He was born in 1824/25, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. [sources: date: 7 (36 in 1861), 17 (38 at death in 1863). place: 7]
On 23 February 1845, he married Elizabeth Freeman, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was born in October 1854, in Pennsylvania. They were married by the Reverand Joseph H Kennard. They had four known children:
[sources: 15, 16 (4 children, 1 alive, in 1900)]
In 1860, he was living in ward 12, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was living with his wife Elizabeth, and their children John, Mary, George, and Harry. He was a cooper, and owned $300 in personal property. [source: 11]
When he enlisted, he was 5 feet 11-1/2 inches tall, and had a fair complexion, blue eyes, and brown hair. He had scars on his right leg and his right forefinger. [source: 7]
He enlisted and was mustered into service on 27 August 1861. He was enlisted for three years, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, by Colonel Reiff. He served in company C. [sources: 1, 7, 8 (Lt Col Reiff), 15 (mustered in 25 Sep), 22 (corpl), 23 (corpl)]
He was appointed corporal on 21 September 1861. [source: 4]
He was promoted to fifth sergeant on 15 August 1862 [?]. [sources: 3, 5]
He was killed by a musket ball on 3 May 1863 at Chancellorsville, Virginia. His body was left on the field. He was a sergeant in company C. [sources: 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 15, 17, 18, 19, 22 (corpl), 23]
On 21 May 1863, his widow, Elizabeth Bisbing, applied successfully for a pension. She was then living at 5 Mendin Place, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was granted a pension on 29 September 1863, commencing 3 May, at $8 per month. (She received an additional $2 per month while Henry was less than 16.) [sources: 9, 10, 15, 21]
In 1870, his widow, Elizabeth Bisbing, was living in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was living with their children George and Harry. [source: 12]
In 1880, his widow, Elizabeth Bisbing, was living at 911 15th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was living with her son George M and his family. [source: 14]
Effective 19 March 1886, Elizabeth's pension was increased to $12 per month. [source: 21]
In 1900, his widow, Elizabeth Bisbing, was living at 1222 13th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was living with her son Harry and his wife. [source: 16]
In 1910, his widow, Elizabeth Bisbing, was living at 1720 North Sydenham Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was living with her daughter-in-law Mary and granddaughter Elsie. She had had four children, only one of whom was living. [source: 13]
She received an increase in her pension to $20 per month, effective 8 September 1916. The certificate was dated 25 September 1916. [sources: 15, 21]
Effective 6 October 1917, Elizabeth's pension was increased to $25 per month. [source: 21]
Elizabeth Bisbing died on 9 April 1918, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. [sources: 15, 20, 21]
1 Bates, Samuel Penniman. History of Pennsylvania volunteers, 1861-5. Harrisburg: B. Singerly, state printer, 1869-71. 5 volumes. 'Ninety-first regiment', volume 3, pages 186-233. (In the roster) (John Bisbing)
2 consolidated morning report, 91st PA, 7 May 1863 (Sergt Bisbing [?])
