Husband Edward Bassler 1
Born: 19 Jan 1816 - Selinsgrove, Snyder Co, PA 1
Christened:
Died: 23 Nov 1895 1
Buried:
Father: John Bassler ( - ) 1 2
Mother: Catharine Weiser ( - ) 2
Marriage: 27 Dec 1848 1
Wife Catherine A. Boyer 1
Born: 19 Nov 1827 - Freeburg, Snyder Co, PA 3
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Father: Isaac Boyer (1805-1870) 3
Mother: Barbara Strayer (1799-1882) 4
Children
1 M Edward B. Bassler 3
Born:
Christened:
Died: 22 Feb 1892 3
Buried: - Freeburg, Snyder Co, PA
2 M J. C. W. Bassler 3
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
General Notes: Husband - Edward Bassler
He had but meager educational opportunities, and at an early age began to learn the stone mason's trade. He followed this for some time, and during the construction of the canal he was employed on the stone work. When that great waterway was completed he began his mercantile career, having saved about $1,000 by close economy. The canal added new life to business at Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, and of this he took advantage. In partnership with his brother John, he opened a small general store about 1841, the venture proving a success from the start, although their capital was limited, Edward furnishing the major portion. Their location was afterward changed, and at one time they conducted a business opposite the site of the First Lutheran Church.
He was in business in Selinsgrove at the time of his marriage, he continued to reside there until the ague seized his wife, when a new home was made in Freeburg, Snyder County. This was intended to be temporary, but became permanent, as Mrs. Bassler's health was much better in Freeburg, and in 1850 Edward engaged in mercantile business there in partnership with his father-in-law. Later he was appointed postmaster, and served for several years. In 1885 he retired from active business, and his son, J. C. W. Bassler, succeeded him, with Milton Strayer as a partner. This ended a continuous career in the mercantile business of forty-six years, eleven years in his native town and thirty-five years in Freeburg. He had built one of the best houses in the county in connection with his business establishment, and after his retirement he continued to look after his extensive financial interests and other matters. On March 8, 1881, he became a director in the First National Bank at Selinsgrove, which position he held until his death, and he was for many years a trustee of Freeburg Academy. His estate was valued at more than $126,000, and in all his years of business he kept absolutely free from litigation. In later years he loaned money extensively, and many a poor man retained his home through his leniency. He was a stanch Democrat, and, while he never let politics interfere with business, he took keen interest in the success of his party. In 1880 he was Snyder County's choice for Congress, but at the convention he withdrew in favor of R. Milton Speer, of Huntingdon County. For many years he was an active member of the I. O. O. F., having joined the lodge in Selinsgrove. On May 2, 1833, he was received into membership in the Reformed Church at Selinsgrove, being baptized by Rev. Daniel Weiser.
He was noted for his sociability, and he was a congenial companion. Always a lover of music, he found great pleasure in having his children sing and play, and no place seemed as attractive to him as his home. His favorite hymns were "There is a Reaper whose Name is Death," and "Nearer, My God, to Thee," and the latter was sung at his funeral at his request. The text for his funeral sermon was also selected by him from Revelations, xiv, 13: "And I heard a voice from Heaven saying unto me, write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth; yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them." He suffered much for three years before his death, and expressed at times a desire to depart and be at rest. To his faithful wife, who survived him, he often expressed his gratitude for her continual devotion to him.
General Notes: Wife - Catherine A. Boyer
from Freeburg, Snyder Co, PA