Letters from Liverpool 1915-1925

Letters from Liverpool 1915-1925 Letters of Fanny Atherton Bisset to her sister Alice Atherton Thompson

Edited by J. Ward Keesling with the assistance of Carol Barker

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Preface I discovered this collection of 12 letters among family memorabilia after the death of my father (2012). They were all written to my mother’s grandmother (Alice Atherton Thompson) by her sister (Fanny Atherton Bisset). They were probably retained by Florence Thompson Barbat, one of Alice’s two daughters, and passed from her to my mother. The letters are only a few of many that must have been sent and the reasons for discarding the others are not clear. These few, however, give a great insight into the living conditions on the “home front” in England during World War I, and the anxieties and worries of a mother of four sons and two daughters, each of whom was caught up in the events of the early 20th Century. Contacts with living descendants of Fanny Bisset revealed that no letters or pictures from Alice were retained.

Fanny’s handwriting proved to be challenging to interpret. I made a first stab at all 12 letters and then asked my daughter, Carol Barker, to assist me in resolving those words I could not make out. Carol was able to decipher many of these, and provided revisions to some I had interpreted incorrectly. Some still remain as question marks, neither of us being able to come up with reasonable interpretations. Carol, who lives in England, also provided insight and references concerning some of the places mentioned in the letters.

James Bisset, a living descendant of Fanny’s son Kenneth, has provided a short biography of Kenneth to be found at: https://bissetfamilytree.wordpress.com/2011/03/12/kenneth-bissetand-the-brothers-that-time-forgot. Some information in this document comes from that source. Ancestry.com ® was the source of many documents relating to the Bissets.

The main section of this document is in two parts: a brief listing of the relatives mentioned in the letters followed by the transcription of the letters. There are four appendices: The first shows photos of many of the individuals mentioned, while the second provides an extract of the military records of Fanny’s four sons. Carol conducted the research into Eric Bisset’s detailed military record. The fourth appendix traces what is known about Fanny’s two daughters. The final appendix contains images of the original letters.

Fanny’s is a strong voice expressing very definite feelings about the war and about English society as it was changing in the second and third decades of the twentieth century. I hope you enjoy hearing her speak about her children and their lives during World War I and the decade leading to the Great Depression.

J. Ward Keesling Pacific Grove Carol Barker Cambridge April 2016 2

Table of Contents Preface ........................................................................................................................................................ 2 Family members mentioned in Fanny’s letters ........................................................................................... 4 Letter 1: April 20, 1915 .............................................................................................................................. 5 Letter 2: October 10, 1915 ......................................................................................................................... 7 Letter 3: October 29, 1916 ....................................................................................................................... 10 Letter 4: August 19, 1917 ......................................................................................................................... 12 Letter 5: October 5, 1917 ......................................................................................................................... 13 Letter 6: June 29, 1918............................................................................................................................. 15 Letter 7: August 11, 1918 ......................................................................................................................... 17 Letter 8: November 20, 1918 ................................................................................................................... 18 Letter 9: May 30, 1920 ............................................................................................................................. 19 Letter 10: August 30, 1920 ....................................................................................................................... 20 Letter 11: October 30, 1920 ..................................................................................................................... 21 Letter 12: April 12, 1925 .......................................................................................................................... 22 Index ......................................................................................................................................................... 24 Appendix I: Selected Photos .................................................................................................................... 25 Appendix 2: Extract of Military Records ................................................................................................... 27 Appendix 3: Fanny Bisset’s Daughters after World War I ........................................................................ 31 Appendix 4: Images of original letters and envelopes ............................................................................. 33

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Family members mentioned in Fanny’s letters The letters were addressed to: Alice Atherton Thompson (1849-1926), wife of Henry Corbett Thompson (1851-1927). They had a son, Corbett, who died very young, and two daughters: Eliza Corbett Thompson (1879-1968), wife of Horatio Ward Stebbins (1878-1933).

Florence Twinetta Thompson (1881-1986), wife of John Henry Barbat (1862-1920).

Henry Thompson (Fanny refers to him as Harry) was an attorney and went to San Francisco to handle the settlement of the “Blythe Estate” (a San Francisco millionaire who died without spouse, children or will, attracting “heirs” from all over). In 1884 Alice moved to San Francisco with their two daughters.

Florence Thompson (called Flossie within the family) married Dr. John Henry Barbat, who was a physician in San Francisco and “demonstrator” in anatomy at the University of California, Berkeley. They had no children.

Eliza Corbett Thompson (called Elsie in the family) married Horatio Ward Stebbins, the son of Rev. Horatio Stebbins, a prominent Unitarian minister in San Francisco. Their daughter, Amelia Adams Stebbins (1912-2003) married James C. Keesling Jr. (1911-2012), and was the mother of James Ward Keesling (1941- present), and twins Thompson Fiske Keesling and Henry Stebbins Keesling (1944present).

The letters were written by: Fanny Atherton Bisset (1861-1953), wife of James Bisset (1852-1893). They had six children: Leslie Atherton Bisset (1882-1949) married Claire Travis.

Harvey Kempt Bisset (1884-1918) did not marry.

Eric Bisset, MC (1885-1975) did not marry.

Kenneth Bisset (1889-1971) married Sabina Ethel Bruce.

Helen Carrie Bisset (1890-1985) married Alfred Deck.

Alice Travis Bisset (1891-1981), married Ernest Deck.

Fanny Atherton Bisset was the younger sister (by 12 years) of Alice Atherton Thompson. Her husband, James Bisset, passed away in 1893, leaving Fanny with six children. Alice wrote on the back of this picture of Fanny and her six children: “My sister Fanny Bisset and her little family of four boys and two girls and no husband to help bring them up.” The exact circumstances of her child-rearing years without her husband are not known.1 Brief historical context: King George V was the reigning monarch in Great Britain from 1910 to 1936. Five different Prime Ministers were in office during the span of these letters: H. H. Asquith (1908-1916, Liberal), David Lloyd George (1916-1922, Conservative), Stanley Baldwin (1923-1924, Conservative), Ramsay McDonald (1924, Labour), Stanley Baldwin (1924-1929, Conservative). Three U. S. Presidents served during these years: Woodrow Wilson (1913-1921, Democrat), Calvin Coolidge (1921-1923, Republican), Warren G. Harding (1923-1929, Republican).

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https://bissetfamilytree.wordpress.com/2011/03/12/kenneth-bisset-and-the-brothers-that-time-forgot/ notes that Kenneth attended a charity school which provided “Home, Clothing, Maintenance and Education to the children of those who once moved in a superior station of life.”

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Letter 1: April 20, 1915 22 Pelham Grove April 20, 1915 My dearest Alice, I feel I must get a few lines off to you today, to thank you for your kind letter for my birthday, please tell Harry2 I will write him next. Well Alice dear, I have had Eric home for his “4 days” leave which swiftly flew, he seemed to come & go – he looked very well in spite of having just recovered from “flu.”

