Buchanan County bulletin and guardian. (Independence, Iowa) 1866-1869, 1867-06-21

nor anecdote ever entered. We doubt IL
there is another instance in which humor
and Tenchant for apt story were so COM
pletely submerged by solid intellectual force
as not to even occasionally mantle them
selves in argument. They never did so with
him.
As early as 1851 Mr.. Bisselrs reputation
was more han local in its character, and in
Caucus OF Republican members Of the Leg
islature, held during the session that winter,
Mr.. Bissell received quite large number Of
votes for United States Senator.
We bave said that Sir. Bissell was promi-
nently connected with all the great enterpri.
ses, public and philanthropic, which have
been projected in the city during his resi-
dence here. The records of the two raj road
companies whose lines terminate here from
the west and southwest testify to this public
fact, At least. He was a director in both the
companies for some time. Pc was Presi-
dent Of the Dubuque, ST. Peters and St.
Paul Railroad Co., an institution which -four
ished for time, but was killed by the crash
Of 81. He wa esteemed wealthy during
the flush tires, and ventured bis means in
the different companies that arose in '55> Sc
and sought 10 make more extensive leyees,
and turn the sloughs into building lots. All
the Harbor improvement Companies, of
whatever name, we're sustained bv him and
ultimately at crushing loss. In 1854 Mr.
Bissell was elected Alderman in the Fourth
Ward for two years. He was Chairman Of
the Special Committee that arranged terms
with different harbor companies, and was
valuable member Of the City lie. islature.
There never was . resident of Dubuque
who took greater interest IN the introduction
Of our p,esent system Of public schools, and
but one man (Mr. H. A. Wiltse) that devo>
ted more time 70 the educational interests Of
our city. He was elected member of the
FIRST Board Of Education in 1856. and was
untiring in his efforts to put in successful
operation that system Of public instruction
which has eliminated in the present pros
perity Of our schools. Let his name be ever
honored by those whose children are enjoy
ing the fruits Of his labors for the schools.
In charitable and philanhropic endeavors
in our city, Mr.. bissell occupied the position
Of leader. He has probably given away
more money for charitable objects than any
other man Of his means in Dubuque. When
the war broke out he took an active part in
the organisation OF societies for the assist
ance of the soldiers. In le64-'65 he was
President Of the Iowa Sanitary Commission,
an organization that was of great assistance
to the U. s. Sanitary Commission. He WAS
a director of the Sanitary Fair held here in
"a, and labored increasingly to make it q
success.
Time and space will not allow to particu-
larize farther in this issue. We can only
state that in 1865 when the Office of Attorney
General became vacant, the Judges of the
Supreme Court urged Mr.. Bisselfs appoint
ment TO Gil the vacancy upon the Governor.
This was done without Mr.. BIS knowledge,
and be had to be prevailed upon to acc pt it
before be consented. In 1866 be was nomi-
mated for Attorney General by acclamation
in the Republican State Convention. Of
course be was elected by 4 veiy heavy major
ity, running far ahead Of his ticket. This
Office be occupied at the time Of his death.
1t is generally conceded by the legal profes.
sion. We are informed, that he was the most
able Attorney General tat Iowa has vet had
and this without disparagement Of any Of
his predecessors.
Mr. Bissell has been confined to his home
for nearly the whole Of the last three weeks
He was feeble when his wife died, and that
sad event prostrated him. At last be was
lieu Will CoHKeStise cuiiis, AHu VIII them
attacked by nervous fever. He was carefully
and a6ectionstely nursed by his sister, and
all the care which the best medical skill
could afford was given him. He was not
considered absolutely dangerous until yester-
day forenoon, when he himself gave up all
hopes Of recovering, and sent for Vim. Mills,
ESQ.,, to have him execute certain papers be
had prepared. We believe be never spoke
afterward, though perfectly cor scious. He
fingered until quarter to FIVE o'clock in the
afternoon, when be expired, surrounded BY
weeping friends. He leaves three children.
who are thus orphaned-Lester C., aged Is
years Mary F., aged years, and Anne G.,
aged years and s months.