Renselear H. Bishop (1946)

BISHOP

Posted By: Pat Hochstetler (email)
Date: 11/1/2006 at 16:58:02

Winterset Madisonian - May 29, 1946

RENSELEAR BISHOP IS FOUND DEAD

Estimate Death Occurred About Nine Days Before Body Found

Renselear H. Bishop, elderly Winterset man who lived alone at his home on East Washington street, was found dead in his bed there about 3 p.m. Tuesday by Deputy Sheriff Cecil Letz.

Letz had been called by neighbors who recalled that they had not seen Bishop, nor any activity in his home for some time.

The body was found on the bed, partly clothed. It was in an advanced state of decomposition. As far as could be ascertained Tuesday, no one had seen Bishop since May 19, and this, together with the condition of the body, indicated he had been dead about nine days when found.

Bishop was 74 years of age. Familiarly known as "Ren" Bishop, he had been a well known figure on Winterset's streets for many years. Born at DeSoto on Feb. 15, 1872, he had lived practically all his life in this community.

During his active years he followed the trade of painting and paper hanging, but he had not worked at it in recent years.

He never married, and his only surviving relative is a sister, Delia Bishop, of Seattle, Wash.

Burial was made Wednesday morning in the Winterset cemetery with brief funeral rites there in charge of the Rev. Reed Kessler.