Keith Huotari with a copy of his new book, “Perfect Union – Iron Mountain and Its Last Surviving Civil War Soldier.”

IRON MOUNTAIN — Iron Mountain resident and historian Keith Huotari recently published his debut book “Perfect Union – Iron Mountain and Its Last Surviving Civil War Soldier,” the story of Iron Mountain pioneer Samuel Bassett.

A jogging adventure led Huotari to Bassett’s headstone at Iron Mountain’s Cemetery Park, setting into motion the events which influenced the research and writing of the book.

“Perfect Union” documents Bassett’s life from his extraordinary service on iconic American Civil War battlefields such as Bull Run, Gettysburg, Chancellorsville, and dozens of others, including the account of his meeting Abraham Lincoln.

“The book also offers compelling accounts of family ties to the American Revolution, Boston Tea Party, and even the Green Bay Packers,” Huotari noted. Possessing a razor-sharp wit and easy-going demeanor, Bassett was a revered citizen of Iron Mountain, which he and his wife called home for more than 60 years.

Huotari has been operations manager and program director for Results Broadcasting, Inc. of Iron Mountain since 2003. He serves as trustee on the board of governors of the Menominee Range Historical Foundation. He and his wife, Jayna, are currently working on two more books of local historical interest.

To purchase a copy or to contact Huotari go to FourDogBooks@gmail.com or call 906-221-7254.