James M. Bishop (1887)Jamas M. Bishop, postmaster, was born in Saline County, April 4, 1842. the son of William and Mary (Davis) Bishop, natives respectively of Tennessee and Virginia, and both in their eighty-fifth year. They have been among the esteemed citizens of Saline County for over a half century. Reared to manhood on his father's farm, and with a common school training, our subject, in August, 1861, enlisted in Company E, Third Illinois Cavalry, serving as bugler until the close of the war. He was wounded at Pea Ridge, and fought at Cotton Plant, Ark., Vicksburg, Jackson, then on to New Orleans, to Shreveport, La., on the Red River expedition under Gen. A. J. Smith, at Memphis when Forrest raided there, and finally was mustered out at Springfield, Ill. He then farmed near Eldorado until l879 when he came to Ridgway where he has been engaged in selling agricultural implements. He is an unswerving Democrat in politics, and for two years was constable. February 17, 1887, he was appointed to his present position of postmaster at Ridgway, by President Cleveland, and is giving satisfaction. November 18, 1864, he married Eliza J. Margrave, a native of Saline County. Mr. Bishop is a Mason and a member of the G. A. R. He and his wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church, and among the best citizens of Ridgway. [1887. History of Gallatin, Saline, Hamilton, Franklin and Williamson Counties, Illinois. Chicago: Goodspeed Publishing Co., 526-527.] is maintained by Jon Musgrave. © 1998 You are our 1066 visitor — thanks for stopping by! |