My Genealogy Hound

John W. Bishop is the present treasurer of Howard County, Ark. He was born in Carter County, Ky., in 1861, the elder of two children, but after the death of his parents, George W. and Elizabeth (Ison) Bishop, in 1864 and 1871, respectively, he made his home with an aunt until his removal to Arkansas in 1873. The father was a native of Virginia, a teacher and farmer by occupation, and inherited German blood from his father, who was prominent in the affairs of the State of Virginia, but spent a number of years of his life in Maryland. He was a soldier in the Confederate army during the late war, and served the Southern cause faithfully until just before its close, when he passed to his long home. The mother's parents were among the very early settlers of Northeast Kentucky, and were married and reared their family in that State. John W. Bishop devoted his youth to assisting his mother until her death in 1870. Up on his removal to Arkansas he settled at Mineral Springs, at which place he made his home until 1878, when he came to Centre Point with an uncle. After attending the schools of Mineral Springs, he entered the Southwestern Arkansas College, an institution he attended two years, and later was an attendant of the schools of Centre Point for one and a half years, all his schooling being obtained through his own unaided efforts. For several years he was engaged in various occupations, such as book-keeping for firms in Centre Point, and since his location in the county he has taken a deep interest in its political affairs; and in 1886 the people showed their appreciation of his intelligence, enterprise and faithfulness to his party by electing him to the position of county treasurer. He received the earnest support of both parties, and in 1888 was re-elected to the position without opposition. In 1883 he was appointed deputy county and circuit clerk, under William W. Hill, and also assisted Mr. Somervell, all this experience giving him a wonderful knowledge of the affairs of the county. He was elected mayor of Centre Point when only twenty-one years of age, but proved an efficient officer. He is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and the Masonic fraternity—Centre Point Lodge No. 87, and Hill Chapter No. 24. In this organization he has held several offices, and is now filling a position in each. He is also a worthy member of the I. O. O. F., and being entirely self-made, the position he has attained in the estimation of the people is deserving of the utmost commendation.