Taken from Medina Co. Gazette - March 27, 1891
Ebeneezer Bissel - Among the few old pioneers that remain to tell the story of the trials and hardships of the past there is none more deserving of mention that Ebeneezer Bissel. For over half a century he has been identified with the interests of Westfield township, where he now resides, honored and respected by all, in a halo of old age, surrounded by hosts of kind friends and neighbors. His life has been spent in the school of hardship and its history is replete with rich experience to the younger generation, that, in this age of steam and "electrocution" is desirous of rising above the difficulties that beset the pathway to success.
He was born in Windsor, Conn. When he was three years of age his parents removed to Bristol, Ontario Co., New York. Five years later death deprived him of parental care and he was thrown upon his own exertions to obtain a livelihood. He was, according to the system then in vogue, "bound out" to a man named Hatch with whom he resided until the attainment of his majority. Possessing the true pioneer spirit, and the sturdy Yankee independence of his race, he, in compnay with Benj. Burt, came to the township of Granger, then on the frontier line of settlement. Medina Co., was a howling wilderness. Medina Village consisted of two long houses, a dwelling and a tannery on Champion Creek. Purchasing 100 acres of land he started back East. Going to Rochester, N. Y., there he learned the brick laying trade. At the age of 26 he was married to Harriet Simmons, a resident of his former home in New York. A week afterwards the young couple bade adieo to friends and associations, and bravely set forth into the unknown wilderness to build for themselves a new home.
By boat along the lake they came to Cleveland, thence by canal to Portage from Portage the journey was completed by wagon to their land in Granger township. No roads wsere then surveyed into Summit Co. Poplar trees were felled, split and hewed, and the settlers gathered to help "raise." The following were among those present: Harvey Bissel, George McCloud, Squire Young, Calvin Simmons and Stephen Paul.
The young poineer was so unlucky on this occasion as to break a leg, but he soon recovered. He remained a resident of Granger township three years lacking one day. He then purchased the farm where he now resides, in Westfield township. Here he again built a log house which has but lately been torn down. He cleared this farm of over 100 acres and split rails and fenced it. At the time of his settlement here wheat could not be sold in the local market for money and must be hauled to Cleveland or Portage for disposal. But a few people were residents of the township at this time.
Among the incidents still fresh in his memory may be mentioned one of laughable experience. One Christmas he yoked the oxen to a cart in which were Mrs. Bissel and a sister, and walking beside the cart as drivr, started to visit relatives. Going up a hill the pin came out of the yoke and the cart careened backwards to the mirth and discomfort of its lady occupants.
The nearest neighbors were of a mile away and so quiet was the rural scene that in summer squirrels would run fearlessly through the house. Mrs. Bissel, who was an expert needle woman, earned twenty dollars as a seamstress. Mr. Bissell made the first chairs, among which was a rocking chair. In winter wolves were seen and deer were plenty.
Mr. Bissel by hard labor, unaided by the many inentions of the present, has accumulated a competence. He has reached the 86th mile stone in life's ruggend journey and is still in full possession of all his faculties. Mrs. Bissel passed over the silent river to join the watching ones there, thrteen years ago, at the age of 77 years.
To this venerable pair were born seven children, four of whom remain. Of these two, Eben Jr., and Almina are still at the old homestead, Lucy is the wife of J. L. Wighman of Medina Village, while Edna resides in Florida. Mr. Bissel has longbeen a member of the Univrsalist church, and has lived a life of honesty and integrity. He is now reaping his reward, a peaceful and quiet old age calmly waiting the summons to join the loved ones gone before.
Medina Co. Gazette - Aug 11, 1892: Our community was shocked to learn of the death of Uncle Eben Bissell, which occured on July 27, his death was unexpected, as he died from heart failure while sitting in an easy chair.
Funeral services were held at the Universalist church, Rev. Buckner officiating. Mr. Bissell was an old pioneer and enjoyed the highest esteem and respect of all who knew him. A pioneer sketch of his life, with portrait, appeared in the columns of the Gazette last winter.
