It is not proven that he was the son of Charles E. Basford. Oral family history indicated that the Charles G. Basford who married Sarah Lena “Mamie” Williams and had a daughter Mabel Pearl Bassford, b. 27 Jun 1887, Constable, Franklin Co., NY was a son of Charles E. Basford, who would presumably be Charles the son of Benjamin and Eliza Basford of Ft. Covington, Franklin Co., NY. [1365]
He abandoned his family, and his wife was remarried to her cousin Willard Masco. He had a reputation as a bum. [1365]
He applied for an “Old Age Pension” on 3 Jul 1935 in Archuleta Co., CO. He indicates that he was born 22 Feb 1861 in New York City, NY, and that he had lived in Archuleta Co. for 6 years, residing on Durango Rd. He said that his wife died 35 years ago. [1638] The birthday agrees with the day/month given by the IGI (22 Feb 1865), but the year is different. [23]
I have been unable to locate any census records for Charles. Oral family history indicates that the family may have intentionally avoided participating in the census for several generations. [1365]
He married Sarah Lena WILLIAMS, daughter of Charles A. WILLIAMS & Eliza (WILLIAMS), abt 1886. [23] Born on 22 Aug 1871 in New York. [23] Sarah Lena died in Edith, CO, on 17 Feb 1905. [23], [1365] aka: Lena Minnie, Mamie, Mimmie.