3 company C, List of non-commissioned officers, page 1, sergeants (John Buisbing)
4 company C, List of non-commissioned officers, page 1, corporals (John Bisbing)
5 company C, List of non-commissioned officers, page 2, sergeants (John Bisbing)
6 company C, register of deaths (John Bisbing)
7 company C, descriptive roll, number 6 (John Bisbing)
8 company C, untitled list, probably of status at muster out, entry 77 (John Bisbing)
9 pension index, by name (John Bisbing)
10 pension index, by regiment, 91st PA Infantry, company C (John Bisbing)
11 1860 US census, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, ward 12, microfilm series M653, film 1162, page 133 = 133 handwritten (John Bisbing)
12 1870 US census, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, microfilm series M593, film 1406, page 368 = 58 handwritten (Elizabeth Bisbing)
13 1910 US census, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, ward 47, supervisor's district 1, enumeration district 1200, microfilm series T624, film 1414, page 30 = 2 A handwritten (Elizabeth Bisbing)
14 1880 US census, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, ward 29, supervisor's district 1, enumeration district 610, microfilm series T9, film 1188, page 1 A = 1 handwritten (Anna E Bisbing)
15 widow's pension certificate file, Elizabeth widow of John Bisbing, certificate 6,530; available on Footnote (viewed January 2009) (Elizabeth Bisbing)
16 1900 US census, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, supervisor's district 1, enumeration district 414, ward 20, microfilm series T623, film 1461, page 257 = 3 A handwritten (Elizabeth A Bisbing)
17 death notice, Public Ledger 13 May 1863 page 2 (John Bisbing)
18 'The ninety-first Pennsylvania volunteers', Philadelphia Press, Wednesday 13 May 1863, page 2 (John Bisbing)
19 'The Ninety-first Pennsylvania at Chancellorville', Philadelphia Inquirer 13 May 1863, page 8 (John Bisbing)
20 Pennsylvania death indices, 1918 ("Bisbing,Elizabeth;--48674;Phila;Apr.9.")
21 US Veterans administration pension payment cards, 1907-1933, National Archives and Records Administration, microfilm series M850, film 176 (Elizabeth Bisbing)
22 index to compiled service records of volunteer Union soldiers who served in organizations from the state of Pennsylvania (John Buisbing)
23 index to compiled service records of volunteer Union soldiers who served in organizations from the state of Pennsylvania (John Bisbing)
| line | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 |
| Dwelling number | 731 | |||||
| Family number | 952 | |||||
| Name | John Bisbing | Elizabeth do | John M do | Mary do | George do | Harry do |
| Age | 38 | 37 [sic] | 16 | 13 | 11 | 6 |
| Sex | M | F | M | F | M | M |
| Color | ||||||
| Occupation | Cooper | Printer | ||||
| Value of real estate owned | ||||||
| Value of personal estate | 300 | |||||
| Place of birth | do [sc. Penna] | New York | Penna | Indiana | do | do |
| Married within year | ||||||
| Attended school within year | 1 | 1 | 1 | |||
| Cannot read & write | ||||||
| Deaf, dumb, blind, etc. |
| line | 7 | 8 | 9 |
| Dwelling-house number | [411] | ||
| Family number | [417] | ||
| Name | Bisbing Elizabeth | - George | - Harry |
| Age | 42 | 20 | 16 |
| Sex | F | M | M |
| Color | W | W | W |
| Occupation | Printer | ||
| Real estate value | |||
| Personal estate value | |||
| Birthplace | New Jersey | Indiana | Indiana |
| Father foreign born | |||
| Mother foreign born | |||
| Birth month if born within year | |||
| Marriage month if married within year | |||
| Attended school past year | |||
| Can't read | |||
| Can't write | |||
| Deaf, dumb, blind, etc. | |||
| Male US citizen at least 21 years old | |||
| Male US citizen at least 21 years old who can't vote ... |
| line | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
| street name | Fifteenth Street | |||||||
| house number | 911 | |||||||
| dwelling visit # | 1 | |||||||
| family visit # | 1 | |||||||
| name | Bisbing Geo M | " Mary E | " Charles A | " Emma F | " Anna E | Freeman Francis | Thomas Tennessee | Gillman Hary [?] |
| color | W | W | W | W | W | W | W | W |
| sex | M | F | M | F | F | F | F | M |
| age | 30 | 26 | 4 | 3 | 52 | 84 | 25 | 14 |
