. [volume] (Ely, Nev.) 1906-1910, 1907-12-03
Death Claims
Good Man I'm
w. f. BasseGt

William r. Bassett, a member of
the board of county commissioners,
died at O'Clock Saturday night in
Salt Lake, from fatty degeneration OF
the heart. The secondary cause cf
death was a severe attack of pneu-
monia, which Commissioner Bassett
had suffered, but from which it was
believed he had almost fully recov-
cred.
Commissioner Basset1 had beei i'll
for some time. He Went TO Salt Lake
from here some weeks ago for the
benefit of the lower altitude and the
warmer weather Of autumn. it was
believed until recently that he was on
the high road to complete recovery,
Mrs. Bassett having written only last
week to friends that he WAS greatly
improved in health and would be able
to return to Ely within a few weeks
The members of the family, includ-
ing Mrs. Bassett and Commissioner
Bassett's only child, Mrs. Arthur
Whitley, now of Salt Lake, were at
the death bed. They had been in
constant attendance during his entire
illness.
William r. Bassett was one of the
pioneers of White Pine county, and
was highly esteemed through many
years in the community. die was
born in England and was about 81
years of age at the time of his death.
He came to the United States in early
manhood, and, attracted by the west,
came to Nevada in 1869, locating at
Hamilton, which was then at the
height of its prosperity as silver
camp. He remained in Hamilton for
about two years, when the mining ex-
element was transferred to Eureka,
where he went, remaining for year
or longer. At various times, and for
varying periods he lived in Robinson,
Ward and Taylor, dividing his resi-
dence in point of time, about equally
between these camps, each of which
rose to prominence and then dwindled
again, as other camps took the lead
and held the attention of mining in
terests.
Soon after the county seat was
moved from Hamilton to Ely by act
of the legislature, Mr.. Bassett came
to Ely and made this town his per-
manent home. This was in 1889. BY
trade he was foundryman, though
following his arrival in this state he
engaged most largely in mining. He
had valuable interests in all parts of
the county, and was considered well
off financially. In addition to his
mining interests, his financial inter-
ests included what has been known
for many years as Bassett's saloon,
in Aultman street. In politics, Mr..
Bassett was stanch and unswervin9
Republican. He was active in the po-
litical life of the county for many
years and twice served the county as
sheriff, filling that office with credit
to himself and his party for four con-
secutive years. During his years in
the sheriff's Office, he demonstrated
that he was man of unusual judg-
ment, and his bravery was unques-
toned. He was resourceful and tact
full, and managed to get through his
entire time in that Office without seri-
Gus trouble with the lawless element.
His bravery was of such character
that it was not considered safe to
trifle with him when he was in the
discharge of his duty.
After serving as sheriff, Mr. Bas-
sett retired to private life for time,
but was soon called upon by his con-
stituents to serve on the board of
county commissioners. His election
took place in 1906, and he took the
office January 1, 1907. His term
would have expired December 81,
1908. During his service as county
commissioner, Mr.. Bassett demon
strated that he was peculiarly fitted
for that position, by reason of his
intimate knowledge of the country
of it's conditions and of the needs of
the residents.
will Bassett was a genial, whole
souled, kind hearted man. said a
long time acquaintance yesterday.
"He was upright, ard charitable to a
fault. The cry of distress never went
unanswered when it fell on his ears
He always had his hards in his pock-
cts to give some one needed assist
ance and help. There was probably
no man in White Pine county who
had more friends than William R.
Bassett, and his death is a genuine
loss to this part of the state"
The burial will be in Salt Lake
City. The board of county commits
sioners met yesterday and adjourned
until today, out of respect to the
memory of their late associate. The
| flag on the court house is at halt
mast.
The vacancy on the board, c; used
by Commissioner Bassetts death will
be filled by appointment by Governor
John Sparks, from whom announce.
ment as to his choice will probably
come within short time.