Barbara and Graham family history

Overview of the Bissell Ancestors

This part of the web site is about grandfather Joseph Bissell and his ancestors.

His part of the family tree has been split into two diagrams, one is his paternal branch (the Bissells) and one is his maternal branch (the Whitesides).

The Bissell Branch | The Whiteside Branch

The Bissells originally came from London. The earliest Bissells found so far lived in Stepney and were George Bissell who was a whitesmith (someone who worked in 'white' metals like tin and pewter) and his son, also George, who was a blacksmith. They lived in Thomas Street which is now called Parfett Street. map

George's son Joseph Bissell moved up to Leeds in the early 1870's. It is not certain whether he moved up to get work or to make it easier for him to commit bigamy.
Joseph and two marriages

The Whitesides appear to be foreigners, coming from a place called Lancashire.

bissell family photo

This is a photograph of Joseph as a boy with his parents Charles and Mary Bissell and his sister Ivy.

Charles served as a private in the Army Service Corps in the First World war. The ASC were responsible for getting supplies to the front line.

He was awarded the British War medal and the Victory medal.

Barbara and Graham's Family Tree

Bissell Page

Overview of the Bissell Ancestors

Additional Information