April 15th, they all expected to be moved under canvas somewhere & until that day I was waiting anxiously. April 13 he wrote me, “We have just had our marching orders & leave here (Blyth) Wednesday 14 or 15th for Southampton en route, we think, for France, but are not told definitely. It might be Egypt, we will sail under sealed orders & as soon as possible will let you know.” Wed. 14 as you know was the Zeppelin raid (end of page 1) as you know (sic), had a post card, “Gas bags done no damage, it was a fine sight, we leave Friday 16” since then have heard nothing, but may get a letter today. I have his address, “British Expeditionary Force” etc: which will find him anywhere and wrote immediately, it was a great shock as we certainly didn’t expect the 5th would be going abroad so soon, quite thought they would be under canvas here for another month or two and I had intended slipping off to see him before he left the country, but my little plans are spoiled. I am very anxious indeed to know where he is, I should hail Peace on any terms! Have had quite enough of this horrible war. There is no need for women to join or form any Corps, there are thousands of men who might join, but who are daily to be seen in civilian clothes. What can the women do? Suppose the Germans did invade England (I know it is impossible, but just for argument) the women and children must all go indoors, women, even if they could shoot, wouldn’t be allowed to fight, no they could better (end of page 2) turn their attention to nursing I think the preparing themselves in that capacity. More nurses will be wanted, arrangements on a huge scale are now being made for wounded expected, a big engagement as you have read is about to take place. Schools here are commandeered & I hear the Adelphi hotel as well. Shop assistants are now being asked to join the Army (males) and girls will take their places. Some talk also of (Tram?) Guards being replaced by girls. We have a “Labor bureau” here in L-pool, heaps have had their names down for some time & if wanted will be sent for! But so many well-to-do women fill vacancies freely just as your enclosed cutting remarked “The majority of their (applicants) were from the well-to-do middle class.” I know heaps here who are busy most days in various ways, but receive nothing – couldn’t when they can keep 2 or 3 maids they want something to do, no social duties now to perform. I am not doing nothing, but am not busy in my office, still ladies and maids come in & get fixed. (end of page 3) I wouldn’t dream of trying anything else. Have also a “Coal Agency” which is a help & unless I was prepared to work for nothing I don’t suppose I could get anything from the “Bureau”. If the shop male assistants go, girls who have been in shops will get first chance, many have lost places thro the staff being reduced in other shops, they will quickly get placed. Stenographers will take clerk’s places, but so many women who have put their names down are also absolutely untrained, and it is difficult to find work they can do. I wonder more don’t go in for nursing, they are to be trained quickly, 3 months, & 2

Fanny uses the nickname “Harry” for Henry Thompson, husband of Alice Atherton Thompson. The fact that Fanny will write a letter to Harry may indicate that Harry is living separately from Alice at this time.

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doctors say, an intelligent woman training hard for that time can be very useful indeed. Do not write “Alice / the Norland”3, she comes home today week for a few days to get her clothes in order. She has just got a post and goes on May 3 to some people named “Rowntree” (Cocoa fame) Quaker family4 – one little baby 11 months old, & a boy of 8 with whom she has nothing to do but let him play sometimes with his baby sister in the nursery, the boy having lessons. Alice has seen Mr. Mrs. R – both very nice, live in the country 12 miles from York, salary £28 or £30. (End page 4) I know this is a very badly written letter, but I have really not much time, with office, home & all letters to the boys weekly. Directly I hear from Eric I want to sit down that day & reply so feel this must go or yours may again be put off. 1,000 beds are ready now for more wounded! In addition to all the wounded at present being treated doesn’t it make one feel simply sick, & also long for the end of it all! I am so sorry to hear you have had 5 bad days, surely you have been patient enough! And it must be very disappointing to have had this setback. I hope Elsie, Horatio, and baby Amelia are quite well again.

Nellie has had “Flu” badly, home 2 weeks. Better again now. I have had heavy cold, cough, pains, etc.

10 days, still troublesome cough, getting a tonic today, not been in bed. No word from Leslie lately & cannot understand why they are not over, March 4th he wrote absolutely ready waiting for the word!

April 19, no, 20th and nothing further. Oh!! For Peace! (End of page 5) Give my dear love to Flossie; she is a brick, & no mistake. Harvey5 writes regularly every week, very nice letters telling me not to worry – he is following the war closely, also in Russia and has a good map (which I sent him at his request, & which he paid for). Nothing else to tell you. Kenneth is still in Concepcion, & I hope remains there. We do not consider he is strong enough after his 6 months doctor’s treatment, it is bound to have taken it out of him. I hope when next you write to hear you are really better. With dear love to you all…

Your Loving Sister – Fanny Bisset

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This is a reference to Alice T. Bisset.

'Rowntree' was an English confectionary business based in York, founded in 1862. It invented the KitKat among other treats. The company had strong associations with Quaker philanthropy (the Joseph Rowntree Foundation). The company was bought by Nestle in 1988.

5 Harvey was probably located in North America at this time. The documents in the appendix indicate that he was a “rancher” living in Salmon City, Idaho prior to crossing into Canada to enlist. In a later letter, Fanny says he owned a mine.

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Letter 2: October 10, 1915 22 Pelham Grove Oct 10, 1915 My dearest Alice, To ease your mind at once the post card arrived safely, many thanks. I was very surprised to get the “Wedding Card” that came so quickly after the announcement of the engagement. Naturally, they had nothing to wait for, and it was most sensible on their part. I had written you asking you to tell me the date of the wedding so I could be with Flossie6 in thought. I hope she will be just as happy as possible.

Please give her my love. How are you managing I wonder without her help and attendance generally. I enclose a “green” envelope which you may keep, I have several naturally. The p.c. I wanted back simply because it was a reference of date but in the case of the envelope I have the letter. (end p.1) Well Alice, Eric is in England, but not at home yet. He is convalescent. I will tell you what a terrible shock I got a fortnight ago. I had a letter from the Matron of the 20th General Hospital, France on Sept 28. “Dear Madame, I am very sorry to tell you your son Sergeant Bisset has been admitted to this hospital suffering from a wound of head and is in a serious condition. I will write you each day!” You can imagine my feelings!! The next news might have been worse. I at once wired the Matron for the latest news of his condition and was told a reply could be expected that night, but it only came the following evening. By the next post I got a post card from the Matron, “Your son remains abt the same”! By the next, “joy of joys” a post card from Eric. He was in England, had scribbled a few lines in the train but didn’t know where he was being sent, perhaps Sheffield. So next day, Sept 29, got a post card mid-day, naming the hospital in “Sheffield.” Nellie7 and I caught the next train, and were sitting by his (end p.2) side the same night, 9 p.m. He was awfully surprised to see us, not of course knowing that the Matron had written. Well, Alice, it was an accident he smiled, “ ‘fraid a German hasn’t caught me yet!” On the great 25th of Sept.8 (they were in the trenches on the previous Thursday 23rd ready for their big attack) a Captain and Eric were hurling bombs to the enemy trenches by means of a machine. From 3 to 6 a.m., Eric pulled the lever after his Capt. placed the bomb, the latter exploding in 6 seconds. At 6 o’clock they changed places, Eric placing the bomb. The Capt. unfortunately pulled the lever before poor Eric was clear. The bomb went but the released arm of the machine flew back and caught Eric just over the left eye. It is a by a miracle his eye is not out. Eric had got back a little, but still in a bent position, had he been straight up, his eye would be out. So we have much to be thankful for. It all happened in a second. After being attended to in the trench (all carry dressings with them) (end p.3) he went to their dressing station and was again dressed, at another station had some stitches put in as it was bleeding badly, and so on to the hospital, which he reached 5 o’clock Sunday morning. He was 3 hours waiting in a “Clearing Station” on a stretcher, had “tea,” biscuits and again dressed. Motor ambulances can only carry 4 men lying down at a time, and as this Clearing Station was full of wounded it took some time to get them all away. Eric was in the hospital 5 o’clock had a blanket bath, all of his 6

Flossie, Florence T. Thompson, is Fanny Bisset’s niece. She married Dr. John H. Barbat at this time. She was trained as a nurse and eventually became head nurse at a hospital in San Francisco. Later on (page 5) Fanny tells her sister that Flossie can explain how wounds must be dressed.

7 Helen Carrie Bisset, Fanny’s daughter.

8 Sept. 25th 1915 was the battle of Loos, the largest British battle on the Western Front in 1915.

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clothes were burnt, came to England in some other man’s uniform. All this I got by pumping, I just wanted to know details. On Monday at 6 word came a first convoy was on the way, and beds wanted, so Eric and others were at once sent to England. They crossed from Calais to Dover it took 3 hours on account of having to dodge the mines. Tuesday at 5 o’clock he was in Sheffield, Wednesday I saw him, and on Thursday wired Alice9 to come to us, only 1 hour’s (end p.4) journey. She hadn’t seen him before he went to France. She saw him same night for about 1 hour. The next day Friday beds again wanted, 70 bad stretcher cases coming over! So again Eric moved to a convalescent home in Derbyshire only 1½ hours journey. The Sister of the Sheffield hospital was extremely nice and had told me I could come any time to see Eric as I had come so far. She was very distressed when they had to be moved (so were we), said the hospital was becoming merely a “dressing station” a rest for the men, and on again, and Convalescent Homes are now more like hospitals.

