Frederick and Susannah Bishop of Ross County, Ohio – 12 for ‘26

Mary Ann Bishop, who married Daniel Shotts in Ross County, Ohio, was the daughter of Frederick Bishop and Susannah Kress/Cress. This information came from the 2x-great-grandson, John F. Bishop of Carmichael, California.[1] The goal in this post is to document as much as I can the information that was presented by John F. Bishop.

Frederick Bishop was born 27 July 1778 probably in Maryland and died 20 Sept 1819. He was buried at Bishop Hill Cemetery in Ross County, Ohio. He was the son of Henry Bishop and Catherin Strayer. He married c. 1798 in Virginia to Susannah Cress, who was born 27 July 1776 and died 28 August 1852. She was also buried at Bishop Hill Cemetery. They had five children:

David Clay Bishop, born 11 September 1799, died 9 February 1873 in Indiana, married Rebecca Ferguson on 20 October 1828 in Kentucky.

Jacob G Bishop, born 22 May 1801, died 7 August 1861 in Ross County. He married Margaret Shotts on 7 September 1821 in Ross County. She was born 24 February 1800 in Virginia and died 3 August 1880 in Ross County.

Amos Bishop, born 4 June 1803, died 8 February 1876 in Pike County. He married Sophia Shotts on 2 December 1830 in Ross County. She was born 16 June 1806 in Virginia, died 17 Aug 1881 in Picke County.

Mary Anne Bishop, born 10 January 1806, died 23 June 1896 in Ross County. She married Daniel Shotts on 24 March 1831. He was born 23 February 1804 in Virginia and died 9 October 1875.

Catherine Bishop [no further information].[2]

Frederick probably came to Ross County with his father, Henry Bishop. Both men paid tax in 1808. Henry had 300 acres of 2nd rate land and Frederick for 100 acres of 3rd rate land on the Paint watershed.[3] By 1810, he was paying tax on 122 acres of third-rate land on Paint Creek.[4] However, the purchase of the land wasn’t until 1812. He purchased 100 acres from George and Mary Vinsonhaler of Adams County.[5]

The area of Huntington Township was characterized as “very rough and broken land. The valleys are narrow, bounded by steep hillsides which are often rocky. The land which might be termed level consists principally of terraces or plateaus on the hillsides, and an occasional level spot on the summit of the hills.” The soil was mostly sandstone with northward sloping hills made up of black, sandy loam, which were more productive than the south-facing slopes. Paint Creek flows to the north, while Indian Creek and Crooked Creek flows to the southeast into the Scioto River. The area was good for grazing purposes, and growing such fruit trees as apples and peaches. The area was also filled with heavy timber.[6]

Frederick was mentioned in Ross County documents and Chillicothe newspapers. In several cases, he was involved with estray records, either finding an estray animal or evaluating a stray animal someone else found. Frederick Bishop and Daniel Grubb appraised two neat cattle that Daniel Toops took up in May 1807.[7] Frederick Bishop and Daniel Grubb appraised three stray sheep taken up by Paul Sheeby (likely Strevy) in February 1808.[8]

Frederick Bishop served as a juror in the case State of Ohio versus Abed Myer in March 1909.[9] He served on a grand jury on 7 Dec 1813 for the indictment of John Runkle for selling a half pint of strong drink (whiskey) to Frederick Bishop without having a license.[10]

On 17 April 1811, Frederick Bishop began his duties as Justice of the Peace for the Huntington Township.[11] He recorded several of the estrays taken up in 1814.[12] He also recorded marriages he performed and any cases he settled in Huntington Township.

He may have also been a blacksmith, as there were two sets of blacksmithing tools in his estate inventory.[13]

Being a responsible man, he was selected as the guardian by Benjamine Ralston’s children, Nancy Ralston and James Ralston on 9 May 1815. Along with his sureties, Jacob Eikelberner and William Wallace, he was bound for $200.[14] He was one of the appraisers along with Benning Wentworth and Daniel Grubb of Benjamin Ralston’s estate on 7 Apr 1818.[15] Frederick purchased a black catt, a bull, and a flax brake from the same estate.[16]

On 1 February 1817, Frederick purchased 23 acres of land from Paul Strevy, the location not stated.[17] Paul Strevy and wife also sold 2 acres to Frederick Bishop, George Karr, and Peter Platter, trustees or their successors in office on 31 Aug 1817.[18] 

Being a justice of the peace, he was likely literate. He had two letters waiting for him at the post office in April 1819.[19] There were several books listed in the estate inventory, some in German.[20]

