Pg 319
M. BISSINGER, a farmer and stock-raiser, residing on section 32, Jefferson Township, was born in Bavaria, Germany, in 1825. His parents, George and Margaret Bissinger, had a family of four children, of whom our subject was the youngest. The father was a carpenter by trade, and died in his native land in 1853, aged eighty-two years. His good wife died at the age of forty-five years, in 1835.
Our subject received his education in his native land, and in accordance with its laws he entered the army at the age of twenty-one, and was in the service for six years. Thinking that the New World furnished a better field for his labors, Mr. Bissinger, in 1855, boarded the vessel “Concordia,” at Bremen, in August, and after a rough voyage which lasted forty-two days landed at New York. Going directly to St. Clair, Mich., he was there employed in a foundry, having previously learned the black-smith’s trade in Germany. In May, 1856, he came to Louisa County, Iowa, where he worked at his trade for awhile, and then purchased forty acres of land on section 32, in 1860, which furnished the foundation for his present farm.
On the 4th of September, 1861, Mr. Bissinger responded to the country’s call for troops, and enlisted for a three-years service, becoming a member of Company K, Engineers of the West. This regiment was all composed of mechanics, and was mustered into service at St. Louis. Its duty was to build and destroy. It was engaged in the battles at Island No. 10, New Madrid and Vicksburg, then constructed the railroad from Johnsonville to Nashville, after which it proceeded to Lookout Mountain, was engaged in the battle of Chattanooga, and was with Sherman on the march to the sea. At Corinth Mr. Bissinger was taken sick and confined in the hospital for some time. He was mustered out of service at Atlanta in 1864. He has never yet fully recovered his health, and is not able to work more than half the time.
Returning to Louisa County after the close of the war, our subject immediately began the improvement of his farm, which he has increased in extent until he now owns 240 acres, all under cultivation. He raises Poland-China hogs, Polled-Angus and Durham cattle, and also has a good grade of horses upon his farm. He takes an active interest in political matters, and casts his vote with the Republican party. He has served as Road Supervisor and School Director, and assisted in organizing the school district in his township.
In September, 1865, Mr. Bissinger was united in marriage with Magdalene Fath, a native of Germany, who came to America when two years of age with her parents, Christian and Rosanna (Keiser) Fath, who, after landing in America, settled in Louisa County, where they made their home until their death. Mr. and Mrs. Bissinger are members of the German Methodist Episcopal Church, at Wapello. Seven living children grace their union—George, Lydia, Anna, Charley, Esther, Jacob and Oretta, who are all at home. Rosanna, their eldest, died Jan. 24, 1873. Our subject is pleasantly situated five miles from the city of Wapello, and is one of the respected citizens of the county. He takes an active interest in every enterprise for the good of the community, and is a member of Taylor Post No. 153, G. A. R.