Dressings must be done. Previously, the men went merely to gain strength. Fortunately Eric’s bone was not fractured and it also depends upon how quickly the “dressing” is put on first time. Flossie will explain. Iodine must be put on at once to keep germs out and the air. Some poor men lie on the ground hours before the “R.A.M.C.” men can venture near them, sometimes a comrade crawls (end of p 5) near and they dress each other. Blood poisoning is the trouble. A man in Eric’s convoy apparently as well as Eric was died this afternoon we were in the hospital of blood poisoning, an hour and a half and he was gone, his wife arriving too late. All Eric’s kit was of course lost, and he got all new uniform etc. at the Base Hospital Sheffield before going to Derby. In the hospital when up, wear hospital suits, and go out in them, warm blue suits sort of woolen, lined white. It is quite a usual sight now to see wounded in blue suits and red ties; when discharged from hospital have new khaki suits. It was strange to see Eric on the station, his head bandaged and to have to see him off! Couldn’t take him home. He was quite cheerful and happy, smoking and smiling. He is now in Derbyshire at “Egginton Hall” the Matron, Mrs. Dugdale, is a niece of Lord Roberts, Lord Fitzroy’s daughter one of the nurses. Captain Dugdale (Matron’s husband) runs “Egginton Hall.” Shooting, fishing, tennis, and pays all the bills! They (end of p.6) have 60 men at a time, keep that number up but have more qualified nurses. The Dr. is Mrs. Dugdale’s private Dr.; masseuse gives her services. Servants wait upon them. In some Convalescents the men have to wash up, lay tables, cut bread and butter etc. At Egginton it is different so dear old Eric is in clover. Private motors met them at Derby and drove them for an hour right into the country. They have tea and biscuits 6:30 am in bed, breakfast 8:30, dinner 12:30, tea 4:30, supper 7:00, bed 8:30, lights out 9:00. Captain Dugdale must be a rich man, don’t you think? I heard from Eric yesterday, his wound is getting on splendidly and he may be home in a week. Then he begins his “leave of 10 days, will by that time be “gazetted” get his Officer’s uniform, and am sadly afraid be sent back to the front! A nightmare for me. I’d heard bits from him as yet only. In their first charge in April they lost 15,00 10 men! When “gassed” on (end p.7) Whit Monday11, the Germans came at them 8 deep and our men shot them down like nine pins, Germans didn’t know they had respirators and got a surprise. Well Alice, it has been an experience, and I don’t want another! Sheffield is much darker than L-pool; sometimes, not knowing the place, had to feel with our umbrellas for a step. Top windows in hotel covered with brown paper, not allowed to put 9

Alice Travis Bisset, Fanny’s second daughter.

Fanny probably meant 15,000 11 Whit Monday was on 24 May 1915, placing this engagement in the 2nd battle of Ypres.

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on electric light in bedrooms until blinds down. Police on the alert, which means a fine. Ken is at present in Oxford at “Balliol College” he has gone for 3 week courses of training as an officer. Leslie is in the trenches up to his knees in mud. But writes he is as happy as anyone on earth but prefers less rain.

I sent him a parcel yesterday. The organization is marvelous, he writes, a perfect miracle. It’s truly an awful time. Two ladies I know (name?) lost both sons! 2 in each family, so I am very thankful so far.

This is a rigmarole, but I felt I must get a few lines off. Find love dear Alice, from your loving sister Fanny. (end of letter) [At the beginning of the first page, Fanny has appended this postscript, around the date and before the salutation:] I enclose Ken’s photograph, an excellent one. Eric will have one taken when home. Sending one of Leslie’s too, also excellent of him. He doesn’t like the moustache, but has to wear one. Ken is growing one now.12

Leslie, with moustache

Kenneth, with moustache

Picture from the Egginton Village website.

The temporary buildings were erected to help house and serve the wounded soldiers. It fell into disuse after serving as a headquarters for British Bombing Command during World War II and was torn down in 1954.

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At the start of the war, all British soldiers were supposed to wear moustaches. This part of the dress code was rescinded in October of 1916, possibly to assure that gas masks could seal properly.

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Letter 3: October 29, 1916 Letter from Fanny Bisset to Alice Thompson, 2921 Scott Street, San Francisco, California,13 29 OCT 1916 Sandkey Cottage Meols, Cheshire Oct 29, 1916 My dearest Alice, I have much to tell you, though all is well now. Kenneth has been wounded, and is now in hospital in London, is going on quite well. I have been up to see him from Friday to Monday, stayed with(?) Ethel and her two sisters who have a small flat at Kew Gardens. The official wire was very alarming, “Gunshot wound in face and neck severe”. This was, of course, sent to Ethel 14 in (South?)

Shields and she wired me. Mr. Bruce15 wired France (?) if (?) his wife would go to him, and asked for a permit. Fortunately however, he was sent to England, to a hospital in Chelsea. They were attacking Grandecourt16 and had 1000 yds to go under heavy fire, then got about 800 yds when he was knocked down by a stinging blow, (end p.1) on his left cheek. He crawled to a shell hole where he had to remain 6 hours, it being unsafe to venture out, shells bursting all around. He bandaged himself up (all carry dressings when going into action).

Whilst doing so a piece of shrapnel tore a piece of his bandage and grazed his cheek and hand! His platoon arrived at the trenches in charge of a sergeant, both officers and Captain wounded of his company! The Captain was shot in the stomach and died at the Base. The other Lieut. was shot in the thigh and was in another shell hole near Ken, but neither knew at the time. When Ken ventured out at 7 O’clock, he saw his friend and spoke to him. The stretcher bearers were then out and took his friend away; unfortunately, he has also died! So that Ken is the only officer left in his Company. He went to a Dressing Station to be treated properly, and was inoculated against lockjaw, then 2 men helped him to another platoon where he stayed the night, then 10 miles in motor and horse ambulances and train to Le Touquet where the Duchess of Westminster has a (end p.2) splendid hospital, known as No 1 Red X (Red Cross?). Here he remained 3 days and was X-rayed to see what damage the bullet had done. The Doctors told him he had had a miraculous escape – the bullet went into his left cheek and came out behind his left ear and did not damage the jaw, but it was dreadfully sore and he couldn’t open his mouth for some days. His head was swathed in bandages when I saw him, but his cheek won’t be marked; a bullet hole is clean but makes a mess when coming out – this one has made a big wound behind his ear. He was only 9 weeks at the front, but saw a good deal of fighting on the Somme all the time, Delville Wood, and all the hot places. He can go out each afternoon and Ethel can be with him. I have much to be thankful for, but I got an awful shock. Leslie is quite well again, and has just been home on sick leave for 6 days, is back again in Kent, waiting for the War Office to send for him to begin his training. Eric is now “Captain” but until he is gazetted he wishes us to write (end p.3)

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On the original envelope, California is underlined and there is no country given.

Ethel is Sabina Ethel Bruce, who had married Kenneth Bisset on the 6th of March 1916, less than 8 months previously.

15 Probably Ethel’s father.

16 In the Somme.

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to him as before – Sec. Lieut. His Captain, an awfully nice man, has just been killed and Eric has been promoted to his place. Very sad, isn’t it? They all miss him (The Captain) and he was a good friend to Eric. I’m sorry to tell you. Eric is now on that awful Somme, and has been for some time, although I did not know. It is very cold at the front just now. The Army is providing leather waist coats, Eric has just got his, they keep the wind out. I cannot remember if I told you we had decided to give up our house and are now in a small white-washed cottage furnished – it is quite comfortable. I could not get anything to do and as we were paying £1.1.0 for the rooms laundry to be sent out I thought it better to get into this Cottage which I can keep clean and do some of the laundry work. We only pay 10/6 per week, 2 bedrooms, and kitchen sitting room and back kitchen, off the beaten track altogether and a small piece of ground and here I expect we will remain until the war is over. Well Alice, I am interested to hear of Flossie’s step-daughter’s engagement17. She will (end p.4) have a busy time in the spring when the wedding takes place. Some of my letters must have gone astray. I told you Nellie had given up farming it was too heavy, she had to see a doctor, and is back with her old firm. Alice is also in an office, much better pay than (?) work and she wasn’t very comfortable in her post so decided to leave after 6 months. Then home during the war, when the boys get home she can see them. She can get a bedroom at a farm next door to this cottage – cannot put them up in the cottage. I must really end this epistle, it is Sunday afternoon and about time we began tea making. I have now only Ken at the front, poor Eric has had the longest spell of all – a small wound would be welcome to me, just big enough to bring him to “Blighty.” Very dear love to you all – am glad you had visitors on your birthday. Getting dark – lamps and candles, no gas.

