John H. Bassler was born near the Borough of Myerstown, Lebanon County, Pa. He obtained his education at local and regional schools, including Myerstown Academy and Lancaster County Normal School (1857-1858). Just prior to the American Civil War, Bassler was the principal of Myerstown Academy. During the summer of 1862, he assisted in the recruitment of men from the County and formed the Jackson Guard. In August of 1862, the Jackson Guard was mustered in as Company C of the 149th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry and Bassler was commissioned captain. After spending time at Camp Curtin and in Washington, D.C., the 149th saw action at Chancellorsville, Va., on May 4, 1863. At Gettysburg, Pa., on July 1, 1863, Captain Bassler was severely wounded in the leg not far from McPherson's barn. His wounds led to his eventual discharge on Dec. 18, 1863. Following the war, he worked for the railroad in both Pennsylvania and California. In 1880, he returned to Myerstown where he opened a creamery business. He died at his family home on Jan. 24, 1916.
From the description of John H. Bassler papers, 1862-1896. (Millersville University Library). WorldCat record id: 8116413