Ebeneezer Bissel - Among the few old pioneers that remain to tell the story of the trials and hardships of the past there is none more deserving of mention that Ebeneezer Bissel. For over half a century he has been identified with the interests of Westfield township, where he now resides, honored and respected by all, in a halo of old age, surrounded by hosts of kind friends and neighbors. His life has been spent in the school of hardship and its history is replete with rich experience to the younger generation, that, in this age of steam and "electrocution" is desirous of rising above the difficulties that beset the pathway to success.
He was born in Windsor, Conn. When he was three years of age his parents removed to Bristol, Ontario Co., New York. Five years later death deprived him of parental care and he was thrown upon his own exertions to obtain a livelihood. He was, according to the system then in vogue, "bound out" to a man named Hatch with whom he resided until the attainment of his majority. Possessing the true pioneer spirit, and the sturdy Yankee independence of his race, he, in compnay with Benj. Burt, came to the township of Granger, then on the frontier line of settlement. Medina Co., was a howling wilderness. Medina Village consisted of two long houses, a dwelling and a tannery on Champion Creek. Purchasing 100 acres of land he started back East. Going to Rochester, N. Y., there he learned the brick laying trade. At the age of 26 he was married to Harriet Simmons, a resident of his former home in New York. A week afterwards the young couple bade adieo to friends and associations, and bravely set forth into the unknown wilderness to build for themselves a new home.
By boat along the lake they came to Cleveland, thence by canal to Portage from Portage the journey was completed by wagon to their land in Granger township. No roads wsere then surveyed into Summit Co. Poplar trees were felled, split and hewed, and the settlers gathered to help "raise." The following were among those present: Harvey Bissel, George McCloud, Squire Young, Calvin Simmons and Stephen Paul.
The young poineer was so unlucky on this occasion as to break a leg, but he soon recovered. He remained a resident of Granger township three years lacking one day. He then purchased the farm where he now resides, in Westfield township. Here he again built a log house which has but lately been torn down. He cleared this farm of over 100 acres and split rails and fenced it. At the time of his settlement here wheat could not be sold in the local market for money and must be hauled to Cleveland or Portage for disposal. But a few people were residents of the township at this time.
Among the incidents still fresh in his memory may be mentioned one of laughable experience. One Christmas he yoked the oxen to a cart in which were Mrs. Bissel and a sister, and walking beside the cart as drivr, started to visit relatives. Going up a hill the pin came out of the yoke and the cart careened backwards to the mirth and discomfort of its lady occupants.
The nearest neighbors were of a mile away and so quiet was the rural scene that in summer squirrels would run fearlessly through the house. Mrs. Bissel, who was an expert needle woman, earned twenty dollars as a seamstress. Mr. Bissell made the first chairs, among which was a rocking chair. In winter wolves were seen and deer were plenty.
Mr. Bissel by hard labor, unaided by the many inentions of the present, has accumulated a competence. He has reached the 86th mile stone in life's ruggend journey and is still in full possession of all his faculties. Mrs. Bissel passed over the silent river to join the watching ones there, thrteen years ago, at the age of 77 years.
To this venerable pair were born seven children, four of whom remain. Of these two, Eben Jr., and Almina are still at the old homestead, Lucy is the wife of J. L. Wighman of Medina Village, while Edna resides in Florida. Mr. Bissel has longbeen a member of the Univrsalist church, and has lived a life of honesty and integrity. He is now reaping his reward, a peaceful and quiet old age calmly waiting the summons to join the loved ones gone before.
Medina Co. Gazette - Aug 11, 1892: Our community was shocked to learn of the death of Uncle Eben Bissell, which occured on July 27, his death was unexpected, as he died from heart failure while sitting in an easy chair.
Funeral services were held at the Universalist church, Rev. Buckner officiating. Mr. Bissell was an old pioneer and enjoyed the highest esteem and respect of all who knew him. A pioneer sketch of his life, with portrait, appeared in the columns of the Gazette last winter.
