Adams County Free Press
August 5, 1943
Page 6

The death of Alva Bissell on July 28th, at his home in Corning, took from the community a man who was held in high esteem and respected by all who knew him. Mr. Bissell has not been in the best of health for several years, but his condition was not serious until a few weeks ago. Death relieved him Wednesday evening, when all of his family were near to be of all possible assistance. His family feel the loss of an unselfish and loving husband and father, one whose main concern was not for himself, but for those he loved. The community will feel the loss of a dependable neighbor, a kindly friend and a fine citizen.

Alva Bissell was born near Anita, Iowa, the son of H.K. and Nancy Bissell, on June 8, 1876. As a young man he exhibited the pioneering spirit, going to Oklahoma when the country was new and wild. It was in Woodward, Oklahoma, that he found his bride, and was married there on January 9, 1895, to Miss Pearl Morgan. Soon after their marriage the young couple came to Iowa but after two years returned to Oklahoma, driving a team of mules to take up a homestead. The years following were years of hardship and struggle, plowing with a walking plow in snake-infested ground, hauling the first yields of grain over long uncertain roads to the nearest market 120 miles with wagon and team, a trip which required a week to complete. Those were the days of many Indians when caravans of fifty wagons and ponies traveled the prairie. Many times they stopped to ask for the fruit which had fallen from the peach trees, but never unfriendly or taking more than was given. Those, too, were the days when families were born and reared without benefit of medical attendants. Two brothers of Mrs. Bissell and their wives, Mr. and Mrs. Levi Morgan of Texas and Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Morgan of Oklahoma, were near neighbors, and were as close as brothers to her husband. They arrived here a week ago, assisting in the care of Mr. Bissell during the last days.

Mr. and Mrs. Bissell were blessed with eleven children, who with their mother, all survive him. They are Ethel Casteel, Claude Bissell, Edna Scott, Ansel Bissell, Florence James, Ivan Bissell, Huber Bissell, and Cleda Paul, all of Corning; Alma Schrader of Lenox, Iowa; Raymond Bissell of Cromwell, Iowa; Iada McKee of Massena, Iowa; also a grandson, Kenneth Bissell of Corning, who made his home with his grandparents for 12 years after the death of his mother. There are 37 living grandchildren and one deceased, and 12 great-grandchildren. Two sisters, Mrs. Lulu Edwards and Mrs. Sadie Pierson of Massena and two brothers, Frank Bissell of Creston and Henry Bissell of Massena, survive him beside a number of nephews and nieces.

Mr. Bissell's entire life was devoted to family until his health no longer permitted heavy work. In 1915, the Bissell family moved from Oklahoma to Cass county, where they resided on a farm until 1936. From then until 1939, Mr. Bissell farmed in Adams county, moving to town that year, buying the residence where they live now.

Mr. Bissell was affiliated with the Church of Christ since 1898, when he was baptized and became a member at Mutual, Oklahoma. Later his membership was transferred to Massena, Iowa, where they resided. Two grandsons are in the service of their country, Gerald Scott, son of Vern Scott, is at Fort Sitt, Oklahoma and Leo Bissell, son of Ansel Bissell, in California.

Funeral services were held in the Christian Church at Massena, Iowa, July 30, at 3 p.m., with the Rev. E. E. Lischer, pastor of the Christian Church of Creston, in charge.

Music was furnished by Earl Hastings, Clayton Mountain, Mrs. Bessie Ryan and Mrs. Harry McKee, with Mrs. Robert Peel at the piano.

Pall bearers were the five sons and one grandson, Claude, Ansel, Huber, Ivan, Raymond and the grandson, Kenneth.

Internment was in the Massena Center Cemetery, Massena, Iowa.