Good night. Your loving sister, Fanny Bisset

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Flossie was step-mother to Dr. Barbat’s daughter by a previous marriage.

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Letter 4: August 19, 1917 Letter from Fanny Bisset to her sister, Mrs. Alice Thompson, addressed to her c/o Mrs. Brooke Ridley, 1033 Green St., San Francisco, California. This letter was written in pencil, the others were written in pen. Notation on envelope indicates the letter was received by Alice on 5 SEP 1917.

(All well)

231 Upper Parliament St. Aug 19, 1917 – Liverpool

My dearest Alice, This is only to be a short letter chiefly on business. Your Bleacher Shares are worth 18/9 now, and can be sold anytime being good. I spoke to Mr. Dowie, stock and share broker, who is managing Ella’s affairs for her. My “Haslans” shares are more difficult to sell as they belong to a private co. and not easy to dispose of.18 However, he is negotiating with a possible purchaser and will then reinvest. I am afraid there will be difficulty in getting the money out to you, but Ella was to ask her banker about it as at present no money may be sent out of the country should (?) and no shares disposed of here and the money sent out (end p.1) of England. Mr. Dowie suggested you could write Lonsdale saying you wished your shares transferred to me. Dr. Taylor (Aunt Hatty’s Dr.) and Mr. Lonsdale are the executors. They will see this done, then I would give the certificate of transfer to Mr. D. who would sell. Now at present it seems the only way will be for me to send the money to you as if it were a gift! Of course, you have first to write Lonsdale asking him to have the Bleacher shares transferred to me. Ella was to write me after speaking to her banker. I will wait before posting to see what he advises. Don’t yet know what the residue is! Nellie is having holidays, we cannot go away, the weather has been awful, today is quite nice so we are sitting on the sand at New Brighton. That is why I am writing in pencil. Alice is on night duty and asleep. A gun made us start, fired from Seaforth and we watched a patrol boat immediately return to the stage(?).

Leslie is in Durban, but (end p.2) doesn’t know how long he is to remain there. Kenneth having 7 days leave, and at present in London with Ethel, staying at the flat which belongs to the Bruce family, then they return to Oswestry. Ella hasn’t written so I wrote her yesterday asking her to reply as I had a letter written to you and wanted to know what the banks said. Eric has just written he may be home this month! He is the next Officer on the list for “leave” so we are naturally very excited at the prospect of seeing the dear boy again. Will leave this open until morning. [restart of letter on next day] Just heard from Ella, it’s all right there will be no difficulty in sending money to San Francisco. Will have to get a draft on a Bank – will have 2 so if the first one gets lost there will be another and if two arrive one will be destroyed, this is usual. But the money must be in private, i.e. sent direct to my relation, and the share must be sold by (end p.3) by (sic) me, in my name, as it is not allowed to sell shares and send the money abroad. So it is quite clear. You must instruct Lonsdale re transfer first of all. Many happy returns of your birthday dear. I am sending you a photograph of Leslie. Have only had two letters, written at sea since he sailed, am afraid some may have gone to the bottom. Must get this off tonight.

Very dear love to you all. From your loving sister, Fanny Bisset

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The British National Archives contains this notice with regard to settlements after World War I: “Steamer: Demerara. Nature of goods: Cottons. Value: £115. Payment to: Wintle and Company. Assured: Haslans Limited.

Date of Settlement: 12/09/1918”

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Letter 5: October 5, 1917 Fanny Bisset’s letter of OCT 5, 1917 addressed to her sister Alice Atherton Thompson (Mrs. Henry Corbett Thompson), 33 19th Ave. San Francisco, California. The envelope shows a number on the left hand side which is a wrap-around from a notice that the letter was opened by the censor. This is the first of these letters to have this notification. Alice notes that the letter was received on the 27 th of October. A small newspaper clipping was attached by straight pin at the top right of the set of pages.

The clipping announces the death of Major Harrison, DSO. Fanny remarks on its meaning in a pre-script above the date on page 1.

Hilda Grierson’s(?) husband, Very sad isn’t it? I haven’t Seen her for a very long time She was living with her father-in-law, Dr., now called “Colonel” Damer Harrison.

(All Well) 231 Upper Parliament St. Liverpool Oct. 5, 1917 My dearest Alice, I must get a letter off to you this week end, have been trying to settle down each day to write you. I have just had a “Field postcard” from Eric written Oct 2nd with the words, “I am quite well” which is happy reading to me. We are having just terrible weather, what must it be in France. After heavy bombardment we frequently have heavy rains. The raids on London have been very frequent but the enemy will suffer for it yet! Well Alice, I got your letter all right, but mine was an answer to it. I found out through Mr. Dowie, stock and shares broker, that the “Bleacher Association” had to be transferred into my name not yours, and wrote you. 19 So far Lonsdale hasn’t written me of the subject at all. No doubt when approaching a stock and shares broker in (?), so has found out the same conditions and they have written you. Don’t worry about giving me trouble, I’ll do it with pleasure through Mr. Dowie after once it is in my name. “Haslans” (end p.1) is (Cotton) that at present is not good and was very difficult to get rid of! That is why I was advised to sell. (know precious little about it myself) anyway after selling, keeping a sum out for presents to (?) and re-investing, I get a little more than when having it in Haslan’s. Better investment “Anglo Chilean Nitrate” and Java Rubber, both good and safe says Mr. Dowie! Upon whom I depend. No, we haven’t the jewelry yet, and won’t get it until the Estate (sounds big) is settled. You even () had any means of my telling the content of some of my letters to you. I wrote a number up a year ago before storing the furniture but have quite a number again from the boys during the war. I quite expect Harvey will join, but the age up to Sept 1st was 24 to 30 and Harvey is 32! He expected the age would be raised when it would be his turn, but he wanted very badly to sell or get someone interested in his mine before joining.

And I am hoping he managed this, otherwise he will be desperately disappointed. I had another good chat with Nellie20. She came again and had tea with me. She is very bright and looks so much better, 19

Probate records in England indicate that Harriet Cooper, spinster, passed away in February of 1917. The executors of the estate were Dr. Taylor and Mr. Lonsdale (see letter #4). Harriet’s estate was worth £1631.

20 Probably not her daughter, Helen. Suspect it is Nellie Powell, mentioned on next page.

13

but she doesn’t like Bristol and has a very selfish husband!! (?) was a pity she ever married him, he is 10 years younger than she!! A great mistake, ought to be the other way. 21 I am (end p.2) sorry she is not in L-pool , she could often come and see me and in Bristol has very few friends. Poor Flossie22, how she does suffer! What a mercy to have married a Doctor! She is sure to be taken care of.

I am so thankful you are with her, it must be very restful, and you must let it be too Alice, and not worry!

