Bissell family collection, 1760-1926 | Litchfield Historical Society

The papers of the Bissell and Bissell-Baldwin families, including family members, friends, and business associates. The collection consists of correspondence, business records, account books, and other records. Papers from the time period 1760-1840 have been processed and described (see the finding aid). The remaining papers have been partially processed and are described generally in this scope and content note.

Isaac Bissell (1682-1744) moved to Litchfield in 1723, where he owned a 60th share, approximately 700 acres. He was the father of ten children, including Benjamin (1717-1747) and Zebulon (1724-1777).

The Bissells were farmers, although there is little material in the Society's manuscript collections that records their agricultural activities. Assorted Bissell family members are parties to documents found in various collections. As a family of property, most of the available documents document land transactions.

The Bissell Family Collection, received from several sources, brings together documents of many Bissell family members. In bulk, the business papers of William Bissell (1810-1902) and his son Warren (1836-1913) comprise the greater portion. They resided in Milton. William owned the David Welch house from 1860 to 1902. This significant house of 18th century construction is listed in "Historic American Building Survey" (1941) and is the subject of Edward A. Raymond's pamphlet, "History of the David Welch House, 1756-1956."

The activities of William Bissell as a captain in the Civil War, as an industrious house painter, and as a farmer are documented. He served in Company A, 19th Regiment Connecticut Volunteers from Sep. 11, 1861 to July 21, 1863. Subsequent to active duty he recruited in the Litchfield area. The papers include recruitment records with names and bounty accounts and supply and inventory documents for his term of active duty. His activities as a house and furniture painter are detailed in 33 small account books (1825-1890) in which his labor and supply costs for each specific job site are recorded. Another account book provides additional information.

A facet of Warren Bissell's economic interests are revealed in a collection of business letters and documents (1906-1926) pertaining to speculative investments in western mines and land companies. Other business documents include bills and receipts for paint supplies, wall paper, and transportation. Other papers include property deeds.

A small collection of deeds and letters relate to the members of the family of Zebulon Bissell (1724-1771). One subject is a family misunderstanding concerning the lease of a farm in Chanango County, N.Y. to a nephew Harry Smith.

The Bissell-Baldwin Collection of 11 items relates to the family of Julia Bissell Smith who was a great great grandmother of donor George Baldwin. A letter by Julia Smith from Tuscumbria, Ala., June 6, 1836, describes to her mother the thoroughly unfamiliar southern way of life.

The Baldwin descendants Margaret, Dorothy, and George, all donors to the Society, are related to the Bissell and Joseph Adams families. Ella Kezia Adams, who married Charles Baldwin, was the daughter of Charles Adams and the granddaughter of Joseph Adams. See also the Adams Family Collection.