Biography of Minerva BISHOP, DeWitt County, Illinois Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives Copyright 1999 Earliene Kaelin Source: The People of History 1882 History JOHN AND MINERVA BISHOP John Bishop was born at Exeter, England, and was the son of Nathaniel and Ann (Beardsley) Bishop, who had a family of nine children, five girls and four boys. In 1829 Nathaniel Bishop left England for New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and settled with his family on the James River. John, a mere youth, won found employment in the lumber business so extensively carried on in that vicinity. In 1847, in conjunction with a brother, he came to Illinois, and purchased a farm at Elgin, in which occupation he continued until 1853; when, with his brother, William, he launched out into the grain and stock business at Freeport; but in the Summer of 1855 they came to Clinton, erected an elevator and engaged in the grain and lumber business, which they successfully operated in partnership together; and no firm stood higher at home or abroad for honesty and liberality in business than that of John and William Bishop. In August, 1863, John Bishop was united in marriage with Miss Minerva Moore, the daughter of Isaac and Philona (Blish) Moore. Miss Moore came to Clinton about 1848, and resided with her brother, C. H. Moore, until the date of her marriage. In 1867 John Bishop sold out his interest in business to his brother William, and retired to the peace and quietness of private life. In an imposing building, which he had erected in the north part of the citv, he and she spent their time and money in beautifying their house, taking care of their flowers, and entertaining their friends. None enjoyed the society of their friends and neighbors more than Mr. and Mrs. Bishop; their house was always open, and the closing of their doors by death was regarded as a great calamity to all the social interests of the city; generous to all, their charities were of that quiet kind which was concealed from all but the givers and receivers. Mrs. Bishop's death occurred in 1880, some time after that of their youthful daughter and only child. Mr. Bishop did not long survive his wife, but died on the 10th of August, 1881. ------------------------------------------------------------------ USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organiza- tions or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contri- butor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. ----------------------------------------------------------------- File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Earliene Kaelin