We have seen that the first township election was held in 1854, but at that time the county was still under the jurisdiction of Shelby county. A petition was circulated, and, in 1855, Crawford became a separate political entity. Temporary officers were elected in April and permanent officers at the regular election, which was then held in the month of August. These first permanent officers were, John R. Bassett, county judge; B. F. Wicks, treasurer and recorder; and Thomas Dobson, district clerk. The county judge was in reality the entire government. He acted not only as judge but was, in and of himself, the board supervisors. Judge Bassett, our second county judge, is worthy of more than passing comment. He lived to a ripe old age, each year but adding to the love and esteem in which he was held. We quote from the sketch of his life published at the time of his death, in 1892: "John Richardson Bassett was born in Cayuga county, New York, November 9, 1811. He was married, to Sophia Nobles, on February 5, 1835, and removed to Crawford county, Iowa, in 1854. Upon the organization of the county he was elected county judge and served successive terms for ten years. Under his supervision the county seat was located, named, and the present courthouse built. He was baptized and became a member of the First Baptist church of Denison in May, 1860, under the ministrations of Rev. J. W. Denison, the pastor. "Judge Bassett was one of the oldest citizens of the county. His first home was in a log cabin in Coon Grove, three miles south of Denison. This home was known for miles around, as the Judge and his wife were noted for their hospitality. It was while living here that he acted as county judge. In the early days this was the most important office in the county. The Judge was greatly adverse to debt, and it was due to his strong stand that Crawford county was not plunged in indebtedness in the years of its early history. He also filled the posts of justice of the peace, township clerk, school director and road supervisor, and in every capacity he always placed the public interest foremost, and discharged every trust with fidelity. He was not merely personally honest, but he saw to it that no one else robbed the public - which is quite a different thing and requires a higher degree of moral courage. "For seventeen or more years he lived in the pretty woods one mile northeast of Denison. Later he resided in Dow City, in South Dakota, and finally in Arion. After leaving the farm, he ever made his home with his only daughter, Mrs. Richards. Not the least of the nobler qualities of the judge was shown in the tender care he gave his invalid wife for many years when she was so helpless that her time was spent in bed or in a comfortable chair. On February 5, 1885, their friends gathered at their home to celebrate their golden wedding. The testimonials of esteem bestowed at that time showed clearly the high consideration in which they were held by all who knew them. "Judge Bassett died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Ellen Richards, at Arion, on Saturday, December 17, 1892, at 10:00 P. M. The funeral services were conducted at the Baptist church in Denison on Monday at 2:30 P. M. The sermon, preached by Rev. Coffee, of Dow City, was most appropriate. Speaking for the old settlers, Mr. E. S. Plimpton gave the deceased many fitting words of praise. The pallbearers were Morris McHenry, Edmund Howorth, George Barr, W. W. Coon, David Rush and George Shinn, the four first named being old settlers of the county. The attendance at the church was large. Burial was made in the Denison cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Richards and their daughters, Mr. and Mrs. Slocumb, Mr. Charles Noble and son, Marion, were the immediate relatives in attendance. "Judge Bassett was a devout Christian, a doer of good deeds. Despite the adversities of life, he seemed always cheerful and hopeful. His life is an example of the honors which can be obtained by conscientiously doing one's duty, fearlessly and honestly before God. His life work was well done and he is now at peace with his Father above." In regard to the other county officers; the clerk held an office which would correspond, today, with that of auditor and clerk of the court. Going back to the records, now housed in our beautiful courthouse, we find a musty old volume, the pages, blue and the writing, brown and dim. In this book, the first record is dated, September 3, 1855, and is a court call by the county judge, the business on hand being a road petition in the vicinity of Deloit. This petition was not allowed - establishing a precedent which has been followed by the board of supervisors many times. On December 3, of the same year, it is recorded that the county judge, the clerk and recorder met and presented their different accounts of moneys received by them, from August 1st to December 1st, and divided the same between them according to law. The whole amount received to apply on their salaries was seventeen dollars and forty-five cents, which was divided as follows: John R. Bassett, county judge, five dollars and seventy-five cents; Thomas Dobson, clerk, three dollars; Benjamin F. Wicks, recorder, eight dollars and seventy cents....