William Henry Bisbee
Brigadier General William Henry Bisbee (1840-1942)
Born	(1840-01-28)January 28, 1840 Woonsocket, Providence County, Rhode Island, US
Died	June 11, 1942(1942-06-11) (aged 102) Brookline, Norfolk County, Massachusetts, US
Buried	Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia, US
Allegiance	United States
Service/branch	United States Army
Years of service	1861–1902
Rank	Brigadier General
Battles/wars	American Civil War Mill Springs (Kentucky Campaign) Siege of Corinth Perryville Stones River Chickamauga Chattanooga[ which?] New Hope Church Kennesaw Mountain Peachtree Creek Utoy Creek Siege of Atlanta Jonesboro Lookout Mountain Indian Wars Engagements with Sioux Indians (Fort Phil Kearny) Bannock Indian Disturbances (Jackson’s Hole) Other engagements: Great Railroad Strike of 1877 Pullman Strike Coxey's Army Spanish-American War Santiago Campaign El Caney San Juan Hill Philippine-American War Battle of San Fabian

William Henry Bisbee (January 28, 1840 – June 11, 1942) was a United States Army General whose military career spanned over four decades, encompassing conflicts from the American Civil War through the Philippine–American War. A career officer, Bisbee's service was marked by his bravery in battle, strategic acumen, and commitment to his country, culminating in his promotion to Brigadier General and recognition as one of the oldest retired officers of the U.S. Army.

William Henry Bisbee was born in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, on January 28, 1840, to William Orson Bisbee and Harriet Miriam (Ballou) Bisbee. He was a descendant of a Norman chieftain who fought under William the Conqueror at the Battle of Hastings in 1066. After receiving his early education in Woonsocket, Bisbee worked in merchandising before joining the U.S. Army.

Bisbee enlisted in the United States Army on September 2, 1861, as part of the 18th United States Infantry. He served with the Army of the Ohio and later the Army of the Cumberland, participating in major battles such as Corinth, Perryville, Stones River, Chickamauga, Chattanooga, Atlanta, Jonesboro, and Lookout Mountain. His valor at Stones River led to multiple citations and a promotion to Second Lieutenant by President Abraham Lincoln. He was wounded three times in battle.

Following the Civil War, Bisbee was involved in several frontier engagements during the Indian Wars, including roles in Indian Territory (Oklahoma). During the Spanish–American War, he commanded a regiment in Cuba, contributing to the Siege of Santiago, El Caney, and San Juan, Puerto Rico. His performance in these conflicts earned him a promotion to Colonel.

Bisbee was transferred to the Philippines after the Spanish–American War, serving as a military governor in Pangasinan and Nueva Ecija Provinces during the Philippine–American War. His effective leadership resulted in his promotion to Brigadier General in October 1901. He retired in 1902 after a distinguished 41-year career.

On September 3, 1863, Bisbee married Lucy Katherine Shade, and they had four children: Eugene Shade, Katherine Ballou, Haymond Bird, and Louise Lucille. Lucy passed away in her seventy-fifth year.

General Bisbee retired as one of the longest-serving officers from the Civil War era. Upon his death on June 11, 1942, he was the oldest retired officer of the United States Army, having lived to the age of 102. General Bisbee retired as one of the longest-serving officers from the Civil War era. ^[1].He was recognized by numerous military organizations and was a member of several prestigious societies. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

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• rhodeislandgenealogy.com
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