Now take this sage advice from your Sister! I am reading over your letter. The “Bleachers” were quoted at this time I wrote in a Manchester paper (Mr. Dowie) at 18/9. I don’t think Uncle Tom 23 helped Aunt H by suggestion, she always told me she did it alone, with the help of a solicitor, since dead. I am quite well in health, have had wonderful health really all my life, and I hope it only continues, but am worried all the time about Eric. Leslie is on his way to (Bamber?) Uganda! A long way, isn’t it? But he will be safer comparatively speaking. Ken is still Bombing Officer in Oswestry, Lord French has just been there inspecting troops. I send my letters to Harvey to “Dillon(?)” but he is up country at present and they are forwarded. I’ll let you know what he does. You remember Nellie Powell saw all the boys and fell in love with Harvey. She still has a warm (?) for him. Leslie is more like Jim 24 than Eric, the (?) quick in his movements, (?), thin figure, small hands (end p.3) and feet for a man, fond of small (?) (just like Jim was). Eric is much more deliberate, cautious very steady going, hard working, full of fun and like Jim a good mimic. Leslie makes friends very quickly (like Jim) Eric slower to do so. (Jack?) always says when he sees Eric, he sees me! Eric, Harvey and Alice are very much alike. The butcher in Lark Lane once said, “as long as your daughter (meaning Alice) lives, you will never be dead,” a queer way of putting it. Well this is a long letter, it is nearly 10 pm. Alice has 3 shifts, 7 am to 3 pm in one week, another week 3 pm to 10 pm. 3rd week 10 pm to 7 am. When Nellie called she was fast asleep in bed being on night duty, 10 pm to 7 am. First time she called Alice was on 3 to 10 pm., as she had to go to Seaforth, it means leaving an hour before work begins. For instance this week it is 7 am to 3, she leaves home ¼ to 6 to catch train and overhead train. I will write more frequently in future. Take care of yourself Alice dear. I do wish you had my health! 25 But the rest of mind (particularly) and body will do you a great deal of good I am convinced. My dear love to Flossie whom I hope is really better now. I wish I could be with you both! For a time I mean, but these are such restless, feverish days, I just wait for the papers. (end p.4) Too bad we are so far away from each other. Good night dear, very dear love from Your loving sister, Fanny Bisset

21

Henry Thompson was two years younger than Alice; had Fanny forgotten, or was she making a point?

Alice appears to have lived with Flossie for much of the latter part of her life.

23 Probably Uncle Tom Cooper. Aunt H. was Aunt Harriet Cooper.

24 Jim is the name of Fanny Bisset’s husband, who had passed away some time before. In context, she is comparing her sons to her late husband. Alice might have known James Bisset because James and Fanny married in 1882, two years before Alice moved to San Francisco. Alice might have known Leslie as a baby. The Thompson family bible shows that Fanny was a “sponsor” when Elsie Thompson was baptized.

25 In a brief memoir about her early years, Elsie Thompson (later Stebbins), daughter of Alice, says that once, when asked about her parents when she was quite young, she allegedly replied, “My father is and Englishman, and my mother is an invalid.”

22

14

Letter 6: June 29, 1918 Letter from Fanny Bisset to Alice Thompson on 29 June 1918. This letter was addressed c/o Dr. J. H. Barbat, but uses the same street address as before (33 19th St., San Francisco, California). Alice notes on the back of the envelope (which shows that the censor opened it) that she received the letter on 27 July and responded on 30 July. This letter also has a note written at the top ahead of the salutation.

It was impossible to see the Dr. in London named “Ormond,” he performs 15 operations daily!! And has no time to spare to talk to parents, tells the patient all there is to tell. I saw and talked with the Sister.

231 Upper Parliament St. Liverpool

June 29, 1918

My dearest Alice, Many thanks dear for your kind letter of May 24, which has just reached me after having received the one of May 27 – the reason being you addressed the May 24 letter to “London” which caused the delay.

Well Alice, Leslie is just the same and expects by any post to hear from London there is a vacancy for him at Portland Place (Officers branch of St. Dunstan’s26) where he will go up. The name you couldn’t make out is “Sir Arthur Pearson” of Pearson’s Magazine. He went blind 6 years ago and since the war has interested himself entirely in blinded soldiers and sailors. (who?) called to see Leslie in the London hospital and Leslie has written him “in Braille” asking if there is room etc. Thank (end of p.1) Flossie please for speaking to the doctors. If Leslie is to regain his sight I think it will come gradually as it left him not with a shock! In my last to you I told you he was to see a clever American Dr. in London named “May(?)” and we are anxiously waiting to hear the result of this interview. “Claire Travis” (not Stair) look at my letter again. It must have been Eric meant “not quite strong yet” as Kenneth is quite fit and in England. I will be as kind as possible to Major Clay Stayer when he calls, but our flat is very small, not an up-to-date one. The latter are beyond us. Eric’s leave is over, and he is back again North, Hornsea near Hull where he has re-joined his unit. He is safe for a month at least. I don’t think will be sent out yet awhile, he isn’t fit yet for strenuous work27, but looks well and (?) much better than Leslie.

Whilst writing (Saturday Evenings) Nellie is knitting and Leslie on the couch (end p.2) smoking, Alice not home yet from munitions. Yes, the idea of being torpedoed when blind made me shudder! His thought was “if only I could see, I could help in a boat!” It’s very terrible, but I am hoping all the time and we keep cheerful before him. I told Leslie what the Dr. said, and also about the blind soldier who has regained his sight and he was very interested. There are often cases similar in our papers. Harvey is very distressed about Leslie, and writes he cannot get him out of his mind, even dreams about him! Remembers him always as so keen and energetic and thinks he is very plucky to be so cheerful under the circumstances and has been speaking to a man who had studied osteopathy and wondered if an osteopath could help him. This man told Harvey the optic nerve comes from the fourth

26

St Dunstan's Institute (now Blind Veterans UK) for men and women blinded on war service was first opened in London in February 1915, and St Dunstan's Villa in Regent's Park was an early location (it's now – 2015 -- the home of the U.S. Ambassador). At the end of the First World War a BVUK convalescent home was opened in Brighton at 12-14 Portland Place.

27 Eric’s military records (see appendix) indicate that he was severely wounded after Fanny posted letter #5. The records indicate that he was declared fit to serve again on August 29, 1918.

15

dorsal of the vertebrae, runs up the back of the neck then forks, a nerve running above each ear to the eye. He thinks it quite possible (end p.3) that a good osteopath could work on the nerve (rubbing, etc) and revive it. Doesn’t this sound like your soldier’s cure? I will let you know how things progress. As you see, I haven’t much time for writing, the flat to keep going, cooking, etc: the latter I hate!! But it must be done! I prefer clerical work, so much cleaner!! Nellie Powell has been here to tea and saw both boys. She was very cheery and will probably write you herself. Weren’t you surprised to hear about Bertie? Nothing more at present, if only Leslie can see how different things will be but I am hoping on all the time, the sun is shining and it’s all the same to him, poor boy. Many thanks again dear for your sympathetic letter, also to Flossie for her kindness. Very dear love to you all, including Harry, from Your loving sister, Fanny Bisset

16

Letter 7: August 11, 1918 231 Upper Parliament St. L-pool Aug. 11, 1918 My dearest Alice, I have received yours of the 11th July, but mine to you have crossed yours, as I’ve written twice since May 23. In one letter I told you Bertie was quite well again, and she and Hilda are curing together near Oxford. I also told you Leslie was just the same, but back again in London. He first went to Portland Place (an Officers branch of the St. Dunstans) but it is now closed for the Summer holidays and re-opens Sept 7. So Leslie and 4 other officers are at present at “Abney-Ho?” (Abney House) Bourne End Bucks, a lovely house and (end p.1) garden, guests of Lady Morgan, who is Sir Arthur Pearson’s daughter. Whilst here, Leslie got Spanish flu and a nurse was sent from London to attend to him, so he is in excellent hands. Each morning they are motored to St. Dunstan’s to have their Braille lesson. Claire’s sister Mary lives outside London and has been to see him and sent a graphic description of his surroundings. He and all were very cheerful and looked very well out in the garden, and being close to the river have plenty of rowing. He has been seen by a Dr. Lawson, said to be the best oculist in London, who wished him to see a nerve specialist after which the 2 doctors were to consult and see if they could find a basis to work (end p.2) upon. Unfortunately, Dr. Lawson has been taken ill and gone away for a month so the appointment with this nerve man hasn’t been made. But, he is to see Leslie again on his return. Meantime, Leslie was to see the American Dr. May, and we were waiting daily for his report when Mary called to see Leslie and heard Dr. May was going away too over the Bank holiday, but was to see him on his return after the 8th.

