[1] The Bashford house was built around 1858, probably by local entrepreneur Napoleon Bonaparte Van Slyke,[1] and possibly designed by August Kutzbock.

[2] The 3-story tower, the low-pitched roof, the frieze boards, and the round-arched windows in the gable end are typical of Italian Villa style.

The style would typically include brackets under the eaves, but this design omits that element.

Morris ran an agricultural implement dealership and bought supplies for Camp Randall during the Civil War.

Robert McKee Bashford married the Fullers' daughter Sarah in 1889 and lived in the house until 1911.