Re: Capt. James Bissell
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In reply to:
Re: Capt. James Bissell
Roger Bissell 10/03/07
Thank you for the corrections.
I haven't gone by Goodfellow since I had it legally changed, 26 years ago.
And yes, I'd be happy to look over your BALLOU information.
BTW, Jessie Harriet Bissell was quite a woman.She ended up in Ashland, Nebraska.These are from the Ashland Gazette:
PUTS SIX CHILDREN THROUGH SCHOOL THEN ADOPTS THREE ORPHANS
Ashland GazettePg.1 cols. 1 & 2
Mrs. M.E. Ballou is the fourth lady in the community to put in a claim for first honor in the school children question. The little controversy started about 5 weeks ago with an account of Mrs. Mary Derieth having called children in the morning and starting them off for school for 32 years without a break.Mrs. T.C. Carey said she could beat Mrs. Derieth's record, having sent children to school for 34 years, and having packed up lunches every day of that time. Mrs. O.W. Laughlin shattered the record of Mrs. Carey by having sent children in from the country for 37 years, having sent six children in all. Four of these are graduates of Ashland high.Now comes Mrs. Ballou's record. Her oldest son, Emor, began school in 1881 and all six of the Ballou children attended the Ashland town school, coming in from the farm home. Although the farm is close to town, it was necessary to pack up lunches every day. Mrs. Ballou must have known that a contest of this sort would come along some day, because, after her own children had finished, she adopted two boys and sent them through school, making no break in the time, after the boys had finished, she adopted a girl, Florence Dole, who is now in the seventh grade in Ashland school. To the date, that makes 38 years of it for Mrs. Ballou and if the last girl finishes high school, she will have sent them for 43 years. We consider that, having voluntarily taken three extra upon herself, Mrs. Ballou deserves the place she holds, as champion in the matter. If any lady in the community can beat her record, please let us know about it.
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Obituary
Ashland Gazette, Oct. 25, 1944
Death Claims Mrs. M. E. Ballou, Beloved Pioneer.
Passing of Longtime Resident Profoundly Mourned.
Death came at 5 A. M. Sunday to claim Mrs. M. E. Ballou, bringing to an end a long and useful life.Mrs. Ballou who was 86 years old had made her home in Ashland since she came here as a bride 69 years ago.Her life was characterized by service to others, in the church and community, as well as in her own home.She was held in affectionate esteem by a wide circle of friends, who with her family, profoundly mourn her passing.
The funeral services were held at the home Tuesday afternoon with Rev. S. P. Hieb of the Congregational church in charge.Pallbearers were B. F. Ralder, E. M. Kuhl, F. W. Bontz, John Potter, Forrest Raikes, and C. D. Lutton.Burial was in the Ashland Cemetery.
Jessie Harriet Bissell was born Mar. 31, 1858 at Crown Point, Indiana, daughter of James and Sarah Rumsey Bissell.Her sister and one brother have all preceded her in death.In 1859 the family moved to Valparaiso, Indiana where the father practiced law until 1863.He was an ardent admirer of Lincoln, and feeling his duty to fight for the Union cause, he was commissioned captain and organized and trained a company.He was killed at Franklin, Tennessee on Dec. 3, 1863.His widow came to Nebraskain 1867 and took a claim near Ithaca, Nebraska.In 1869 she brought her five children to Nebraska and endured all the hardships of the pioneers.
From her mother, Mrs. Ballou inherited the love of the land, and learned the lessons of thrift, effort, and energy so that when she became the bride of Martin Emor Ballou on Feb. 18, 1875 she carried the same fine ideals and principals of life into her own home.Mr. Ballou had come to Nebraska with his parents in 1868 and had followed agricultural pursuits.He and his bride made their home 1/2 mile north of Ashland, living there until March, 1920 when they moved to the present home in Ashland.
Mr. and Mrs. Ballou were parents of six children, and their lives and the place that they and their descendants hold in this community are a living tribute to the very wonderful woman, who throughout the years was recognized as the head of the family.The three sons have inherited the love of the land, and their sons as well.For Four generations they have tilled the soil.Mrs. Ballou saw heartbreak and failure, as well as the rich rewards of harvest.She saw the great grasshopper scourge destroy every spear of green on the land, and many times bravely faced defeat when drouth, hail, or wind destroyed the crops.Her indomitable spirit helped carry the family over the difficult times with faith and courage, and they came to rely affectionately upon her advice and judgment.
Many books have been written about pioneer families and their descendants, but there is no story lovelier than the life of Mrs. Ballou and the influences she had upon the lives of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.Their respect, affection, and deference to the head of the family was a joy to behold and share.
On Nov. 18, 1891 she became a member of the Congregational church.She was a very active member and her judgment was respected in matters concerning the welfare and progress of the church.Loyal in attendance, she was in her pew until poor health would no longer permit.
She was preceded in death by her husband, M. E. Ballou, and one daughter, Jessie Swanson of Greenwood.She is survived by her sons, Emor Smith Ballou, James Bissell Ballou, and Otis Martin Ballou, all of Ashland; and daughters Elizabeth Fenton, Pomona, California and Sue Cummer, Ashland; five grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.Coming from out of town were Sgt. and Mrs. Ed Ballou, Junction City, Kansas and Mrs. Louis Hill of Omaha.
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Re: Capt. James Bissell
Roger Bissell 10/03/07