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- Lewis H. Bisbee worked on a farm until he was 16 years old. He prepared for college at the Anderson Academy of Derby, Glover and Morrisville in northern Vermont. He then entered Hyacinth College near Montreal, Canada at the age of 19 and graduated when he was 21. The course of study was conducted entirely in the French language. Lewis became proficient in the writing of French and spoke it fluently.
While reading the law with J. L. Edwards, a prominent Lawyer of Derby, Lewis paid his way by teaching French. He was admitted to the bar in June 1862 and in the same month enlisted in "E" Company of the 9th Vermont Infantry. Afterwards he became Captain of "H" Company in the same regiment. He served with credit throughout all the campaigns in which his regiment was engaged. He was captured at Harper's Ferry and later released on parole and sent to Camp Douglas, Chicago, Ill. where he remained until exchanged, whereupon he rejoined his regiment. He resigned in 1864 because of his ill health.
He Returned to Vermont (Newport) and soon built up an extensive law practise. He was elected States Attorney of Orleans County in 1860 and was reelected in 1867 but soon resigned to become Deputy Collector of Customs where he remained until 1869. In 1869 he was elected to the Legislature and reelected in 1870. Lewis Bisbee was an acknowledged leader of his party.
Some of Lewis Bisbee's arguments were considered among the ablest heard in the Assembly. Under the Extradition Treaty with Canada he was US Commissioner for Vermont from 1865 to 1870.
He moved to Chicago just before the "Chicago Fire." He had great faith in the future of that city and his success both financially and professionally indicate that his judgement was sound. He had several partners and associates at various times.
Receiving almost the unanimous vote of his district he was elected Senator in the Illinois Legislature. He at once took rank as one of the ablest debaters of that body. His speech for the nomination of Senator Logan has been referred to as a "Model of Eloquence" and had a powerful effect in securing Logan's election.
Lewis Henry Bisbee was a memer of the Chicago Bar Association and the Chicago Law Institute. He was a Mason, Garfield Lodge 686 A.F.A.M., Yorr Chapter 140 and R.A.M.C., St. Bernard Commandery No. 35 K.T. He was co-author of "History of the Board of Trade and Produce Exchange," 1884.
The Lewis H. Bisbee family had the following addresses in Chicago from 1871 to 1942: Lewis Henry Bisbee, Bisbee and Marsh, 187 Washington St. 1871. Lewis Henry Bisbee, Monroe, Bisbee and Gibbs, 713 W. Jackson St. 1872-1875. Lewis Henry Bisbee, Bisbee and Ball, 96 LaSalle St. 1876-1879. Lewis Henry Bisbee, Bisbee and Ahrens, 28 Merchants Bld'g 1880-1882. Lewis Henry Bisbee, Residence 3912 Vincennes, 1880-1882. Lewis Henry Bisbee, Bisbee, Ahrens and Decker, 132 LaSalle St., 1883-1889. Lewis Henry Bisbee, Bisbee, Kern and Reed, 205 LaSalle St., 1890-1896. Jane H. Bisbee, widow, 3920 Vincennes Ave., 1881-1889. Benjamin H. Bisbee, Civil Engineer, 3920 Vincennes Ave., 1902. Harriet Bisbee, teacher, 3920 Vincennes Ave., 1903. Jane H. Bisbee, widow, 3912 Vincennes Ave., 1900-1907. Jane H. Bisbee, widow, 63 Foest Ave., 1942. [3]
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