Oral History with Mr. F.W. Bishop

              An oral history with Mr. F. W. Bishop
F341.5 . M57 vol. 431
Funding for this project provided by The Mississippi State Legislature, The Mississippi Humanities Council, The Mississippi Department of Archives and History, and the Center for Oral History and Cultural Heritage at the University of Southern Mississippi.
This transcription of an oral history by the Center for Oral History and Cultural Heritage of The University of Southern Mississippi may not be reproduced or published in any form except that quotation of short excerpts of unrestricted transcripts and the associated tape recordings is permissible providing written consent is obtained from the Center for Oral History and Cultural Heritage. When literary rights have been retained by the interviewee, written permission to use the material must be obtained from both the interviewee and the Center for Oral History and Cultural Heritage. Please call ( 601) 266- 4574 for more information.
Biography
Mr. F. W. Bishop was born on December 11, 1897, on a farm near Shaw, Mississippi, to John Watkins Bishop and Marybelle Myers Bishop. His family farmed in the Skene community before moving to Cleveland, Mississippi, in 1911. Mr. Bishop began his education in a one- room schoolhouse in Skene and graduated from high school in Cleveland in 1916. He attended Massey College in Pulaski, Tennessee, and later transferred to Mississippi State University [ then Mississippi Agricultural and Mechanical College].
In 1918 Mr. Bishop left college to enter military service, but the armistice was signed before he reported to duty. He worked at a drug store in Cleveland and later became deputy circuit clerk. In 1921 he and his wife opened a service station in Cleveland. Mr. Bishop operated the service station for 38 years and also farmed some during that time.
In 1951 Mr. Bishop was elected mayor of Cleveland and he served continuously in that office for 18 years. From 1951 to 1961 his mayoral post also included the duties of city judge. He retired from public office in 1969 and spends time growing roses, going fishing, and collecting old farm implements. Mr. Bishop married the former Ione Kent of Kilmichael, Mississippi, and they have two children. He currently resides in Cleveland.
Table of Contents
I. Family Background and Childhood Reminiscences
II. Educational Experiences
III. Tenure as Mayor of Cleveland, 1951- 1969
IV. Post- World War II Economic Growth in the Delta
V. Interest in Politics and Campaign History
VI. Problems of Small Town Government mus- coh. bishopf. doc Page 1 of 20