Henry Bashelier

HENRY BASHELIER, owner of one of the largest manufacturing concerns in Labette county, Kansas, located at Parsons, has been one of the leading business men of that city for a number of years. He manufactures hickory handles of all kinds, turns out wagon materials, and also runs a box factory. Mr. Bashelier was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, in 1845.

He was reared and schooled near Fort Wayne. His father operated a sawmill in that town, and Henry worked in the mill during his early life. When the wax broke out, he was desirous of enlisting in one of the home companies, but as his parents objected he decided to run away from home in order to join the army. In the spring of 1864, he enlisted in Company L, 3rd Reg., Mass. Heavy Artillery, at Boston. Their service was garrison duty at Washington, D. C., and Alexandria, Virginia. Mr. Bashelier was mustered out in 1865, after which he went to Baltimore, Maryland, where he worked in a handle factory, for two years. In 1867, he went to Owosso, Michigan, where he engaged in business under the firm name of Wood, Bell & Bashelier, handle manufacturers. In 1869, this firm dissolved partnership, and Mr. Bashelier returned to Baltimore, where he worked until 1873. In that year, he went to Bryan, Ohio, and again engaged in the manufacture of handles, remaining there until 1876, when he sold his business and moved to Auburn, Indiana. He conducted a hotel and grocery business in that place for three years. In 1879, Mr. Bashelier moved to Kansas, and locating at Paola, where he engaged in the manufacture of handles, under the firm name of Bashelier & Campbell. In 1891 he closed out his business in Paola, and located in Parsons, where he organized the M. F. Smith Manufacturing Company. In 1899 Mr. Bashelier leased the plant, and since that time has conducted the business under his own name. He manufactures hickory handles of all kinds, and also wagon materials. In the spring of 1901, he established, in connection with the handle factory, a box factory. He employs competent men, and does a large business.

Mr. Bashelier married Cecelia Amsbaugh, in 1875, and they have two children, W. Ira and Goldie M. Mr. Bashelier is well known in Parsons, and throughout this section of the state, and is greatly esteemed for his honest, upright business character and his qualities as a public spirited citizen.