In the 1880's James M. Cheek and Rober H. Cheek, uncles of J.L. Bass, were merchants and traders of New Middleton. In October, 1897, they started an undertaking firm in New Middleton as a part of their operation. As a boy, J.L. Bass began helping his uncles in their business and conducted his first funeral alone when he was only fourteen years of age.
In September 1916, J.L. Bass started his...