Taken from Medina Co. Gazette - March 27, 1891
Ebeneezer Bissel - Among the few old pioneers that remain to tell the story of the trials and hardships of the past there is none more deserving of mention that Ebeneezer Bissel. For over half a century he has been identified with the interests of Westfield township, where he now resides, honored and respected by all, in a halo of old age, surrounded by hosts of kind friends and neighbors. His life has been spent in the school of hardship and its history is replete with rich experience to the younger generation, that, in this age of steam and "electrocution" is desirous of rising above the difficulties that beset the pathway to success.
He was born in Windsor, Conn. When he was three years of age his parents removed to Bristol, Ontario Co., New York. Five years later death deprived him of parental care and he was thrown upon his own exertions to obtain a livelihood. He was, according to the system then in vogue, "bound out" to a man named Hatch with whom he resided until the attainment of his majority. Possessing the true pioneer spirit, and the sturdy Yankee independence of his race, he, in compnay with Benj. Burt, came to the township of Granger, then on the frontier line of settlement. Medina Co., was a howling wilderness. Medina Village consisted of two long houses, a dwelling and a tannery on Champion Creek. Purchasing 100 acres of land he started back East. Going to Rochester, N. Y., there he learned the brick laying trade. At the age of 26 he was married to Harriet Simmons, a resident of his former home in New York. A week afterwards the young couple bade adieo to friends and associations, and bravely set forth into the unknown wilderness to build for themselves a new home.
By boat along the lake they came to Cleveland, thence by canal to Portage from Portage the journey was completed by wagon to their land in Granger township. No roads wsere then surveyed into Summit Co. Poplar trees were felled, split and hewed, and the settlers gathered to help "raise." The following were among those present: Harvey Bissel, George McCloud, Squire Young, Calvin Simmons and Stephen Paul.
The young poineer was so unlucky on this occasion as to break a leg, but he soon recovered. He remained a resident of Granger township three years lacking one day. He then purchased the farm where he now resides, in Westfield township. Here he again built a log house which has but lately been torn down. He cleared this farm of over 100 acres and split rails and fenced it. At the time of his settlement here wheat could not be sold in the local market for money and must be hauled to Cleveland or Portage for disposal. But a few people were residents of the township at this time.
Among the incidents still fresh in his memory may be mentioned one of laughable experience. One Christmas he yoked the oxen to a cart in which were Mrs. Bissel and a sister, and walking beside the cart as drivr, started to visit relatives. Going up a hill the pin came out of the yoke and the cart careened backwards to the mirth and discomfort of its lady occupants.
The nearest neighbors were of a mile away and so quiet was the rural scene that in summer squirrels would run fearlessly through the house. Mrs. Bissel, who was an expert needle woman, earned twenty dollars as a seamstress. Mr. Bissell made the first chairs, among which was a rocking chair. In winter wolves were seen and deer were plenty.
Mr. Bissel by hard labor, unaided by the many inentions of the present, has accumulated a competence. He has reached the 86th mile stone in life's ruggend journey and is still in full possession of all his faculties. Mrs. Bissel passed over the silent river to join the watching ones there, thrteen years ago, at the age of 77 years.
To this venerable pair were born seven children, four of whom remain. Of these two, Eben Jr., and Almina are still at the old homestead, Lucy is the wife of J. L. Wighman of Medina Village, while Edna resides in Florida. Mr. Bissel has longbeen a member of the Univrsalist church, and has lived a life of honesty and integrity. He is now reaping his reward, a peaceful and quiet old age calmly waiting the summons to join the loved ones gone before.
Medina Co. Gazette - Aug 11, 1892: Our community was shocked to learn of the death of Uncle Eben Bissell, which occured on July 27, his death was unexpected, as he died from heart failure while sitting in an easy chair.
Funeral services were held at the Universalist church, Rev. Buckner officiating. Mr. Bissell was an old pioneer and enjoyed the highest esteem and respect of all who knew him. A pioneer sketch of his life, with portrait, appeared in the columns of the Gazette last winter.
