Russell Bissell
Major, U.S. Army

Russell Bissell was born on 8 January 1756 in the Colony of Connecticut.

He was a veteran of the Revolutionary War and the Indian Wars. While a member of the 2nd U.S. Infantry, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant on 4 March 1791 and to Captain on 19 February 1793.

On 1 April 1802, he transferred to the 1st U.S. Infantry and was promoted to Major when he returned to the 2nd Infantry on 9 December 1807. His regiment was stationed at Fort Kaskaskia when the Lewis and Clark expedition visited and recruited some of his men, including Sergeant Patrick Gass.

His final assignment was as Commandant of Fort Bellefontaine, near St. Louis, MO, where he died.

Personal

His son, Lewis Bissell, was a Captain in the U.S. Army who served with distinction in the War of 1812. He is also buried in the St. Louis, MO, area.

Death and Burial

Major Russell Bissell died on 18 December 1807 in St. Louis, MO. He is buried at the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, MO.