| month born if born in year | ||||||||
| relationship | Wife | Son | Daughter | Mother | Grand Mother | Boarder | Boarder | |
| single | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | ||||
| married | 1 | 1 | ||||||
| widowed/divorced | 1 | 1 | ||||||
| married during year | ||||||||
| occupation | Printer | Keeping House | At Home | At Home | At Home | Umbrella Maker | At School | |
| months unemployed | ||||||||
| currently ill? | ||||||||
| blind | ||||||||
| deaf/dumb | ||||||||
| idiotic | ||||||||
| insane | ||||||||
| disabled | 1 | |||||||
| school this year | 1 | |||||||
| can't read | ||||||||
| can't write | ||||||||
| birthplace | Indiana | Penna | Penna | Penna | N.J. | N.J. | Tenn | Penna |
| father's birthplace | Penna | Penna | Penna | Penna | N.J. | France | Penna | Mass |
| mother's birthplace | N.J. | S.C. | Penna | Penna | N.J. | Penna | Penna | Ohio |
| line | 29 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 |
| street | 13th | |||||
| house number | 1222 | |||||
| dwelling number | 32 | |||||
| family number | 50 | |||||
| name | Bisbing, Harry K | - Eliza | - Elizabeth A | Knoll Peter F | Lehmann Oscar E | Brown Frank M |
| relationship | Head | Wife | Mother | Lodger | Lodger | Lodger |
| color | W | W | W | W | W | W |
| sex | M | F | F | M | M | M |
| birth date | May 1854 | Oct 1854 | Apl 1825 | July 1872 | July 1876 | Apl 1846 |
| age | 46 | 45 | 75 | 27 | 23 | 54 |
| married? | M | M | M | S | S | S |
| # years married | 20 | 20 | 51 | |||
| mother of how many children? | 0 | 4 | ||||
| # of children living | 0 | 1 | ||||
| birthplace | Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania | New Jersey | Germany | Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania |
| father's birthplace | Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania | New Jersey | Germany | Pennsylvania | Ireland |
| mother's birthplace | New Jersey | Pennsylvania | New Jersey | Germany | Germany | Ireland |
| immigration year | 1873 | |||||
| # years in USA | 27 | |||||
| naturalized citizen? | ||||||
| occupation | Plumber | Tin Smith | Bar tender | Machinist | ||
| # months not employed | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| # months in school | ||||||
| can read | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| can write | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| speaks English | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| owned/rented | O | |||||
| free or mortgaged | F | |||||
| farm/house | H | |||||
| # of farm schedule | ||||||
| line | 37 | 38 | 39 |
| street | North Sydenham Street | ||
| house nr | 1720 | ||
| dwelling nr | 44 | ||
| family nr | 45 | ||
| name | Bisbing Mary | - Elsie | - Elizabeth |
| relationship | Head | Daughter | mother-in-law |
| sex | F | F | F |
| color | W | W | W |
| age | 56 | 23 | 85 |
| marital status | Wd | S | Wd |
| #years present marriage | |||
| mother of # children | 3 | 4 | |
| mother of # living children | 2 | 1 | |
| birthplace | Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania | New Jersey |
| father's birthplace | Pennsylvania | Indiana | New Jersey |
| mother's birthplace | South Carolina | Pennsylvania | New Jersey |
| immigrated | |||
| naturalized/alien | |||
| speaks English | English | English | English |
| occupation | Own Income | Bookkeeper | None |
| nature of industry etc. | Dep't Store | ||
| employer etc. | W | ||
| out of work 15 Apr 1910? | No | ||
| # weeks out of work 1909 | 0 | ||
| can read | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| can write | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| school since 1 Sep 09 | |||
| owned/rented | O | ||
| owned free or mortagaged | F | ||
| farm/house | H | ||
| nr on farm schedule | |||
| civil war vet | |||
| blind | |||
| deaf & dumb | |||
BISBING--Killed at the battle of Chancellorsville, Sergt. JOHN BISBING, Co. C, 91st Regiment P.V., in the 38th year of his age.
If his remains are recovered due notice will be give of the funeral.
I. The marriage of John Bisbing to Elizabeth Freeman at Phila Pa. Feby 23d 1845 by the Revd Jos. H. Kennard, is proven by a verified copy of the clergyman's record.