Ebeneezer Bissel - Among the few old pioneers that remain to tell the story of the trials and hardships of the past there is none more deserving of mention that Ebeneezer Bissel. For over half a century he has been identified with the interests of Westfield township, where he now resides, honored and respected by all, in a halo of old age, surrounded by hosts of kind friends and neighbors. His life has been spent in the school of hardship and its history is replete with rich experience to the younger generation, that, in this age of steam and "electrocution" is desirous of rising above the difficulties that beset the pathway to success.
He was born in Windsor, Conn. When he was three years of age his parents removed to Bristol, Ontario Co., New York. Five years later death deprived him of parental care and he was thrown upon his own exertions to obtain a livelihood. He was, according to the system then in vogue, "bound out" to a man named Hatch with whom he resided until the attainment of his majority. Possessing the true pioneer spirit, and the sturdy Yankee independence of his race, he, in compnay with Benj. Burt, came to the township of Granger, then on the frontier line of settlement. Medina Co., was a howling wilderness. Medina Village consisted of two long houses, a dwelling and a tannery on Champion Creek. Purchasing 100 acres of land he started back East. Going to Rochester, N. Y., there he learned the brick laying trade. At the age of 26 he was married to Harriet Simmons, a resident of his former home in New York. A week afterwards the young couple bade adieo to friends and associations, and bravely set forth into the unknown wilderness to build for themselves a new home.
By boat along the lake they came to Cleveland, thence by canal to Portage from Portage the journey was completed by wagon to their land in Granger township. No roads wsere then surveyed into Summit Co. Poplar trees were felled, split and hewed, and the settlers gathered to help "raise." The following were among those present: Harvey Bissel, George McCloud, Squire Young, Calvin Simmons and Stephen Paul.
The young poineer was so unlucky on this occasion as to break a leg, but he soon recovered. He remained a resident of Granger township three years lacking one day. He then purchased the farm where he now resides, in Westfield township. Here he again built a log house which has but lately been torn down. He cleared this farm of over 100 acres and split rails and fenced it. At the time of his settlement here wheat could not be sold in the local market for money and must be hauled to Cleveland or Portage for disposal. But a few people were residents of the township at this time.
Among the incidents still fresh in his memory may be mentioned one of laughable experience. One Christmas he yoked the oxen to a cart in which were Mrs. Bissel and a sister, and walking beside the cart as drivr, started to visit relatives. Going up a hill the pin came out of the yoke and the cart careened backwards to the mirth and discomfort of its lady occupants.
The nearest neighbors were of a mile away and so quiet was the rural scene that in summer squirrels would run fearlessly through the house. Mrs. Bissel, who was an expert needle woman, earned twenty dollars as a seamstress. Mr. Bissell made the first chairs, among which was a rocking chair. In winter wolves were seen and deer were plenty.
Mr. Bissel by hard labor, unaided by the many inentions of the present, has accumulated a competence. He has reached the 86th mile stone in life's ruggend journey and is still in full possession of all his faculties. Mrs. Bissel passed over the silent river to join the watching ones there, thrteen years ago, at the age of 77 years.
To this venerable pair were born seven children, four of whom remain. Of these two, Eben Jr., and Almina are still at the old homestead, Lucy is the wife of J. L. Wighman of Medina Village, while Edna resides in Florida. Mr. Bissel has longbeen a member of the Univrsalist church, and has lived a life of honesty and integrity. He is now reaping his reward, a peaceful and quiet old age calmly waiting the summons to join the loved ones gone before.
Medina Co. Gazette - Aug 11, 1892: Our community was shocked to learn of the death of Uncle Eben Bissell, which occured on July 27, his death was unexpected, as he died from heart failure while sitting in an easy chair.
Funeral services were held at the Universalist church, Rev. Buckner officiating. Mr. Bissell was an old pioneer and enjoyed the highest esteem and respect of all who knew him. A pioneer sketch of his life, with portrait, appeared in the columns of the Gazette last winter.
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