Mary "Polly" Bishop: Civil War Widow's Pension
Wife of David Bishop
Submitted by: Jim Philpot
a. Marriage: 17 Jan. 1867 at the residence of Elisha Bishop ( Polly's father) . Minister James Brock.
b. Affidavit by Daniel Bishop (age 45) 1898:(Daniel son of Brice born in 1853 Died 1917): Daniels PO Teges, Was acquainted with them since before the war.
c. David C. Cole: Age 55, Tankersley.
d. Aff: John Bishop: Age 46; lists ages of children: James Bishop b. Oct 23 1875 Alexander Bishop b. Oct 1 1877, Amy Bishop b. Nov. 12 1879, Columbus Bishop b. Oct.22, 1881, Charity Bishop b. Jan. 27 1889. (Note: This is not a complete list. There was Johnny , Elisha, Nancy & Abel) He states there is no record of their births but he knows from living in 3/4 miles of them. This was David’s brother John. His address was Joshua, Owsley Co.
e. Aff: Louis Hardy:Has known Mary since 1878.Mary Bishop has one tract of land about 200 acres of rough mountain land worth in cash about $800 and she only receives about 50 bushels of corn rent each year worth 30 cents per bushel. Has no other income except earnings by day labor. Has 2 cows & calves worth about $50 and one heifer worth $12. Her small children help her in making a garden and truck patches. She has 1/2 in a bad small old mule only worth $30. I rent the land. PO Teges. I am a close neighbor.
f. Aff: R.C. Wilson: Lists her assets same as Hardy above. Widow labors hard all the time when she is able and gets little. I live 1/2 mile from her. She works hard for her support and lives hard at that. Teges.
g. Aff: James Bishop: (David’s Brother) Age 41; has lived about 1 mile away nearly all the time since her marriage. Lists children same. Been with them every few days. Lists address as Joshua, Owsley Co.
h. Aff: Catherine Bishop (Sister in law Catherine Cole wife of John): States she knows birth dates of children from being present then and living 1-1/2 miles away. X.
i. Aff; David B. Allen: His age from the best information is about 31. Has known David as long as he can recollect anything and has always lived near. PO Teges.
j. Aff: Samuel Bishop: Served in David’s Army Company. David was sent to the Horse Pittle and was never able after. I am a brother of said soldier. Teges. Witnessed by Abel Bishop (David's oldest son) and Wilson Bishop (Son of Samuel). X
k. Aff: Jobe Allen: Same Army Co. Teges . X . Witness John Jr. Allen & David B. Allen.
l. Statement by Mary: Benj Allen was mistaken about birth of son Columbus;should have been Oct 22 1881. Witnessed by Robert G. Bishop (Nephew son of John) & Lee Gabbard. Deputy County Court Clerk David C. Cole.
m. Medical Aff: Dr. John C. Dunigan: Been a physician for 12 years. Saw David first Aug. 1897. I treated him Sept 1888 and he was very feeble and could not work. Hemorrhage of the brain and spinal chord. I treated him up to 2 weeks of his death. He was out of medical reach & died May 28, 1889.
n. General Aff: Dr. John C. Dunigan: aged 38 resident of Buffalo Creek, Owsley, PO Gabbard. David died of Brain & Spinal Chord disease. I stopped treating him 2 weeks before death because I knew I could not help him.
o. Aff: William Mobley: ( Married to David’s sister Sarah): Served in same army Co. Had known David since 1856. Age 51 or 57. First saw him after the war at the home of Susan Allen.
p. Aff: Robert C.Wilson aged 34: Have lived 1/2 mile away for last 9 years. Worked with and for him.
q. Aff: James William’s aged 72: Have known soldier since his birth. David was puny (after the war) i have sold David timber for raft logs but he could work at that very little. X Teges. Witnesses Esther Webb and Mary Allen.
r. Mary Bishop died May 27, 1927.
Reimbursement Application by Lucy K. Bishop & James D. Bishop: Date: Aug. 26 1927.
Lucy aged 45 resident of Teges.Daughter in Law.Last sickness began Aug. 15, 1926. Coffin, medicine & materials $34. J.D. Bishop states: Coffin lumber & making $11.30, burial expenses $22.50 I hold Lucy K. Bishop responsible and not the government. Nov. 20, 1927.
a. Aff: Walter Bishop & Mollie Bishop: Lucy K. B nursed and took care of Mary. Delila Abner Notary.
The final reimbursement was Medicine $1.50, Nursing & care $20, and Undertaking $33.50