Frederick’s Death & Estate
Frederick Bishop, Esq. died on 14 Sep 1819 at his residence in Huntington Township “after an illness of eleven weeks and five days.”[21] The estate was probated in November 1819. Susannah Bishop relinquished her right to administer the estate in favor of her “brother” Robert Bishop.[22] Robert was likely her brother-in-law. He appeared in court and named Frederick’s widow, Susannah Bishop. He entered a bond with John Hilbourn and Isaac Bradford for the sum of $600.[23]

Robert Bishop, the administrator of Frederick’s estate advertised in the paper that “all persons indebted to the estate of Frederick Bishop, esquire, late of Huntington township, ross county, deceased, are requested to make immediate payment; and all those having legal claims against said estate are desired to present their proven accounts for settlement within one year.”[24]

George Kerr and others inventoried the estate and the estate had a sale on 30 November 1819 which took in $351. Bishop family members who purchased items were David Bishop, Jacob Bishop, Susannah Bishop, Robert Bishop, and Henry Bishop.[25] As Frederick and Susannah’s children were still young, these are likely Frederick’s siblings. His wife, Susannah kept about a $125 worth of goods such as household furniture, two sheep, a bay mare, and some tools.[26]

Robert Bishop advertised in the paper that he would be having a public auction at the late dwelling house of Frederick Bishop on 7 July 1821, for ready money, “a certain tract of land, containing 117 acres, with the appurtenances thereunto belonging, on the waters of Paint Creek, near Robert Johnson’s mill, . . . subject to the widow’s dower.”[27]

Then Robert advertised in September for another public sale on 29 October for a tract of land, “containing 117 acres.”[28] He must not have gotten any bidders in July. He advertised again in January 1822 for a public auction of the same land at Susannah Bishop’s on 20 February.[29] And again for an auction on 15 June 1822 for the same land.[30] He tried again for the 21 September 1822.[31] And on the 28 December 1822, this time by the “virtue of an order of the court of common pleas.”[32] Then, he had another auction on 2 October 1826 at Susanah Bishop’s place.[33] He finally sold the land on the 28 May 1827 to David Miller for $166.66 66/100.[34]

Susannah & Family
In just a few months after Frederick’s death, Susannah led a household of six members, with two engaged in agriculture. I cannot fit the family exactly with the date of births that I have. Frederick and Susannah had six known children, all who were living in 1820. None of them had married yet. All three males could fit in the male 16-25, yet, there is only one who fits best, the oldest David C Bishop. Below is the enumeration in 1820 with the names that should be in the age categories.

1 male 10-15 –
1 male 16-18 – Jacob G. Bishop (b. 1801), Amos Bishop (b. 1803)
1 male 16-25 – David C. Bishop (b. 1799)
1 female under 10 – Eliza Bishop (b. 1818) & Catherine Bishop (b. 1813)
2 females 10-15 – Mary Ann Bishop (b. 1806)
1 female 26-44 – Susannah Bishop (b. 1776)[35]

Jacob Bishop married Margaret Shotts on 6 September 1821. Elijah Truett, a deacon of the Methodist Church married them.[36]

David C. Bishop married Rebeca Ferguson on 28 October 1828 in Fleming County, Kentucky, by Jonathan Smith.[37] 

By 1830, her household consisted of five members. Only Mary Ann was old enough to be listed in the 20-29 category. Eliza would have been 12 and Catharine 17. Were they living somewhere else? Or someone who did not know the ages give the information?

1 male 20-29 – Amos (b. 1803)?
3 females 20-29 – Eliza (b. 1818), Catherine (b. 1813), & Mary Ann (b. 1806).
1 female 50-59 – Susannah (b. 1776)[38]

Amos Bishop married Sophia Shotts on 2 December 1830 by Pleasant Thurman.[39] Mary Ann Bishop married Daniel Shotts on 28 March 1831 by Pleasant Thurman.[40] Eliza Bishop married Thomas Toops on 3 June 1834 by Robert Bishop.[41] The final child, Catherine, married John Grubb on 27 June 1839 by Pleasant Thurman.[42]

Susannah was not enumerated in the 1840 census. She may have been living with one of her children. In a biography written about Thomas Toops, stated an older woman was enumerated in his 1840 household and that she could be the mother of his wife.[43] Thomas was enumerated in Huntington Township and his immediate neighbors was Mary Shotts. There are no Bishop families on the page, but the previous page has the neighbor of Toops, Strevy, Long, and Bishop.

