J. C. Bassett Post #56Allegan, Allegan County, Michigan Organized April 25, 1882 The name requested on the Application for Post Charter was Kilpatrick with no elaboration. Although the form used on most things relating to this Post use the initials "J. C.", this Post was probably named to honor Chauncey J. Bassett of Allegan. He enlisted in Company G, 6th Michigan Infantry at organization as Captain, June 19, 1861, age 30. He was commissioned Major of the 73rd U. S. Colored Troops. He was killed May 8, 1864. The Post was Mustered with 10 Charter Members. The first Post Commander was W. C. Weeks who enlisted as a Private in Company I, 5th Michigan Cavalry on August 30, 1862. He was discharged as 1st Lieutenant, for disability, on July 22, 1865. The Post met at the Hall of Lodge 290 IOOF on Brady Street. In 1883 they met at the Good Templar Hall on Hubbard Street. In 1884 they met at the Court House. They met at the Post or G.A.R. Hall and Hoffman Hall on Brady. In 1887 they met at G.A.R. Hall (Hoffman) on Hubbard and in 1891 at G.A.R. Hall on Lucust Street. In 1920 they moved to the New Hall (G.A.R. Hall or Patriotic Hall) on Trobridge Street. The last Post Commander was A. C. Estabrook, also the last Member of the Post. He served in Company G, 28th Michigan Infantry from September 3, 1864 to December 6, 1865 when he was discharged as Corporal. He died February 12, 1941. The final Report was filed December 31, 1936 with the notation regarding meetings - "Never again" and the additional note that "Furniture sold and proceeds given to Relief Corps." The Post was disbanded on February 12, 1941.
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