It is now the 11th. So that next week we may have his report. Strange to say, one of the officers at Abney-Ho is under Dr. May now and can see a little; but we don’t know if he were blind before treatment, or only partially so. It is anxious time waiting so long, but each day is (end p.3) getting nearer. I shall be afraid to open the letter when it does come. I’ve written part of this in my last, which I hope you have received. Nellie Powell has been in L-pool in rooms. She came here and had tea with Leslie and Eric. Also after they had gone and I had a little more spare time. Unfortunately the people who had taken her house wanted to leave, so she had to return home hurriedly. Eric is now in Aldershot for a month after that will re-join his unit North. Kenneth is still in Rhyl. Another convoy in today Sunday. Hundreds of Americans marched up Parliament Street this afternoon on their way to Knotty Ash. We waved our handkerchiefs to them from the windows. I am so sorry to hear Harry has such (end p.4) a bad cough, but hope he is feeling more rested now, and better generally. Give him my love when you next write. The cutting you sent was most interesting reading. I’ve sent it on to Leslie, someone will read it to him, just as well he should hear all he can before seeing the Doctors. Colonel Stayer hasn’t called yet, am afraid he will be surprised at our small top flat!! And wish we had a house. The cooking arrangements most unsuccessful, all have to be done in the one room, sitting room, kitchen stove in a kind of cupboard but of course must be open whilst cooking. We long for a kitchen separate. There are plenty of nice flats, all up to date, but quite beyond us. I will write again directly I have (end p.5, continues on back of this sheet) news of Leslie. My dear love to you dear, and Flossie, Your loving Sister, Fanny Bisset 17

Letter 8: November 20, 1918 231 Upper Parliament St. Liverpool Nov 20. 1918 My dearest Alice, What an exciting time we have been passing through! “Peace” at last. But it came so suddenly we could scarcely realize it and with all the flags waving, and general rejoicing my thoughts were with poor old Leslie unable to see the crowds, etc: which he would so much have enjoyed. I am so glad Claire happened to be in London at the time, staying with her sister in Totteridge. So she and Leslie phoned each day and he was to spend his weekend with them, all this during Peace week! Dr. May still seems pleased and (end p. 1) satisfied with the progress. I wrote Claire to get as much information as she could from Leslie, so much easier than writing him and asking questions, and to try to find out when Dr. May expected some good result of his treatment. So far have not had a letter. I haven’t seen Colonel Stayer since I last wrote you, so don’t know if his friend has gone to London as he intended, but Leslie will write me if any one calls to see him and Colonel Stayer will write me after his friend has called. Peace may have upset their arrangements, if I don’t hear between now and Friday, I will write Colonel Stayer to come and have tea with us as on Sunday, if of course he has returned from London, he was hoping to go (end p.2) to Nice as I told you in my last, since then so much as happened, he may not have gone. Ken did not go out after all! is now at “Oswestry.” Flu has been raging here, fortunately we have escaped but there have been hundreds of deaths and many frightfully sad cases. Now that the actual fighting is over I am more anxious than ever that dear Leslie should regain his sight, what a day it would be for us all!!! I just dream of it. I could have talked to Colonel Stayer about him a long time, but it wouldn’t have been fair, particularly on his first visit. All the same, I did get a good deal in so Alice says! But we were so very interested in all he was telling us about “nerves,” the special care at Mossley Hill 28, and now I am waiting (end of p.3) as patiently as I can to know if Doctor Wolfson has seen Leslie and what he thinks of him. Claire knows nothing of this, it is to be kept secret until this Dr. had called. I am wondering if Harvey 29 will get over?

Eric is still in Darlington, hasn’t been up for his M.C. yet! 30 Haven’t our poor prisoners been treated shamefully! It simply makes my blood boil! And to know how the Germans are treated here – far too well – isn’t it wicked. How is Florence? I hope better, she suffers a good deal with her back. Give my love to her please. Is Elsie quite well, and little Amelia? Also Horatio. My love to Harry when next you write and dear love to yourself from Your loving sister Fanny Bisset Ernest Royston (?) has lost 2 sons in the war!!

28

Mossley Hill Hospital still exists; it seems to be a hospital specializing in acute mental health problems. It is in the Mossley Hill suburb of Liverpool, which includes Penny Lane of Beatles fame, and the school attended by George Harrison and John Lennon.

29 Harvey had moved to Canada in order to enlist in the Army as the age range had been raised.

30 Eric was awarded the Military Cross (M.C.), eventually. On the back of a photo of Eric he is identified as “Eric Bisset, M.C. who received a medal from King George at Buckingham Palace.”

18

Letter 9: May 30, 1920 “Elstree” Belle Vale Road, Gateacre31 May 30, 1920 My dearest Alice, That was indeed very sad news you sent me, and I wrote dear Florence at once, but was quite unable to get a few lines off to you at the same time, which I know you will understand. Poor Florence!32 I am indeed sorry for her, it is such a fearful loss to lose a good husband, and I can well imagine how lonely she must feel. He must have been a splendid man from all accounts, which makes it all the harder for those left behind. I am wondering now about you and Henry and what will happen. At the moment I suppose you are with Elsie, and Harry still on the (end p.1) Ranch, which I suppose will be sold.33 I am indeed more sorry than I can tell you that such great sorrow has come to you all. My letter telling you of Nellie’s engagement came at the wrong time. Last week Whitsuntide holidays, Alfred spent the 4 days here and to give them a good time generally, kept me going, and left no time for letters, only at night when I was too tired to begin. Leslie is here now, and Claire for this weekend. At the moment I am most anxious as to Nellie’s future as I don’t know if she is to settle in England or also go out to India! The position is this: the manager of the gardens in (?) has just died and Ernest34 has got the post! The latter cabled Alfred last week, he (Alfred) could have his (Ernest’s) post if he liked to come out, as a good man was needed, and we don’t yet know what he (Alfred) (end p.2) will decide to do. The pay is very good, Alice likes India very much and is quite happy, takes plenty of exercise and doesn’t find it too hot where she is; Bombay was terrible. I quite expect Alfred will be here again in a few days to talk things over. I have already cabled Ernest to keep the post open a month if possible, to give him time to think things well out. So we just have to wait as patiently as we can. Leslie is just the same regarding his sight, but much better in health since having a month on a farm. He is now waiting until St. Dunstan’s find him a farm where he will start work right away. 35 The sooner he gets started the sooner he can marry. I will soon be left alone with Eric! He will find it quite dull I know.

I shall be very interested to hear your future arrangements, but I know Alice dear how very sore your heart is for dear Florence, who has always been such a devoted daughter. (end p.3) Take care of yourself, my love to Harry, and a special portion to your dear self and Florence from Your loving sister, Fanny Bisset 31

This is a new address for Fanny.

The sad news is that Florence’s husband, Dr. J. Henry Barbat, has passed away. They were married for only 5 years when he died.

33 This is the first direct mention that Alice and Henry are living apart, which was the story in the family. No firm date for the start of this separation was ever passed along, however. In the US Census of 1920 Alice Thompson is listed as a member of Dr. Barbat’s household.

34 Ernest Deck is Alice T. Bisset’s husband. They seem to have moved to India some time earlier. Now Ernest’s brother Alfred Deck is to marry Helen (Nellie) Bisset, and Ernest has offered his brother a post in India.

35 Pictures sent by Fanny (now returned to the Bisset family in England) showed Leslie feeding the chickens, and Leslie and Claire on the porch of a farmhouse (with Claire’s two sisters).