1 male under 1 – Albert & Amos (b. 1836)
1 male 5-9 -- Robert (b. 1835)
1 male 30-39 -- Thomas
1 female under 5 – Susannah (b. 1838)
2 females 20-29 – Eliza b. 1813, + ??
1 female 50-59 – Susannah??[44]

More research would be needed to determine if Thomas’ mother might also be in the 50-59 age range and who might be the other 20-29 age group.

Susannah has not been found in 1850 census, nor has Thomas and Eliza Toops. 

Susannah died 28 August 1852 in Ross County. She is buried in Bishop Hill Cemetery. Her tombstone reads “Susannah wife of Frederick Bishop, died Aug 28, 1852.” This memorial lists her birth as 27 July 1776 with no source.[45] 

Frederick Bishop also has a tombstone photo that reads “F. Bishop Died September 20 1819, 41 1 23.”[46] If the 41 years, 1 month, and 23 days is what the last line indicates, his birth would be 28 Jul 1778. However, the notice in the 15 September 1819 newspaper stated he died on 14 September 1819.[47] This tombstone must be the source of the 20 September date in so many accounts online and in books.

Stuff Not Sure About
Frederick may have served with Captain David Elliott’s Company during the War of 1812, which served between July 28 to Aug 17 in 1813. Other men from Ross County who were listed with him as private were some of his neighbors: David Bishop, Jacob and Daniel Grubb, John Long, George Kerr, Peter Strwy.[48] However, on Fold3, there is a graves registration card for a Frederick Bishop b. 1791 and died 18 Oct 1870, who was buried in Newberry Township, Miami County, Ohio, that used that service in Captain Elliot’s Company.[49] The one service card that came up in Fold3 was for a Frederick Bishop who served in McDonald’s Regiment. As far as I can tell, Captain David Elliott’s Company was part of McDonald’s Regiment. I did some searching in newspapers for this company but found not mention that included Frederick Bishop. He may or may not have served.

A possible baptism record for Susanna Kress at the First Reformed Congregation Church in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, is at FamilySearch, however the film is locked from home.

Church records of First Reformed Congregation at Lancaster, Pennsylvania, 1736-1806, 20349 Item 2, IGN 7856637.

The Ancestry hint pointed to Elizabeth Kress as her mother and Valentine Kress as her father. The index gave the baptism date as 22 Jul 1787, which is 11 years after the date I have for her birth, though I have no source for that date. Her tombstone does not have her date of birth, nor her age at death. I don’t have enough census records to estimate a birth range.

Conclusion
Frederick Bishop lived in Ross County, Ohio, was a justice of the peace, owned land and may have been a blacksmith, and died in 1819. His brother had trouble selling his land to pay off the debt and didn’t sell it until 1829. Frederick’s wife, Susannah lived until 1852. They are both buried in Bishop Hill Cemetery. They had six known children. Their daughter, Mary Ann Shotts, said her parents were born in Maryland.[50]

I still need to research their children in more detail to verify the starting information at the beginning of this post.

---

[1] Ross County, Ohio Families Volume II (Ross County (Ohio) Genealogical Society, 1979), 122.

[2] Ross County, Ohio Families Volume II (Ross County (Ohio) Genealogical Society, 1979), 122.

[3] Ross Co, Ohio, Tax Duplicate, Record, 1806, Frederick Bishop; imaged, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33SQ-GPP6-5D : accessed 27 Sep 2026), IGN 004849222, item 1, image 7 of 97.

[4] Ross Co, Ohio, Tax Duplicate, 1810, Frederick Bishop; imaged, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33S7-9PPD-9SGJ : accessed 27 Sep 2026), IGN 004849222, item 2, image 7 of 89.

[5] Ross County, Ohio, deeds, vol 11, p 268-69, George Vinsonhaller to Frederick Bishop, 1812; imaged, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSLX-G9XF-T : accessed 1 Oct 2025), IGN 008193280, image 151 of 591.

[6] Henry Holcomb Bennett, ed, The County of Ross: A History of Ross County, Ohio, from the Earliest Days . . . (Selwyn A. Brant, 1902), “Huntington Township,” 337-38.

[7] Ross Co, Ohio, estrays record 1805-1809, unpag., 27 May 1807, Daniel Toops; imaged, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QHV-V381-99W8-S : accessed 26 Sep 2026), IGN 008709196, image 59-60 of 484.

[8] Ross Co, Ohio, estrays record 1805-1809, unpag., 20 Feb 1808, Paul Sheeby; imaged, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QHV-V381-99WK-2 : accessed 26 Sep 2026), IGN 008709196, image 86 of 484.

[9] Ross Co, Ohio, Clerk of the Court Records, Order Book D 1808-09, p. 194, State of Ohio vs. Abed Myer, 1809; imaged, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSC3-X3MM-R : accessed 26 Sep 2026), IGN 007920317, image 410 of 446.

