Evening Republican, Volume 23, Number 288, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 3 December 1920 — MRS. WILLIAM BASSETT HANGED HERSELF [ARTICLE]

MRS. WILLIAM BASSETT HANGED HERSELF

Mrs. William Basset, aged fortysix 'years, committed suicide by hanging last Saturday, Nov. 27, at her home four miles southeast oi Morocco. The act was committee during a spell of despondency, to which she had been subject frequently since having the influenza about two years ago. It is evidtent that she planned to take her own life by facts brought out at the inquest, which was conducted by J. T. Bess, justice of the peace of Lincoln township. She had been despondent lor several days. On Thursday Mr. Bassett had procured some medicine of Dr. Recher for her, And she seemed to 'improve. Saturday noon she suggested . that he ' go to town and get some more medicine, as she was not feeling so well, adding that he might take the two children then at home with him for the ride. This he did, leaving home at about 12 o’clock, and returning at abolt 12:35.

On entering the house he did not And Mrs. Jlassett and started a search, soon ‘coming across her lifeless body hanging in the stairway. He at once notified the neighbors and they in turn called Dr. Recher, who hastened to the Bassett home. They took the body down, and it was evident that she had committed the act soon after Mr. Bassett left home, probably before he reached Morocco, for rigor mortus had already commenced. She at first attempted to use a portier- cord, but this broke. She then went outside and procured a piece of telephone wire, wrapping one end around her neck and fastening the other end to a railing surrounding the stairs. Death Was

caused by strangulation. This is one of the most pathetic deaths in months. Before her illness Mrs. Bassett was a kind and loving wife and an- affectionate and indulgent mother, a lover of her home and family, and ever looking to their welfare and comfort. Funeral services were held at the home at 2 o’clock. Tuesday, Nov. 30, the Rev. W. Thurston Gibbs preaching the sermon, and interment was made in the North cemetery. Lula Laura Hillyer, daughter of William and Rhoda Hillyer, was born near Morocco Sept. 26, 1874, and departed this life Nov. 27, 1920. She united with the Christian church at Morocco when eleven years of age, and remained a member until her death. Dec. 6, 1891, she was united in marriage to William Bassett, and to this union seven children were born, one dying in infancy. Those surviving with the husband and father are: Mrs. Leona Lane of Morocco, Mrs. Lois Rogers of Detroit, Mich., Gladys, Velma, Loren and Elsie, and many other relatives and a host of f friends.—Morocco Courier.