Monadnock Moment No. 109

Era 6: Development of the Industrial United States -
           1870 to 1900

Bissell Manufacturing Company

More than 100 years ago the Bissell Manufacturing Company opened its doors in Keene. This was an unusual company in that it did not produce woodenware, glass, machines, or any of the usual products produced in Keene. Lucius Bissell's manufacturing company produced drugs and medicines.

Lucius Bissell was a native of Wardsboro, Vermont. He served more than three years in the Civil War, including 19 months as a lieutenant in the 3rd Regiment of the U.S. Colored Troops. Following the War, he worked as a travelling salesman in Bellows Falls. In 1874 Bissell opened a drug and medicine manufacturing firm in Bellows Falls. It is unclear where he received his pharmaceutical training, if indeed he had any.

Thirteen years later in 1889, Bissell moved the firm to 322 West Street in Keene, and took Charles Bissell, probably a nephew, as a partner. Charles Bissell was a long time Keene resident who worked as a clerk at Cushing's grain store. The pair advertised liniments, bitters, cough syrups, tooth powders, hemlock plasters, and Bissell's Great Indian Remedy. They also manufactured bay rum, vanilla, and a variety of other extracts. The label on Bissell's Syrup of Tulu bottles indicated that it was good for "coughs, colds, hoarseness, and any bronchial trouble. Also the best remedy for whopping cough. Try it and be convinced of its merits."

Charles Bissell soon left the firm and Lucius continued on alone in Keene until 1897, 23 years after he founded the firm. He had relocated the company to Forest Street by that time. Bissell apparently moved on in 1898, perhaps back to his native Vermont. Bissell's Manufacturing Company has not been forgotten in Keene, however, because his medicine bottles occasionally appear on the antique market, and because of the trademark he used in all of his advertising. His trademark was a portrait of Lucius Bissell himself.