Chittenden

BISSELL, William Henry Augustus

Men of Vermont: an Illustrated Biographical History of Vermonters & Sons of 
Vermont. Ullery. Brattleboro: Transcript Pub. Co., 1894, pp 32-33

William Henry Augustus BISSELL, late of Burlington [Chittenden County, 
Vermont], was born 10 November 1814 in Randolph [Orange County, Vermont], son 
of Dr. Ezekiel and Elizabeth (WASHBURN) BISSELL. He received his preliminary 
education in the Randolph public schools and academy, and was graduated from 
the classical course of the U. V. M. in 1838. In the following year he was 
employed as a teacher in Bishop Hopkins' School for Boys, at the same time 
studying for the ministry. Later, in partnership with G. B. EASTMAN, he 
established a private school in Detroit [Wayne County, Michigan]. In 1838 he 
was a candidate for Holy Orders in the diocese of New York, in which state, 
for a brief space, he was instructor in the institution of Troy [Rensselaer 
County.]. In 1839 he was ordained deacon by Bishop ONDERDONK of Calvary 
Church, New York City. Soon after his ordination he was established as 
rector at West Troy, and was afterwards called to Lyons, where he remained 
until 1848, then changed his pastorate to Genesee [Genesee County or Genesee 
Junction in Monroe County?], New York. In 1868 he was elected bishop of the 
diocese of Vermont, with his residence at Burlington.

On 29 August 1838 he [William Henry Augustus BISSELL] was united in marriage 
to Martha, daughter of Phineas and Maria (COTTON) MOULTON of West Randolph 
[Orange County, Vermont]. Five children blessed this union: (1) Martha E., 
Mrs. Willard S. POPE of Detroit [Wayne County, Michigan]; (2) Laura A., 
widow of Surgeon Charles S. Gray, U. S. Navy; (3) Mary A., Mrs. G. SHAW of 
Burlington [Chittenden County, Vermont]; (4) John H.; and (5) William A. 
Bishop BISSELL was an Independent in his political views, always voting for 
the man fitted for office, irrespective of party. He was much interested in 
missionary work, being connected with all societies working under the 
authority of the Episcopal church.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly