William Harrison Bissell (New York Times)

Gov. Wm. H. Bissell, of Illinois was born near Cooperstown, in this State, April 25, 1811. He studied medicine at the Jefferson Medical College, in Philadelphia, whence he graduated in 1835. After practising [practicing] medicine for several years, he was elected to the State Legislature from Munroe County, in 1840. He studied law, was admitted to practice, and removed to Belleville, St. Clair County. There the Mexican War found him. In 1846 he was elected Colonel of the Second Regiment of Volunteers, and gave up the position of State Attorney for the Second Judicial District to go to Mexico. He distinguished himself in the campaign of Buena Vista, and, returning, was chosen to represent the Eighth District of Illinois in Congress. He was twice a member of the House of Representatives, but declined to serve a third term on account of ill-health. In 1856 the Republican State Convention unanimously nominated him for Governor, and he was elected by a large majority.