32

19

Letter 10: August 30, 1920 “Elstree” Belle Vale Road, Gateacre Aug. 30, 1920

My dearest Alice, Tomorrow will be your birthday, and here I am only writing you! Very many happy returns of the day dear, although somewhat late, none the less warm. Since our return from Skegness (East Coast) I have again been kept busy. Leslie returned from London again, and is still waiting for a farm and Alfred again back with Nellie and me for the weekend. It was more than good of you to send another wedding present, (end p.1), I know from my own experience how tight the money is. She has written you I know and is very pleased indeed with your gift. You will now know, they are not going to India, but intend settling in Lincolnshire, a place called (Frisking?), delightful country, though flat. And the sea 9 miles away only. Your long letter giving your ideas of which you thought would suit Nellie best came before anything was settled. The matter was taken right out of their hands, the “Directors” of the Co. objected to brothers on the same garden but wrote a particularly nice letter so the two concerned had no decision to make. Nellie (end p.2) expects to be married before Xmas. Leslie has been this weekend to Bolton (strange isn’t it?) to stay with a friend (also blinded in the war) married and has 2 children. Eric saw him in the train and the Guard would see he got out at Bolton, and he would be met. Today he returns and Nellie will meet him and bring him home. I have just had a letter from Nellie Powell, she is in L-pool, we are to arrange a meeting. I want her to come out here as I cannot leave Leslie alone. What trouble this old world is in, strikes all the time and Ireland, Mesopotamia, “India” all suffering from unrest. I only hope Alice and Ernest are in a safe (end p.3) district. How is dear Florence keeping? I do indeed feel deeply for her, but I am very glad indeed to hear you are together. Is Harry still at Wrights?36 I have very interesting weekly letters from Alice. She is standing the climate very well and riding a good deal which she much enjoys, took 14 miles (each way) to return a call the other day. Naturally, they are disappointed that Nellie and Alfred are not going out.

I must really stop, want to get some ironing done (small things, mats, etc, hankies). (?) has taken a post again and seems quite happy. Every good wish for tomorrow and dear love to you all, Your loving sister, Fanny Bisset Eric is quite well.

36

The address on the envelope (1001 Pine St. San Francisco) is lined out and the word “Wrights” is written in its place. It is not clear whether this means that the letter was forwarded to the Wrights (would the postal workers know what that meant?), or something that Alice added to show where she was when she got it. Other sources in the family indicate that Wrights was a place name and that the property there was purchased for Henry Thompson to live on by his son-in-law, Horatio Ward Stebbins.

20

Letter 11: October 30, 1920 2 years tomorrow since dear Harvey died! And it seems more like 5.37 “Elstree” Belle Vale Road, Gateacre Oct. 30, 1920 My dearest Alice, I am just sending a short letter to let you know Nellie is to be married on November 18 th at 10 to 2. You should just receive this in time to think of her. It is to be quite a quiet wedding. Several of her friends will be in the Church, but only the family and relations come back here. What a tragic tale you wrote in your letter received this morning! Poor girl, how terribly sad for her! One might well wonder why such a thing should happen.38 I think you must have made a mistake when reading Alice’s letter, in fact, I know you have. Ernest has his photograph taken here in L-pool, alone, sometime afterwards and just a few days before sailing for India, Alice had hers taken, alone, and she (end p.1) probably wrote you she would send them together when she received hers from England. The proofs came after she had gone. We didn’t like them at all, not a bit good and I wrote her not to send one to you. No one likes them, and no one wants one! So, she and Ernest have been taken together in Darjeeling, no doubt you will get one. In your letter you speak of Harry being very thin, lives on canned goods and won’t trouble to cook for himself “that he is and always was” and there you end!!! What did you mean to say? Try and remember in your next. In your letter to Nellie you say you enclose a cutting regarding someone named “Deck” please send it in your next. Poor Flossie, I am sorry for her. I must get more letters off today. Leslie goes to London tomorrow, but will return before the 18th. I hope he hears of something this week. He is just the same, will see Dr. May again. Eric quite well. Take care of yourself dear.

Fond love from Your loving sister, Fanny

37

st

Harvey died on the 1 of Nov. 1918. When Fanny wrote to Alice on Nov. 20, 1918 she did not know that her son, Harvey, had died three weeks earlier, of pneumonia following from the flu, in Alberta, Canada.

38 (JWK: I have no idea what this refers to. Apparently not a story connected to our families directly.)

21

Letter 12: April 12, 1925 24 Parkfield Road Easter Sunday, April 12th, 1925 After April 28 address to 16 Ranelagh Drive North Grassendale, Liverpool My dearest Alice, Many thanks for your birthday wishes which reached me in good time, also for your last letter. You would have one from me between writing the last two. I am very sorry indeed to hear about Florence’s disappointment, what a strange coincidence that you and she should have the same thing happen!39 I hope she is quite well again now. Poor old Alice, you are indeed plucky and most patient.

To have to rest so much and take medicines to ease different troubles!! And even an eye lotion. I am very glad you have such a lovely view from your windows, that in itself will be soothing I feel sure.

Alice’s infant is just a month old! It is too quick really, but when I said this, I was reminded no quicker than my own 3 first boys!!!40 Ernest was sorry, very, but it was too late! The idea at present is to call the babe “Alice Josephine” to be (end p.1) called “Josephine.” Nellie likes their life in India much better, is playing tennis, and having some dancing, which pleases me very much! She and Alice see each other daily and the former is getting to know people, which makes all the difference! You have made a mistake in the 2 men. Ernest, Alice’s husband, has been in India 14 years! Alfred, who farmed in Lincs41 had only been 3 years in India and previously some time in Canada. We hope to remove in 10 days from now. I have made all the curtains ready to put up, expect to be busy for some weeks having no one to help me – a maid, of course, new one, but no daughter I mean. Had Nellie been in England, she would have come and given me a hand.

However Eric is quite good in helping. I shall be glad when we are settled in. Kenneth, arrives in Valparaiso April 15th on the “Ebro” from New York. He stayed at the Pennsylvania Hotel, the largest in the world, as you no doubt know. I expect Ethel and the 2 children in July, when they too sail for South America. Claire and Leslie42 are quite well, very busy with the 545 young chicks which require feeding every 3 hours! Some work, isn’t it? We are having quite good weather this Easter, which (end p.2) is a great treat; we have had such appalling weather for so long and the sun quite a stranger. From all accounts, I think I should like India – am tired of rain, fogs and winds. Yes, girls out of work can get 12/6 or 15/ a week for doing nothing!! That is the reason there are so few servants. Of course they have to 39

I (JWK) do not know what this refers to. During the time I knew her (she was 60 when I was born), she seemed active and very sociable, very well “centered.” She had become a Vedantist, which my mother said was a consolation to her (Florence) for the loss of Dr. Barbat. I was vaguely aware that she had some aches and pains associated with age. She was active in the Sausalito Woman’s club (note address on envelope) and vacationed in Truckee, where she owned a cabin. One of her favorite activities was gathering pine tree knots (from fallen trees) to burn in the fireplace. She introduced me to fishing there in the Truckee River when I was about 6-7 years old.

Eventually, she lived at the Heritage House in San Francisco, where she died at age 105 (in 1986).

40

In the years between the previous letter and this one, Alice has had two other children: Mavis Lesley (b. 1922) and Pamela C. (b. 1923).

41 42

Lincolnshire Claire Travis married Leslie in 1923.

22

keep themselves out of it, in service naturally are kept. A man unemployed gets an allowance for self, wife, and each child not working, a scandal! I was one year without a maid, just a woman twice weekly in this flat, but it was too much really though I managed. The new maid is very slow but clean and neat and can cook quite nicely. So I say nothing at present. Well dear, I must stop as it’s dinner time and have no more news. I am very sorry you are so far from well, and wish I could do something to help you, but cannot, I know. You always were brave, but that is not much consolation to you when you have to continue being brave.43 My love to Flossie, whom I hope is better, and a big portion to you dear, from Your loving sister Fanny My love to Harry please.

Alice Deck with baby (not certain which child).

43

Alice Atherton Thompson passed away the next year. No further letters from Fanny Bisset were retained.

23

Index Alice . 2, 4, 5, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 Amelia ......................................................4, 6, 18 Barbat ............................................ 2, 4, 7, 15, 19 Eliza Elsie............................................................... 4 Eric . 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 Fanny . 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 23 Florence Flossie ............................ 2, 4, 7, 18, 19, 20, 22 Flossie ............................................. See Florence Harry ................................................... See Henry

Harvey .............................. 4, 6, 13, 14, 15, 18, 21 Helen Nellie ............................................................. 4 Henry Harry .............................................. 4, 5, 13, 19 Horatio .....................................................4, 6, 18 James Bisset Jim........................................................... 4, 14 Kenneth Ken ............................... 4, 6, 10, 12, 15, 17, 22 Leslie .. 4, 6, 10, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 Nellie....................................................See Helen

24

Appendix I: Selected Photos

Leslie Atherton Bisset

James Bisset

Fanny Bisset

Harvey Kempt Bisset

Eric Bisset

No photo of Nellie as a young adult

Helen Carrie Bisset

Uncle Tom Cooper

Alice Travis Bisset

Aunt Harriet Cooper

25

Kenneth Bisset

Alice A. Thompson with Florence (left) and Elsie

Henry Thompson

Elsie T. Stebbins

Horatio Stebbins with daughter Amelia

Florence T. Thompson

Dr. John H. Barbat

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Appendix 2: Extract of Military Records Leslie Atherton Bisset was the eldest of the four boys. He appears to have been outside of the UK at the start of the war because he joined the Canadian Over-seas Expeditionary Force in Montreal, Canada.

