William H. Bishop (1915)
BISHOP, RILEY
Posted By: Kent Transier
Date: 11/8/2023 at 18:03:24
Oberlin Herald
Oberlin, Kansas
Thursday, January 21, 1915
Page 1, Columns 4, 5, & 6Death of W. H. Bishop
In the early morning of Jan. 13, 1915, Mr. Bishop passed away. Acute pneumonia and heart weakness of long-standing, were the immediate causes of his death, altho there had been a general and noticeable running down for the last year.
Mr. Bishop was born in Shelby County, Indiana, April 20, 1844. Was married Jan. 24, 1867. To this Union eight children were born, three of whom died in childhood in Madison county, Iowa, two girls and one boy. The five remaining children are Lauren, Vernon, Edison, Earl and Mrs. J. W. Riley. All of whom but Earl were with their father during his last sickness and dotingly administered to his every need. Earl is in Montana and could not reach here in time.
He was an old soldier. Enlisted in the 70th Indiana infantry when 18 years old. The date of his enrollment is August 1, 1862; that of his discharge, June 8, 1865, serving nearly three years.
Madison county, Iowa, was his home after marriage until 1879, when he moved to Decatur county and took a claim. In 1893 he brought his home in East Oberlin where he has since resided.
He and his wife were members of the Quaker Church in Iowa but there being no church of their choice here, a few years ago they united with the Methodist, where they were loved and esteemed by all. It was his custom to have family prayer each evening before retiring. His last utterances before his spirit took its flight was an humble, trustful prayer.
He was faithful to every trust confided to him. Kept a lively interest in all the affairs of life. His table was well filled with the best of current literature, which was a source of great enjoyment to him.
A good man has fallen. He loved his home, his wife, his children. To his wife he was very considerate and relieved her of the heaviest of the work. He was a good provider. His love for his children did not cease when they left the parental roof. Their frequent visits home gave him untold delight. The finest melons were brought out, and the best the house afforded was placed before them. At one time I asked him why he was putting up fodder. His reply was “I am putting it up so that when my children visit me I will have something for their horses to eat”. While those children will have no inheritance tax to pay, the life of their father has been a legacy far more precious than silver and gold, and will be a sacred memory to them as long as life exists.
________________________The Oberlin Times
Oberlin, Kansas
Friday, January 15, 1915
Page 1, Column 1W. H. BISHOP DEAD
Wife Very Low When Veteran Passes Away
Both Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Bishop have been very low during the past week and Wednesday morning the word reached us that Mr. Bishop passed away at 3 o’clock that morning. All hope for the speedy recovery of Mrs. Bishop but at this time her life seems to hang in the balances.
Mr. Bishop was a veteran of the civil war and as a soldier was trustworthy and brave. He, like many other old soldiers, was not proud of a record made killing his fellow men but of the fact that he answered to the call of his country and did his patriotic duty as a citizen and soldier.
Mr. Bishop was one of the early settlers of this country. He struggled with all the reverses met in this country during its development. He has been patient through it all sharing with the joys when prosperity smiled on the country and bearing bravely the reverses when they came.
Mr. Bishop was a good neighbor and a loyal friend. He reared a large and splendid family of children who are well-known and rank among the very best citizens we have. This said of any man speaks well of his life and efforts and marks a degree of success that many yes, many never attain. We have known him personally for a quarter century and we never heard him utter a cross or disagreeable word but at all times had a kind word to say or some encouragement to offer. Although he had been poorly in declining in health for years he was usually seen on the streets with his associates making the very best of life under the circumstances. You will be missed in his accustomed place.
Funeral services were conducted from the M. E. Church Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 by Rev. A. W. Dick assisted by Rev. J. P. Clark after which the mortal remains were laid to rest in the Oberlin Cemetery.
The G. A. R. post turned out in a body, twenty in number, to do their part in respect to their departed member. The boys who fought for the stars and stripes are passing to the eternal encampment as they are called one by one and soon they will be with us only in memory.
The sympathy of the entire community go out to the bereaved widow, children and loved ones in this time of their greatest sorrow. They can only wait and trust in the promises of a happy reunion in the future where there will be no more sorrow or separation.
________________________Transcriber's note: First name taken from Civil War Pension Index.
Gravesite
Madison Obituaries maintained by Linda Griffith Smith.
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