Addison

BISSELL, Edgar N.

Men of Vermont: an Illustrated Biographical History of Vermonters & Sons of 
Vermont. Ullery. Brattleboro: Transcript Pub. Co., 1894, p 32

Edgar N. BISSELL, of East Shoreham, was born 04 September 1840 at Shoreham 
[Addison County, Vermont], son of Solomon L. and Martha M. (ATWOOD) BISSELL. 
He obtained his early education at home and later on at Newton Academy. 
Engaged in the occupation of farming and cultivating a large portion of the 
land upon which his grandfather settled in 1777, Mr. BISSELL has been 
principally known as a breeder and exporter of Merino sheep and is considered 
as one of the best authorities of the state in this matter. He is a frequent 
and valued contributor to various agricultural journals. He represented the 
town in the Legislature of 1882; was state cattle commissioner under Governor 
ORMSBEE; president of the Vermont Merino Sheep Breeders' Association 
1880-1881; also president of the Vermont Sheep Shearers' Association from 
1886 to 1891 and occupied the chief executive office of Addison County 
Agricultural Society from 1886 to 1892. He is now serving on the committee 
of the Natural Wool Growers' Association, and for three years has been 
chairman of that committee. Appointed a member of the State Board of 
Agriculture by Governor DILLINGHAM, he resigned the office to give his 
attention to other matters.

On 04 March 1863 at Shoreham [Addison County, Vermont] he [Edgar N. BISSELL] 
married, first, Sophia N., daughter of Daniel and Nancy NEEDHAM of Whiting 
[Addison County, Vermont]. From this union five children were born: Henry 
E., Edward S., Helen N., Annie J., and Maude S. His first wife died in 
August 1888. On 28 December 1889 he [Edgar N. BISSELL] married Franc 
[Frances?] F., daughter of Jerry and Susan PARKER, of Shoreham. Mr. BISSELL 
has received the Masonic degree, conferred in the lodge, chapter, and 
commandery. Having a large acquaintance, not only in but beyond his native 
town, he is universally esteemed and no one is considered to have acquired 
greater skill in his specialties than himself.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly