Samuel C. Bissler
1871 - 1954 (82 years)-
Name Samuel C. Bissler Born 20 Nov 1871 Suffield Township, Portage County, Ohio, USA 
[1, 2, 3, 4, 5] Gender Male Died 1 Jan 1954 Kent, Portage County, Ohio, USA [6] Person ID I11123 Suedpfalz Last Modified 15 Jun 2014
Father Martin Bissler, b. 6 Nov 1827, Bourbach-le-Bas, Haut-Rhin, Alsace, France , d. 16 Mar 1886, Randolph Township, Portage County, Ohio, USA (Age 58 years) Mother Louisa Weis, b. 27 Mar 1830, Birkenhördt, Pfalz, Bayern , d. 29 Mar 1905, Kent, Portage County, Ohio, USA (Age 75 years) Married 23 Nov 1852 St. John's Church, Canton, Stark County, Ohio, USA Family ID F3550 Group Sheet | Family Chart
Family 1 Clara Kerner, b. 29 Oct 1873, Ohio, USA , d. 19 Apr 1924, Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, Ohio, USA (Age 50 years) Married 8 Nov 1893 Children 1. Ira Samuel Bissler, b. 17 May 1895, Kent, Portage County, Ohio, USA , d. 31 Dec 1987, Ohio, USA (Age 92 years)2. Thelma Marie Bissler, b. 10 Jul 1899, Kent, Portage County, Ohio, USA , d. 2 Jan 1983, Ravenna, Portage County, Ohio, USA (Age 83 years)3. Louise C. Bissler, b. 30 Sep 1905, Kent, Portage County, Ohio, USA , d. 30 Jun 1993, Arizona, USA (Age 87 years)4. Robert K. Bissler, b. 9 Jul 1912, Ohio, USA , d. 26 Sep 1988, Kent, Portage County, Ohio, USA (Age 76 years)Last Modified 1 May 2018 Family ID F5655 Group Sheet | Family Chart
Family 2 Blanche E. Snyder, b. 7 Apr 1893, Pennsylvania, USA , d. 23 Dec 1985, Ravenna, Portage County, Ohio, USA (Age 92 years) Married 7 Jul 1925 Ohio, USA Children 1. Martha Elizabeth Bissler, b. 15 Sep 1927, Ohio, USA Last Modified 1 May 2018 Family ID F5656 Group Sheet | Family Chart
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Notes - BIOGRAPHY: Institution began with job hopes By Mary Cain Kent was 25 years old. He was 21?a new arrival from the farmlands of nearby Suffield. "Boom town" Kent, with its population of 3,000, had beckoned him with hopes of finding a job hauling quarried stone. The stone was quarried from the west bank of the Cuyahoga River, near the base of the Main Street Bridge, built with quarried stone just 15 years prior. Thirty-three years later, on Aug. 3, 1925, the S.C. Bissler & Son furniture store and funeral parlor stood at the corner of West Main and North River Streets (Gougler Avenue), just a few feet from the then abandoned quarry. His talent at driving teams of horses was the catalyst to his impending career, as he was subsequently hired to drive for Ira Herriff, owner of the town's only furniture store and funeral parlor. A mutual admiration society was founded between the two which resulted in his 21-year employment, until the death of Herriff.
According to his only surviving son Robert Bissler, "My father loved the business instantly. It was marriage overnight." Then in 1913, the 66-year tradition of S.C. Bissler & Son was begun when 45- year-old Sam and his 18- year-old son Ira opened this first store at 114 East Main Street. Just prior to its opening Sam Bissler operated a small livery which rented horses and wagons to migrant construction workers who were building a dam near Kent. Supervisors for the construction companies inquired where they could purchase mattresses and cots for workers. Bissler located the goods and finalized his first independent sale before his first store was opened. Growing pains forced the budding company into the building at 112 East Main St., including the second levels of both buildings. Robert remembered his father and brother as enterprising retailers. The pair would regularly load the company van with pianos and travel the countryside selling pianos door-to-door. Being enterprising also led to further expansion and Bissler's decision to construct a new facility. Sam Bissler had long admired the property at the corner of West Main and North River Streets, which was owned by the local banker William Kent, the son of the late Marvin Kent. Kent's namesake, Marvin Kent, had always reserved that particular parcel of land for the future location of a hotel. His son respected his wishes and never sold the land, but in 1923, William died and the heirs of the property ordered it sold. Thus after three generations, the landowner era ended for the Kent family. Local businessmen warned Bissler the venture was ill-fated, claiming that retail business located across the river would never last. "It isn't often a family business can operate so smoothly," said Robert Bissler. "Everyone just works together and does what ever needs to be done. It's strictly a family operation." Construction on the 18,000 square foot brick building began early in 1925 and was completed by the Aug. 1 deadline set for construction. Townspeople watched the construction of the $60,000 retail facility with interest, speculating whether they would "get Sam in" by the deadline.
On Aug. 2, 1925 at a 3 p.m., the final sale was completed and the doors of the East Main Street establishment closed, later to be reopened as McCrory's 5 & 10 Cent Store. The move was completed overnight with the new establishment opening its doors for business at 7:30 the next morning. During afternoon and evening receptions, no sales were allowed and flowers were given to the first visitors. Entertainment was provided the entire day by a musical trio consisting of a pianist, cellist and a violinist. The original establishment was divided and included ample space to accommodate both the furniture store and the funeral parlor under one roof. The funeral parlor was approximately one-third of the first floor with a separate entrance near the bridge walkway. Furniture was on display in the basement, first and second floor levels. The outside of the establishment looks comparatively the same today as it did in 1925. Gone are the plate glass windows installed on the second story. Remaining is the lighted sign which vertically spells out "Bissler's." Although the operation of the family business has remained constant over the years, prices have changed. Rick Bissler, great-grandson of Sam Bissler, illustrated the price changes with a 1932 sales slip. The sales slip showed that a complete household of furniture, including kitchen appliances, was purchased for less than $400.
Then came the addition of another partner in 1939. Robert was added and an "s" was added to the "& Son" ending to the business name. Dick Bissler was the first member of the third generation to complete his embalmers and funeral operator's certification. Rick Bissler was the first member of the fourth generation to join the family institution. Presently Robert heads the company as president. "I plan to remain active as long as I can breathe," he said. Robert is a past president of the Kent Chamber of Commerce, a board member of Huntington-Portage National Bank, life member of Kiwanis and honorary life member of the Knights of Columbus. In 1943, Bissler's was selected to become a member of the National Selected Morticians. Robert served a three-year term on the board of the nationally known organization. He was selected as its president in 1965. Married in 1943, he and his wife Eve have four daughters and two grandchildren. The late Ira Bissler had three sons: Jerry F., who serves as company secretary; Richard S., who serves as treasurer; and Father Thomas, a priest serving in the Youngstown Diocese. Jerry and Richard received their embalmers and funeral director's certification in the early 1940's. Rick was the first member of the four generation to be certified. After 28 years of business, a split occurred in 1942, but it was due to expansion and exasperation.
The funeral facilities were moved to a new location in a renovated home located on the corner of West Main and Chestnut Streets. When the move was made, most of Kent was concentrating their attention on the movement of troops during World War II. Or, the latest moves of the Roosevelt Rough Riders in their opening game with Bedford. But during the open house held in September of 1942, residents took note of the modern facilities including air-conditioning and a complete sound system. An elevator was also installed serving three levels of the Colonial home. To ensure a smooth and quiet ride, a 40- foot, below ground elevator shaft was installed as a counter-balance. The funeral home was again renovated and expanded to its present size in 1976. Four generations have succeeded in the family enterprise and the business has continued to operate the same as it was begun in 1914. Samuel Bissler came to Kent to find work and ended up investing a lifetime. In 1892 his only collateral consisted of a horse-drawn carriage and a suit of clothes. In turn the Kent community has collected the interest?a 66-year tradition of service.
And the story continues? We experienced some major changes in the late 1980's. Jerry Bissler died in October of 1986. He had been ill a while, but this loss was very hard on the organization. Dick Bissler retired shortly after his 65th birthday at the end of 1987. We, then, rethought the goals and direction of the business and chose to close the Furniture Store part of the business the end of February 1988. This was a major change, yet it allowed for some other enhancements and focus to the Funeral Service facet.
West Main and Chestnut Streets
The changes did not stop there. September of 1988 brought a great deal of unexpected change with the deaths of Dick Bissler, Mary Bissler and Bob Bissler. Mary was the widow of Ira, one of the founding partners and a major stockholder for years. One of the most fortunate things for the continuation of this family business is that Bob, Dick and Jerry had done their homework in succession planning. It is through their foresight that the business was on solid ground legally and that the business could then focus on growth. The next eleven years brought a sustained remodeling and renovation of the Funeral Home. This plan included the installation of a cremator and addition of a business office with a separate entrance. Many families have a difficult time coming back into the doors of the Funeral home after the services are complete. The entrance for the Business office allows them to return to pick up Acknowledgement cards or Certified Copies of the Death Certificates and not use the "funeral" entrance. Our growth plan keeps us on the leading edge of Funeral Service, so the Cremator installation was a natural part of the plan. Also during these years the Furniture Store building was sold. It has been remodeled into some of Kent's more sought after office space. Our Growth plan is still in place and we are continually working to keep the needs and desires of our families as our goal. We strive to never answer to a family's request with "We don't do that here." Our aim is to assist families in planning a service that skeaks to the life that has been lived; no matter if that includes motorcycles, "Brink's" trucks or High Tea.
- BIOGRAPHY: Institution began with job hopes By Mary Cain Kent was 25 years old. He was 21?a new arrival from the farmlands of nearby Suffield. "Boom town" Kent, with its population of 3,000, had beckoned him with hopes of finding a job hauling quarried stone. The stone was quarried from the west bank of the Cuyahoga River, near the base of the Main Street Bridge, built with quarried stone just 15 years prior. Thirty-three years later, on Aug. 3, 1925, the S.C. Bissler & Son furniture store and funeral parlor stood at the corner of West Main and North River Streets (Gougler Avenue), just a few feet from the then abandoned quarry. His talent at driving teams of horses was the catalyst to his impending career, as he was subsequently hired to drive for Ira Herriff, owner of the town's only furniture store and funeral parlor. A mutual admiration society was founded between the two which resulted in his 21-year employment, until the death of Herriff.
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Sources - [S38] 1880 US Federal Census.
Name: Samuel Beasler Home in 1880: Suffield, Portage, Ohio Age: 9 Estimated birth year: abt 1871 Birthplace: Ohio Relation to head-of-household: Son Father's name: Martin Father's birthplace: Fra Mother's name: Louisa Mother's birthplace: Ger Occupation: At Home Marital Status: Single Race: White Gender: Male - [S19] 1900 US Federal Census, (www.ancestry.com).
Name: Samuel C Bissler Home in 1900: Kent, Portage, Ohio Age: 27 Estimated birth year: abt 1873 Birthplace: Ohio Relationship to head-of-house: Head Spouse's name: Clara Race: White - [S30] 1910 US Federal Census, (www.ancestry.com).
- [S24] 1920 US Federal Census, (www.ancestry.com).
CENSUS:
1920:
Name: Samuel Bissler Age: 48 years Estimated birth year: 1871 Birthplace: Ohio Race: White Home in 1920: Franklin, Portage, Ohio Roll: T625_1427 Page: 4A ED: 94 Image: 1027 - [S25] 1930 US Federal Census, (www.ancestry.com).
1930:
Name: Samuel C Bissler Age: 58 Estimated birth year: abt 1872 Birthplace: Ohio Relation to head-of-house: Head Race: White Home in 1930: Franklin, Portage, Ohio Image source: Year: 1930; Census Place: Franklin, Portage, Ohio; Roll: 1861; Page: ; Enumeration District: 9; Image: 948.0. - [S927] Obituary.
http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/oh/oh-footsteps/1999/apr/v99-212.txt
Date: Sat, 3 Apr 1999 21:15:30, -0500 From: (MRS GINA M REASONER) Subject: SAMUEL C. BISSLER - STARK COUNTY HISTORY OF OHIO, The American Historical Society, Inc., 1925 Volume IV, page 54 SAMUEL C. BISSLER, proprietor of a furniture store and undertaking business at 12-14 East Main Street at Kent, is a well known citizen of Portage County, and nearly all his business career has been passed in that section of the state. He was born in Stark County, Ohio, November 20, 1871, son of Martin and Louisa (Wise) Bissler. His parents were natives of Germany, and his grandfathers, John Bissler and Joseph Wise, brought their families to Ohio in early days. Martin Bissler after his marriage lived on a farm east of Hartville, in Stark County, but in 1873 moved to Suffield Township, Portage County, where he and his wife bought farms of sixty and forty-five acres, a mile apart, both in the Bissler name. Martin Bissler died there in 1885, and his widow survived until April 1, 1905. Their children were: Katherine, of Kent, widow of Valentine May; Jacob and John, both of Brimfield Township; Barney, of Suffield Township; Charles, of Akron; Samuel C.; and one daughter and three sons now deceased. Samuel C. Bissler, the youngest son of the family, grew up on the farm in Portage County, attended the district schools, and at the age of seventeen he began his career of work, though he remained at home assisting on the home place for several years. At the age of twenty he moved to Kent, where he was employed as a teamster and also did some farming, and in October, 1892, became an employe of I.L. Herriff in the furniture and undertaking business. He was identified with the Herriff establishment for twenty-one years, assuming an increasing share of responsibilities in the management of business. Finally he traded his town property for a 162 acre farm in Brimfield Township, and personally conducted the farm for eighteen months. Selling out, he returned to Kent with the purpose of reengaging as a partner of Mr. Herriff. Shortly afterward Mr. Herriff fell ill and died a few years later. Soon after that Mr. Bissler bought the Burt Eckert livery business and entered into the undertaking business, and the following February he disposed of the livery interests and has since continued in business as a furniture dealer and funeral director. He has one of the successful business undertakings of his home town. On November 8, 1893, Mr. Bissler married Miss Clara Keener, who was born in Suffield Township of Portage County, daughter of Godfried Keener, a native of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Bissler have four children, Ira S., now associated with his father in business, married Mary Armstrong and has two sons, named Jerry and Dick. Thelma Marie is the wife of Rexford L. Sampsell, of Kent. Mr. Bissler has served two terms on the City Council of Kent. He and his family are Catholics. In politics he is a democrat, and he has served as a trustee of the Knight of Columbus, is a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Kent Lodge No. 1376, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, is a Rotarian, and a member of the Chamber of Commerce and the Twin Lakes Golf Club.
http://www.kenthist.org/ohag.html
Bissler, Eve -April 7, 1992- Samuel Bissler and founding of business; family life; Kent quarry and livery; funeral parlor and furniture store; grapefruit farm in Texas; sons and family business; death of Samuel Bissler; Robert Bissler family; move to Kent from Canada; applying for citizenship; trip to Europe; community activities; Kent State Museum; move of funeral home and closing of furniture store; Coterie Society; Athenis Society; [transcribed]
Bissler, Rick - December 17, 1996- farm life; teamsters; Herriff's; Eckert's livery; opening of furniture store; moving out of downtown; incorporation; new funeral facility; Jerry and Dick join staff; death of Sam; new warehouse; death of Ira; end of ambulance service; more family members join staff; death of Jerry; retirements; furniture store closes; deaths. [transcribed]
- [S38] 1880 US Federal Census.