[10] Ross Co, Ohio, Court of Common Pleas, Complete Record, v. I, p. 274-75, indictment of John Runkle, 1813; imaged, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QHV-V381-3F92 : accessed 26 Sep 2026), IGN 008709206, image 571 of 652.

[11] Ross Co, Ohio, Clerk of the Court, Witness Book 1808-1819, unpag, commission of Frederick Bishop as Justice of the Peace, 17 Apr 1811; imaged, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QHV-V381-WQ4V : accessed 26 Sep 2026), IGN 008709198, image 181 of 202.

[12] Ross Co, Ohio, Clerk of the Court, Estrays Record 1809-1828, unpag, Sep 1814; imaged, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QHV-J381-997R-7 : accessed 26 Sep 2026), IGN 008709196, image 266 of 484.

[13] Ross Co, Ohio, probate court, account of sale of personal property, Frederick Bishop estate packet, case no. 473, 1819; imaged, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9Q5-K9HN-G : accessed 27 Sep 2026), IGN 005885655, image of 1658 of 2024.

[14] Ross Co, Ohio, probate case files, volume 6998-7045, estate record no. 7005, bond for guardianship of Nancy and James Ralston, children of Benjamin Ralston, 1815; imaged, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-89Q5-DGMF : accessed 26 Sep 2026), IGN 005881343, image 72 of 1814.

[15] Ross Co, Ohio, probate case files, volume 6624-6667, estate record no. 6643, inventory, Benjamin Ralston estate, 1818; imaged, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QSQ-G9Q5-CJD1 : accessed 26 Sep 2026), IGN 005881335, image 1092 of 1850.

[16] Ross Co, Ohio, probate case files, volume 6624-6667, estate record no. 6643, estate sale, Benjamin Ralston estate, 1818; imaged, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9Q5-CJPV : accessed 26 Sep 2026), IGN 005881335, image 1091 of 1850.

[17] Ross Co, Ohio, deed, v. 14, p. 115, Paul Strevy to Frederick Bishop, 1817; imaged, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSTH-YSJ7-N : accessed 2 Oct 2025); IGN 008330722, image 72 of 376.

[18] Ross Co, Ohio, deed, v. 14, p. 114, Paul Strevy to Frederick Bishop, et al, 1817; imaged, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSTH-YSJH-9 : accessed 26 Sep 2026), IGN 008330722, image 71-72 of 376.

[19] “List of Letters,” Scioto Gazette & Fredonian Chronicle, 2 Apr 1819, p. 3, col. 3.

[20] Ross Co, Ohio, probate court, inventory of personal property, Frederick Bishop estate packet, case no. 473, 1819; imaged, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9Q5-K9HN-G : accessed 27 Sep 2026), IGN 005885655, image of 1658 of 2024.

[21] “Died,” The Weekly Recorder (Chillicothe, Ohio), 15 Sep 1819, p. 3, col. 3.

[22] Ross Co, Ohio, probate case files 403-485, no. 473, Estate of Frederick Bishop, Susanna Bishop relinquishing right of administration, 1819; imaged, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9Q5-K9H2-K : accessed 26 Sep 2026), IGN 005885655, image 1653 of 2024.

[23] Ross Co, Ohio, probate, Testamentary Docket 1816-1821, p. 242, administration of Frederick Bishop estate, 1819; imaged, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99QG-TY21 : accessed 3 Oct 2025), IGN 005873793, image 125 of 536.

[24] “Notice,” Scioto Gazette & Fredonian Chronicle, 26 Nov 1819, p. 3, col. 5.

[25] Ross Co, Ohio, probate case files 403-485, no. 473, accounting of estate sale, Frederick Bishop estate packet, case no. 473, 1819; imaged, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99Q5-K982-4 : accessed 27 Sep 2026), IGN 005885655, image 1662-63 of 2024.

[26] Ross Co, Ohio, probate case files 403-485, no. 473, accounting of goods kept by Susannah Bishop, Frederick Bishop estate packet, case no. 473, 1819; imaged, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-89Q5-K98Z-L : accessed 27 Sep 2026), IGN 005885655, image 1664 of 2024.

[27] “Land for Sale,” Supporter and Scioto Gazette, 30 May 1821, p. 3, col.

[28] “Public Sale,” Supporter and Scioto Gazette, 19 Sep 1821, p. 3, col. 5.

[29] “Notice,” Supporter and Scioto Gazette, 23 Jan 1822, p. 1, col. 5.

