Henry Nathaniel Bishop (1847 - 1935)

Born 8 Sep 1847 in Washington, Virginia, United States

Ancestors

Husband of Sarah Ann (Leighton) Bishop — married 22 Jan 1868 in Troutville, Botetourt, Virginia, United States

Descendants

Died 5 Apr 1935 at age 87 in Big Lick, Roanoke, Virginia, United States

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Biography

Henry was born in 1847 to John A Bishop Jr and Malinda Scifers in Washington County, Virginia. He was the only one of five children that survived the marriage of John A Bishop and Malinda Scifers. Henry's father having lost his wife, Malinda, to the yellow fever epidemic, brought his one remaining child back to his boyhood home in Botetourt County, Virginia. Henry's father remarried Catharine Painter, who raised him. Henry's father passed away when he was a child of 16.

The 1842 Surveyor's Book of Botetourt Co., VA, p. 198: Henry and step mother, Catherine Bishop, inherited Lot No.1 of his grandfather John A. Bishop Sr.'s estate. Lot No. 1 included the mansion and the lot it was on as well as a separate plot of wooden acreage.

Henry's marriage license of January 1868 to Sarah Ann Leighton was witnessed by John L. Harper, his Uncle, who was married to Dolly Bishop. Catherine (Painter) Bishop hand wrote (his stepmother) her consent for his marriage license, stating his father was now dead. Catherine was listed as Henry's mother, rather than a step mother. Adam Leighton, father of Sarah, signed his name. Henry made his mark. They were married by a German Baptist Minister, Peter Nininger.

Henry played the dulcimer instrument. He was Dyslexic and unable to read, as he saw words backwards. He was never able to write his name. His son George was also Dyslexic. George's wife, Cecile researched and discovered this trait was inherited from Andrew Siphers, Henry's grandfather of Smyth Co., VA.

After Sallie's death, Henry lived for 7 years between the homes of daughters, Malinda and Rose, and their families. He died at 89 years old of Influenza and Bronchial Pneumonia. Henry is buried in Troutville Cemetery, Botetourt Co., VA, next to his wife by the inside edge at the top of the hill. The tombstone reads, "Henry N. Bishop, Sep 8, 1847 - Apr 5, 1935". His death certificate clearly says April 5, 1935.

Sources

• 1850 Russell, VA census; 1860 Botetourt, VA census; 1870 Staunton, Bedford, VA census; 1880, 1900, 1901, 1920 Amsterdam, Botetourt, VA census; Ancestry.com VA Select Marriages 1785-1940; VA Death Records 1912-2014; Find A Grave