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John R. Ammon, oldest son of Nancy Christine Ann and George Washinton Ammon was born at Ammon Landing (near Alton, IN) on Nov. 25, 1860. In 1875 John moved with his parents to Decorah, IA where he completed his schooling. He taught school and ran the Scott and Ammon Creamery until 1884. On June 6, 1884 he filed on a homestead and tree claim in Rock County, NE. John came with his uncle, John Ammon to Rock County in 1884 and they lived at Long Lake (later Smith Lake) located 20 miles south of Newport.

He married Ida Estella Sybrant, Nov. 14, 1889 at Perch, NE. Children were: Ben Edwards born 8/29/1890; Harold Gilbert 2/15/1892; Nancy Lucretia 10/23/1902. Nancy had a twin brother who died at birth.

John served as county commissioner from 1911-1914. While young he had memorized many literary readings. In the early days this was a form of entertainment. Throughout his life he entertained many people with his humorous readings.

A member of the John Ammon family has lived in Rock County continuously since 1884.

Bev. Hopkins, great granddaughter - 7 Oct 2003

William Tyler Phillips was born 1/6/1842 to William M. and Lydai Whittaker Phillips in Maquoketa, IA. He was the 9th of 10 children. When W.T. was 12 his father sold the farm and moved to Des Moines, IA. He attended college there until his father died. He went on to purchase his own farm which he sold and in 1883 came to Nebraska. He settled west of what is now Bassett.

He married Maggie McCoy on 4/20/1883. She died 2/9/1891 leaving her husband to raise 4 children: Lottie, 1884, married Jim Artus; Cora, 1886 married O.G. Alexander; Nora 1887-1976 married Fred Hopkins; Charles, 1889; Willie, 1891, died in infancy.

W.T. Phillips took part in the organization of Rock County and became the first county clerk. He served in this capacity for 12 years and was also active in the real estate business. He owned and published "The Bassett Eagle". He was sent as one of the first Democratic delegates of Rock County to the State Convention. He served as Secretary of the Democratic County Central Committee of Rock County until 1925, along with several minor offices in the Rock County system.

W.T. lived to see the town grow from only a railroad section house to a thriving village. A member of the W.T. Phillips family has lived continuously in Rock County since 1883.

Bev. Hopkins, great granddaughter - 7 Oct 2003

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