[30] “Public Sale,” Supporter and Scioto Gazette, 8 May 1822, p. 3, col. 5.

[31] “Notice,” Supporter and Scioto Gazette, 28 Aug 1822, p. 1, col. 1.

[32] “Notice,” Supporter and Scioto Gazette, 27 Nov 1822, p. 2, col. 3.

[33] “Notice,” Supporter and Scioto Gazette, 7 Sep 1826, p. 3, col. 3.

[34] Ross Co, Ohio, court records, Chancery and Partition Record No 1 1824-1827, p. 424-31, Robert Bishops petition for sale of real estate, 1827; imaged, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSLK-NSGL-R : accessed 26 Sep 2026), IGN 008196870, image 224-28 of 308. Also, Ross Co, Ohio, deeds, v. 23, p. 129-30, Robert Bishop, admr to David Miller, 1827; imaged, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSLX-5SM5-9 : accessed 26 Sep 2026), IGN 008193283, images 87-88 of 598.

[35] 1820 U.S. census, Ross Co, Ohio, Huntington Twp, p. 306, Susannah Bishop.

[36] Ross Co, Ohio, marriages, v. B, p. 457, Jacob Bishop to Margaret Shotts, 1821; imaged, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:9392-91DY : accessed 27 Sep 2026), IGN 004016152, image 302 of 362.

[37] Fleming Co, Kentucky, marriage, v. B, p. 9, David C. Bishop to Rebecca Fleming, 1828; imaged, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-89S9-BW41 : accessed 27 Sep 2026), IGN 005552779, image 142 of 422.

[38] 1830 U.S. census, Ross Co, Ohio, Huntington Township, p. 205 (stamped), 2nd from bottom, Susanna Bishop.

[39] Ross Co, Ohio, marriages, v. D, p. 230, Amos Bishop to Sophia Shotes, 1830; imaged, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:939K-G2S5-GN : accessed 27 Sep 2026), IGN 004701436, image 182 of 394.

[40] Ross Co, Ohio, marriages, v. C, p. 255, Daniel Shotts to Mary Ann Bishop, 1831, imaged, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:9392-91SD-FH : accessed 1 Oct 2025); IGN 4016206, image 559 of 649.

[41] Ross Co, Ohio, marriages, v. D, p. 5, Thomas Toops to Eliza Bishop, 1834; imaged, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:9392-91QF-JT : accessed 27 Sep 2026), IGN 004016207, image 10 of 202.

[42] Ross Co, Ohio, marriages, v. D, p. 281, John Grubb to Catherine Bishop, 1839; imaged, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:9392-91QJ-JT : accessed 27 Sep 2026), IGN 004016207, image 156 of 202.

[43] Minnie Dubbs Millbrook, Dubbs, Dubs, Dups and Toops Families: Descendants of Hans Jacob Dups (St. Louis, Mrs. Wilma Dunlap, n.d.), 55, Thomas Toops family; imaged, “U.S., Family History Books,” Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/62282/images/62282_f776f160_0194-00074 : accessed 27 Sep 2026), image 75 of 316.

[44] 1840 U.S. census, Ross Co, Ohio, Huntington Twp, p. 369 (stamped), Thomas Toops.

[45] Find a Grave (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/15626927/susanna-bishop : accessed 27 Sep 2026), memorial 15626927, Susanna Kress Bishop (1776-1852), Bishop Hill Cemetery, Ross Co, Ohio, citing photo by David H. Sweeney.

[46] Find a Grave (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/15626902/frederick-bishop : accessed 27 Sep 2026), memorial 15626902, Frederick Bishop (1778-1819), Bishop Hill Cemetery, Ross Co, Ohio, citing photo by Amy Darling.

[47] “Died,” The Weekly Recorder (Chillicothe, Ohio), 15 Sep 1819, p. 3, col. 3.

[48] Roster of Ohio Soldiers in War of 1812 (The Adjutant General of Ohio, 1916), 35; imaged, “Roster of Ohio soldiers in the War of 1812,” Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/20073/images/dvm_LocHist006374-00020-1 : accessed 27 Sep 2026), image 39 of 160.

[49] “U.S., Ohio, Soldiers Grave Registration Cards, 1804-1958,” Fold3 (https://www.fold3.com/image/615790153/bishop-frederick-page-1-us-ohio-soldiers-grave-registration-cards-1804-1958 : accessed 27 Sep 2026), Frederick Bishop (1791-1870).

[50] 1880 U.S. census, Ross Co, Ohio, Huntington Twp, ED 149, sht 14b, dwelling 131, D.C. Shotts. Mary Ann lived with her son.

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