Prof. Michael A. J. Baasen was born in Luxembourg, Germany, June 2, 1844. When he reached the age of six years his father was appointed Consul to the United States, and accordingly removed to this country with his family. After being relieved from the duties of his office, he settled in Milwaukee, Wis. He entered college when quite young, and with occasional brief intermissions, continued to prosecute his studies in different institutions, and finally came to the University of Notre Dame, in 1862, where he completed his collegiate studies, in 1864, receiving, at the annual commencement of the year the degree of Bachelor of Arts. After graduating he commenced teaching ancient and modern languages at Notre Dame.

History of St. Joseph County, Indiana
Chicago, Chas. C. Chapman & Co. (published in 1880)
Biographical Sketches