S. J. BASCOM (Biography)

[genealogynut]

Taken from History of the State of Kansas, by William G. Cutler

S. J. BASCOM, stock-dealer. P.O. Western Park, was born in Orwell, VT., in 1846.   When he became of age he was employed for a term of two years by the United States Sanitary Commission, Washington, D. C., after which he returned home for a short while and then migrated West, reaching Howard county, Kansas, March 3, 1868.  At that time there were but three white families in the county.  He then located a claim on Section 9, Township 29, Range 9, on the Elk River, the nearest railroad point at that time being a distance of 125 miles, the nearest mill being seventy-five miles, the nearest post office twenty-five miles.  The subject of this sketch was identified with the first church organization in the county, of which he was a charter member.  He helped to organize the first Sunday school, the same being held in his cabin.  He helped to build the first school house in the County, and had always taken an active part in all public matters, which would be a benefit to the county and to the people.  He is one of the principal stockmen of this township, his fine farm of 440 acres being well adapted for the business--stock-raising--as the place is well watered by Elk River, with plenty of timber for shelter, and plenty of grazing land.  The imporvements of the place consist of 100 acrfes under cultivation, a fine orchard of ten acres, and good buildings.  Mr. Bascom is an enterprising man, and has been very successful in his business.  In 1870, he was united in marriage to Miss Olive Longley, of Washington, D. C.  They have three children--Herbert J., Abbie E., and Edith M.