Obituary for William H Whisel, Bedford County, Pennsylvania, 1923.

William H. Whisel passed away at his home on last Friday evening, he was a brave

soldier. He served with the Union forces during the Civil War and lost an arm in the

Battle of Fredricksburgh and was confined to Libby Prison.

William H. Whisel, one of Everett's oldest, best known and most highly regarded

citizens passed away at his home, on Water Street, on last Friday afternoon from

infirmities incident to advanced age.

William Henry Whisel was born near Pleasantville, this county on July 4, 1840,

being 84 years, 1 month and 27 days old. For several years, he was engaged in

school teaching in various sections of this county. He was a resident of this county.

He was a resident of Everett at the outbreak of the Civil War and was one of the first

to answer the call to service and was a member of Company F, Eighth Pennsylvania

Reserves. On the 27th day of June 1862, Mr. Whisel was captured by the Confederate

forces at Gaines Mill, Virginia and sent to Richmond, where he spent forty-two days in

Libby Prison and in Castle Thunder on Belle Island. During the Battle of Fredricksburgh,

after his release from prison, he wounded in the left arm so badly that that member had

to be amputated at the shoulder.--(I have read that it had been amputated below the elbow).

Mr. Whisel was a courageous and gritty soldier and would not take an anesthetic when his

arm was taken off, but said to the surgeon "I can stand it if you can," and sat up and watched

the operation. After his injury he was honorably discharged from the service and returned

to Everett. For twenty years, Mr. Whisel was Postmaster at Everett, being a capable and

efficient official. After his tenure of office he purchased the Everett Foundry and Machine

shop from the late Frederick Felton, conducting the business under the firm name of

Robb and Whisel. He filled various borough offices, was a stalwart Republican,

Past Commander of Lieutenant Josiah Baughman Post No. 131 G. A. R., and member of

Zion Lutheran Church.

On February 5, 1965, Mr. Whisel was united in marriage with Rebecca King, who preceded

him in death some years ago. Left to survive the parents are the following children:

Mrs. Samuel (Carrie) Robb and Edgar Whisel of Monessen, Pa.; Marshall Whisel of Hopewell

and Mrs. James Laughlin of Everett. A SISTER, Mrs. Rebecca Whitaker of Philadelphia and

a HALF-brother, Morgan Prosser of Alum Bank, also survives.

Funeral services for the departed comrade were held at his late home, on Water Street,

Monday afternoon, the Reverend George H. Ketterer, of the Methodist Episcopal Church

officiating, followed by internment in Everett Cemetery.

One of his surving children is Mrs. James Laughlin.

1900 United States Federal Census, Bedford County, Pennsylvania. T623_1375, p. 10A Family: 187-189.

Everett Township, Bedford County, Pennsylvania

Whisel, William Head WM, July 1840 59, M34 PA PA PA

Whisel, Rebecca Wife WF, Jan 1842 58, M34 4 6 PA PA PA

Whisel, Edgar Son WM, Mar 1879 21, S PA PA PA

Whisel, Mary Dau WF, Sep 1885 14, S PA PA PA