Born in Brooklyn, New York, on the 23rd day of June, 1824. At the early age of ten years he commenced learning the painter's trade. After working two years at that, he went to Wayne county, New York, and there devoted his time alternately to working on a farm, tending saw mill, carding machine and cloth factory until he was eighteen years of age. From there he went to Chicago in June of 1842 to work in the famous lead mines, then he went on foot from Galena to Platteville where he worked at various positions for six years. He married Miss Ann Moore on June 13, 1848. He then removed to McGregor and began life as a merchant with a stock of general merchandise. In politics, Mr. Bass was a Democrat. In the Fall of 1861, Mr. Bass was unanimously elected to represent his county in the State Legislature as a union man, and served during the regular and special terms.