Later, he was with the King’s African Rifles and Fanny’s letters place him in Durban, South Africa.

She thought he would be safer there, but he was blinded and returned to England. The exact cause of blindness is not recorded in Fanny’s letters (though she says it came on slowly). One family source indicated it was due to “shell shock.”

Leslie married Claire Travis in 1923 and they settled on a farm. The marriage certificate shows that Fanny and Eric attended the wedding. One picture accompanying the cache of letters showed Leslie, with his back to the camera, feeding the chickens.

It seems that Leslie never regained his sight. A message from the daughter of one of Claire’s sisters indicates that she visited Leslie and Claire when she was very young and remembers that he was blind.

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Harvey Kempt Bisset was the second in birth order. Fanny’s letters indicate that he was too old to enlist, which leaves a question as to how Leslie was able to join (perhaps he was already a member of the British military?).

Harvey appears to have been living in the United States. Fanny writes that he had a mine that he wanted to sell or otherwise entrust to someone before he enlisted. In August of 1918 the age of eligibility was raised 44 and Harvey moved from Salmon City, Idaho to Canada (Coutte, Alberta) to enlist.

Harvey was probably engaged in his basic training program when he caught the flu, which developed into pneumonia, from which he died on 1 November 1918.

44

The Russian government under Lenin had signed a peace accord with Germany in March of 1918, which would have allowed Germany to mass more troops on the Western Front.

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Eric Bisset was the third son, by birth order. At the time of Fanny’s first letter, Eric is engaged in the military, awaiting deployment. Fanny reports that Eric was wounded in a battlefield accident, but recovered and was sent back into battle. He was promoted to the rank of Captain. Eric was awarded the Military Cross, but his detailed military record does not indicate the basis for this award. However it does indicate that he was wounded a second time, more severely (Fanny does not write about the incident in the letters that were retained). Here are the relevant extracts (from 46 pages obtained from the National Archives by Carol Barker): 'Medical Board Report on a Disabled Officer' dated 7 FEB 1918. Gives an account of his movements from hospital to hospital, attributes injury to shrapnel, says was operated on in Rouen. Describes 'large adherent scar across back about 2 inches below angles of scapulae' 80% disabled, considered in this report to be permanent.

'Medical Board Report on a Disabled Officer' dated 6 MAR 1918. 'Is very much better, general health quite good, R. shoulder quite well and strong. The scar on in the back is adherent but the scar tissue is improving'; 40% disabled.

'Medical Board Report on a Disabled Officer' dated 29 JUN 1918. Disability: 1. GSW (gun shot wound?) back (he is improving) 2. GSW rt shoulder (he has recovered); 30% disabled, to some extent permanent. THIS IS THE OLDEST DOCUMENT ON WHICH 'MC' HAS BEEN ADDED TO HIS NAME. 'Medical Board Report on a Disabled Officer' dated 29 AUG 1918. Age: 32; disability: G.S.W. Back in action; date and place of origin of disability: 26 OCT 1917, Ypres; comment: 'Since his last Board he has attended 2 courses of P.T. without suffering any ill effects'; fit for general service: yes.

Eric was demobilized on 18 April 1919.

Passenger manifests from a variety of vessels indicate that sometime after the war Eric declared Tenerife to be his place of permanent residence and he traveled frequently between Tenerife and England. In 1926 he and his mother, Fanny Bisset, are recorded as returning to England from Tenerife together on the same ship. No marriage record for Eric has been found.

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Kenneth Bisset was the youngest son. Fanny’s first letter (April 1915) places him in Valparaiso at the start of the war. She reports that he was recuperating there and did not expect him to be engaged in military service very soon. However, by her second letter (Oct 1915) she reports that he is engaged in training at Balliol College to become an officer. Kenneth was also wounded in the war, a wound that might have been either fatal or greatly disfiguring if the bullet had deviated only slightly from the course it took.

After the war Kenneth was employed by Duncan Fox & Co. in Valparaiso, Chile. He had two sons, Donald James Bisset (born 1918) and Malcolm Bruce Bisset (born 1924), who both spent much of their childhood in South America. He returned to England in 1935 and set up his own company, K. Bisset & Co. Ltd. selling products (based on his own patents) related to scoring for games such as billiards and darts, and for financial accounting (https://bissetfamilytree.wordpress.com/2011/03/12/kenneth-bissetand-the-brothers-that-time-forgot/).

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Appendix 3: Fanny Bisset’s Daughters after World War I Helen Carrie Bisset married Alfred Castell Deck in 1920. They lived in India for some time, where Alfred was a Tea Planter. They do not appear to have had any children. This inference is based on their being no records of births to this couple and no dependents listed in passenger manifests showing the comings and goings of Alfred and Helen between India and the UK. Alice Travis Bisset married Ernest Frederick Deck in 1919. They also lived in India – for a somewhat longer time, Ernest also being a Tea Planter. There are no birth records in England for their children, probably because they were all born in India. Based on passenger manifests Alice and Ernest had four children (birth years are approximate based on ages reported on the passenger manifests): Mavis Lesley (b. 1922) (one manifest says Maria L.) Pamela C. (b. 1923) Alice Josephine (b. 1925) Derek Frederick B. (b. 1930) The letters inform us only of the birth of Alice Josephine. The existence of the two older daughters (born in years from which no letters were retained) explains Fanny’s remark in the final letter about having so many children all at once, and how similar that was to her own case.

This photo (from the 1950s) shows Alice Deck, Ernest Deck, Alfred Deck, and Helen Deck.

The young man in front of Alice and Ernest is very likely to be Derek Deck. I could find no records for birth, marriage, or death of any of the children of Alice and Ernest.

With the exception of Harvey, who died in Canada, all of Fanny Bisset’s children appear to have returned to England by the time World War II had ended and all are buried there.

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Appendix 4: Images of original letters and envelopes

Letter 1, page 1

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Letter 1, page 2

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Letter 1, page 3

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Letter 1, page 4

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Letter 1, page 5

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Letter 1, page 6

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Letter 2, page 1

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Letter 2, page 2

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Letter 2, page 3

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Letter 2, page 4

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Letter 2, page 5

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Letter 2, page 6

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Letter 2, page 7

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Letter 2, page 8

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Letter 3, page 1

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Letter 3, page 2

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Letter 3, page 3

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Letter 3, page 4

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Letter 3, page 5

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Letter 4, page 1

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Letter 4, page 2

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Letter 4, page 3

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Letter 4, page 4

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Letter 5, page 1

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Letter 5, page 2

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Letter 5, page 3

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Letter 5, page 4

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Letter 5, page 5

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Letter 6, page 1

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Letter 6, page 2

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Letter 6, page 3

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Letter 6, page 4

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Letter 7, pages 1 and 2

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Letter 7, pages 3 and 4

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Letter 7, pages 5 and 6

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Letter 8, pages 1 and 2

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Letter 8, pages 3 and 4

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Letter 9, page 1

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Letter 9, page 2

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Letter 9, page 3

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Letter 9, page 4

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Letter 10, pages 1 and 2

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Letter 10, pages 3 and 4

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Letter 11, page 1

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Letter 11, page 2

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Letter 12, page 1

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Letter 12, page 2

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Letter 12, page 3

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Envelopes 1916-1917, front

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Envelopes, 1916-1917, back

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Envelopes 1918, front

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Envelopes 1918, back

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Envelopes 1920 and 1925, front

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Envelopes 1920 and 1925, back

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