JOHN H. BISHOP
Page 496
JOHN H. BISHOP
Page 496
 JOHN H. BISHOP, a grain and coal dealer of Bishop Station, is recognized as one of the most prominent citizens of this part of Mason County. His father, Henry Bishop, was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1824, and in 1838 came with his parents to America. The family spent a few months in St. Louis, and lived for one year in Havana, Ill., where the grandfather of our subject died. They then came to what was known as Long Point, now Forest City Township, Mason County, which was a wild and undeveloped region. There was only one house between the present home of our subject and Havana. Henry Bishop was the first settler of this locality, and since his arrival has resided continuously in this place. He wedded Mary Wessling, a native of Hanover, Germany, and a daughter of Garrett Wessling, who came to Mason County about 1844. Her death occurred in 1861, and Mr. Bishop afterward married Catherine Wessling, a sister of his first wife. By the former union he had eight children, four yet living: Elizabeth, wife of Conrad Himmel; Mrs. Annie Kuhnert, of St. Louis; John H.; and William, of Bishop. By the second marriage were born ten children: George H., Harmon W., Paulina, Louis W., Laura, Nellie, Blondina, Ernest H., Carl H. and Edith. With the exception of the two eldest all are still at home. Henry Bishop died August 3, 1893, and his death was mourned throughout the community. He was a member of the Evangelical Association, and served as Trustee for some years, and aided in building Zion Church. He took quite an active interest in education and did effective service for the cause while acting as School Director. In politics he was a supporter of Democratic principles. He laid out the town of Bishop and his name was prominently connected with other works of public improvement. Although he came to the county in limited circumstances, he steadily worked his way upward and accumulated eight hundred acres of land beside his personal property. John H. Bishop is the eldest son of the family. He was born December 28, 1857, on the old homestead, was reared in the usual manner of farmer lads and acquired his early education in the public schools. Later he attended college in Naperville for two years. In 1879 he went to Burlingame, Kan., where he spent two years in clerking, and in 1881, having returned to Mason County, he embarked in business with George W. Wessling in the town of Bishop. That connection was continued until the spring of 1884, when our subject withdrew and gave his time and attention to farming on section 15, Forest City Township, until 1891. He then bought out the grain business of J. W. Pierce, and has since carried on operations along that line. He handles about one hundred and fifty thousand bushels of grain and thirty car loads of coal annually. His elevator, which he erected at a cost of $4,000, has a capacity of twenty thousand bushels. In 1883 Mr. Bishop was united in marriage with Maggie Bowser, adopted daughter of John Bowser, who was born in this county in 1863. They have two children, John Oliver, aged eight; and Nelson H. a child of four summers. Mr. Bishop is a member of the order of Modern Woodmen of Topeka, Ill., has been Road Commissioner of Forest City Township, and is now serving as School Director. He takes an active interest in politics and votes with the Democratic party. |