II. The Rolls show that John Bisbing, the above soldier was enrolled Aug. 27. and mustered into service Sept 25, 1861, and that he was killed in action at Chancellorsville Va May 3d 1863.
III. He left three children whose names, ages, and place of residence are given.
IV. Power of Attorney in due form to Laughlin and Maddox
Admitted Sept 29, 1863, to a pension of $8.00 per month, commencing May 3, 1863.
Name and Residence of Agent: Laughlin + Maddox Philadelphia, Pa.I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt from your Office of application for Pension No. 22,122, and to return it herewith, with such information as is furnished by the files of this Office.
It appears from the Rolls on file in this Office, that John Bisbing was enrolled on the 27th day of August, 1861, at Philadlephia Pa in Co. C, 91st Regiment of Penna Volunteers, to serve three years, or during the war [sic], and mustered into service as a Corporal on the 25th day of September, 1861, at Philadelphia, Pa., in Co. C, 91st Regiment of Penna Volunteers, to serve three years, or during the war [sic]. On the Muster Roll of Co. C of that Regiment, for the months of May and June 1863, he is reported Killed in action at Chancellorsville Va May 3d 1863.
I am, Sir, very respectfully,On this Nineteenth day of May A.D. one thousand eight hundred and sixty three personally appeared before me, Prothonotary Supreme Court of Pa for the E District Elizabeth Bisbing a resident of Philadelphia in the County of Philadelphia and State of Pennsylvania aged Thirty Eight years, who, being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress, approved July 14, 1862: That she is the widow of John Bisbing who was a Sergeant in Company C commanded by Captain Parsons in the Ninety first 91st regiment of Pennsylvania in the war of 1861, who was killed in the battle of Chancellorville [sic] near Fredericksburg Va. on the 3rd day of May A.D.1863 She further declares that she was married to the said John Bisbing on the twenty third day of February in the year 1845; that her husband, the aforesaid John Bisbing died on the day above mentioned, and that she has remained a widow ever since that period, she has four children the issue of her marriage with said John Bisbing deceased viz: John M. aged 17 years. Mary F. aged 15 years. George aged 13 years. Henry aged 8 years as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed. She also declares that she has not in any manner been engaged in, or aided or abetted, the rebellion in the United States.
Elizabeth BisbingAlso personally appeared Fannie M Whitecar and Elizabeth Simons residents of Philadelphia persons whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit, and who, being by me duly sworn, say they were present and saw Elizabeth Bisbing sign her name to the foregoing declaration; and they further swear that they have every reason to believe, from the appearance of the applicant and their acquaintance with her, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be, and that they have no interest in the prosecution of this claim.
Fannie M WhitecarSworn to and subscribed before me, this nineteenth day of May A.D. 1863; and I hereby certify that I have no interest, direct or indirect, in the prosecution of this claim.
Sam Rob [?] Saunder [??]KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that I, Elizabeth Bisbing do hereby constitute and appoint LAUGHLIN & MADDOX, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, my true and lawful attorneys, authorizing them to prosecute this my claim to a pension, and to receive the certificate to be issued thereon.
Dated this Nineteenth day of May A.D. 1863
Elizabeth BisbingAnd also, at the same time and place, personally appeared the said Elizabeth Bisbing who acknowledged the foregoing Power of Attorney to be her act and deed.
Sam Rob [?] Saunder [?]I, JAMES ROSS SNOWDEN, Prothonotary of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, for the Eastern District, DO CERTIFY, That J. Plankinton Esqr before the foregoing affidavit was made was at the time the same was made, and now is an Alderman and ex-officio Justice of the Peace of the City and County of Philadelphia, duly commissioned and qualified to administer oaths and affirmations, and to take acknowledgements, &c., and to all whose acts as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, as well in Court of Judicature as elsewhere, and that his signature thereto is genuine.
