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GEORGE BASSE, JR. - One of the most enterprising and successful farmers and stock raiser of Loami township is the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch. He is now the owner of a well improved and valuable farm of four hundred and seventy acres on section 3, within a mile of the village of Loami. A native of Sangamon county, he was born in Island Grove township, October 31, 1860, and is a son of George and Elizabeth (Smilzer) Basse, natives of Germany. The father was born in the province of Hessan Hassan in 1824 and during his youth learned the stone mason's trade, which he followed in Germany for several years. There he was married and continued to reside until after the birth of four of his children. Emigrating to America about 1849, he located in Island Grove township, Sangamon county, Illinois, where he engaged in farming in connection with work at his trade. His wife died there in January, 1903, and he now makes his home with his son-in-law, John L. Horn, at New Berlin.

On the home farm in Island Grove township George Basse, Jr., passed the days of his boyhood and youth and acquired his education in the schools of Old Berlin. He remained under the parental roof until twenty-six years of age, giving his father the benefit of his labors, and then started out in life for himself as an agriculturist. For one year after his marriage he continued to engaged in farming in Island Grove township and then removed to his present location on section 3, Loami township. He first purchased one hundred and eighty acres of land and has since added to his property until he has four hundred and seventy acres. This he has placed under a high state of cultivation, has erected thereon a large, neat residence, has built good barns and other outbuildings, set out fruit and shade trees and has made many other improvements which add greatly to the value and attractive appearance of the place. In connection with general farming he is engaged in the raising and feeding of stock, fattening from one hundred to two hundred head of cattle annually and a large number of hogs. He thoroughly understands the vocation which he follows, and being a wide-awake, energetic business man, he has met with excellent success in his undertakings.

At Berlin, Illinois, in 1884, Mr. Basse was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Luken, a native of Loami township and a daughter of Henry Luken, who came to this country from Germany. Mrs. Basse died in 1890, leaving four children, namely: Lizzie, Carrie, Florence and Frederick. Three other children died in early childhood. In February, 1902, Mr. Basse was again married, his second union being with Miss Katie Halter, who was born, reared and educated in Germany.

Both our subject and his wife were reared in the Lutheran church and still adhere to that faith. In Politics he is a stanch Democrat, but has never sought or desired public office, preferring to devote his entire time and attention to his business interests. He stands high in the esteem of his fellow citizens and occupies a most enviable position in business circles.