In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court, at Philadelphia, this 18th day of September A.D. 1863
James Ross Snowden.On this Twenty Eighth day of August 1863 personally appeared before me an alderman an [sic] Ex officio a Justice of the Peace in and for the City and State aforesaid Joseph H Kennard, a minister of the Gospel + resident of said City who being affirmed, according to law, declares that the foregoing is a true copy from the record of the marriage of John Bisbing of Philadelphia to Miss Elizabeth Freeman of the same place that said record is in his custody and possession, and that said extract and copy was made by him, and in his own proper handwriting, and he declares that he is a disinterested witness.
Jos H KennardIssue certificate for Eight dollars per month, commencing May 3", 1863, and two dollars per month additional for each of the above-named children, commencing twenty-fifth day of July, 1866, deducting former payments.
T. M. Thomas, Examiner
On this First day of October A.D. one thousand eight hundred and sixty six before me, the Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County and State above named, personally appeared Elizabeth Bisbing a resident of Philadelphia County of Philadelphia State of Pennsylvania aged 39 years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the 2d section of the Act of Congress increasing the Pensions of Widows and Orphans, approved July 25, 1866;
that she is the widow of John Bisbing who was a Sergeant in Company "C" commanded by Captain Parson in the 91st Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers commanded by Colonel Gregory in the War of 1861, and that by reason of his death in the service aforesaid, she has been granted a pension of $8.- per month, in accordance with the certificate, numbered 6530 bearing date the Second day of October 1863,
and that she is a Pensioner of the United States, duly enrolled at the Pension Agency at Philadelphia in the State of Pennsylvania.
She further swears that she has the following named children of her deceased husband and herself, under sixteen years of age, who are now living.
That the following are the name, date of birth, and present place of residence of all of the children of her deceased husband and herself, who are now under sixteen years of age, to wit:
Harry Bisbing was born May 14, 1854.
That she surrenders the aforesaid Pension Certificate, No. 6530
She further declares that she has not remarried since the death of her said husband, nor has she abandoned the support of any one of the children above named, nor permitted any one of the same to be adopted by any other person or persons as his, her or their child.
That she hereby constitutes, makes and appoints H. H. Laughlin of Philadelphia Pa. her true and lawful attorney, and authorizes [blank] to present and prosecute this claim, and to receive and receipt for all orders or certificates that may be issued in consequence thereof, hereby revoking all Powers of Attorney, if any, heretofore given by her for a like purpose.
My Post Office address is No. 1238 Girard Avenue Philadelphia Pennsylvania.
Elizabeth Bisbing
[page 16]
Also personally appeared before me, at the time and place aforesaid, Elizabeth Simons of Philadelphia City and Mary J. Jackson of Philadelphia Cty both in the County of Philadelphia State of Pennsylvania whom I certify to be credible persons, who being duly sworn according to law, declare, each for himself, that they well know Elisabeth Bisbing widow of John Bisbing deceased, who signed the foregoing declaration in their presence, and that she is the identical person she represents herself to be; that they have been acquainted with the said applicant and the said deceased for Twenty years, and believe the foregoing statement relative to the names, birth, and ages of their children to be true and correct, and that the said statement is believed to be true and correct by the community in which they resided. That the following are the name, age, date of birth, and present place of residence of all of the children of her deceased husband and herself, who are now under sixteen years of age, to wit: Harry Bisbing was born May 14. 1854. That she is still remaining the widow of the said John Bisbing
They further swear that they, or either of them, have no interest in this claim, either present or prospective, and that they are not concerned, directly or indirectly, in its prosecution.
Elizabeth SimonsSworn and subscribed to before me, this First day of October 1866; and I hereby certify that I have no interest, direct or indirect, in the prosecution of this claim. And that the contents of the above was made known and explained to applicant and witnesses before signing.
Fred G horbert [??] ProthyOn this 14th day of May 1867, personally appeared before me, City [?] Judge of the City of Indianapolis in the County and State aforesaid, Lawson Abbott, of Indianapolis in the County of Marion and State of Indiana personally known to me, whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit, and who, being duly sworn accoiding [sic] to law, declares that his age is Fifty one years; and that he is well acquainted with Elizabeth Bisbing who was the wife of John Bisbing late of the 91st Regiment Pennsylvania Vol Infty, and that he was present at the birth of the following children of said John Bisbing and Elizabeth Bisbing at the time and place as follows, to wit:
Harry Bisbing born at Indianapolis in the State of Indiana on the 13th day of May 1854Sworn to and subscribed before me, this 14th day of May A.D., 1867; and I hereby certify that the contents of the forgoing affidavit were made known to the affiant before authentication; and that I have no interest, direct or indirect, in the prosecution of the claim this affidavit is sought to establish.
Official Signature, Jn N ScottI Certify, that John N. Scott, before whom the foregoing declaration and affidavit were made, is City Judge of the City of Indianapolis duly authorized to administer oaths, and that the above is his signature.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and official seal, this 15" day of May, 1867.On this 27th day of May A.D. 1867 Before me the Prothonotary of the Supreme Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Personally Appeared Elizabeth Bisbing of the City of Philadelphia and State of Pennsylvania, who being duly sworn according to law declares that she is the widow of John Bisbing who was a Sarjent [sic] in Capt. Parsons Co. "C" 91 Regiment Pa. Vols. Col. Gregory, and the mother of "Henry Bisbing" for whom she claims the increase of Pension. That her sons [sic] name is "Henry" as inserted in the Original Declaration, and not "Harry" as named in the Application for increase of Pension. That the insertion of the name "Harry" in the application for the increase of Pension was inattention in her in giving that name instead of Henry his true name in said Application, and as her Son was always called Harry among the boys that it became so familiar that he was always called Harry in the family.
As to the decrepancy [sic] in the dates of birth of the child Henry Bisbing, it can only be reconciled in this way, the Attending Physician Lawson Abbott, was sent for on the evening of the 13th of May 1854 to attend on her, He remained until after the child was born, which fact occurred after Twelve o'clock at night, or in the morning of the 14th soon after mid night. The name "Henry Bisbing" was
recorded the same Morning--"May 14th 1854"--in the Register of the family Bible where it remains to the present time. She thinks the Physician Recorded the birth of the child on the date he was sent for viz May 13th 1854, or the descripancy [sic] might in regard to the date have occurred in the difference in the time indicated by the watches, at the time of the birth.
Elizabeth BisbingSworn and Subscribed before me the day and year aforesaid, and I hereby certify that the contents of the foregoing affiant [sic] were made known to the affiant before authentication; and that I have no interest direct or indirect in the prosecution of the claim, this affiant [sic] is sought to Establish.
Sam [?] Rop [?] SnowdenActing on information published in this evening's issue of The Bulletin I am writing for Mrs Elizabeth Bisbing, who being past 91 years old is too ill and feeble to do so, to make application for the increase in
The number of her Certificate is 6530, Husbands [sic] name was John Bisbing, Sergeant Co C 91st Regiment Pa.
I believe I have given all the necessary information if not would be glad to give any thing necessary and might further add the increase in this instance is really a blessing for one in her condition.
Trusting this meets with approval, I am,
Very RespectfullyElizabeth Bisbing passed on to the other world Tuesday April 9, kindly advise what steps are necessary for the final adjustment
Thanking you in advance we are,
Very Sincerely| CLASS. | RATE. | DATE OF COMMENCEMENT. | DATE OF CERTIFICATE. |
| 8 | May 3 1863 | June 8, 1867 | |
| 12 | Mar 19 1886 | ||
| INCREASE | 20 | SEP 8 1916 | SEP 25 1916 |
| INC | 25 | OCTOBER 6, 1917 |