Athens Weekly Review
Sept. 3, 1925
Judge W. R. Bishop


William Richardson Bishop was born August 23, 1874, in Athens, Texas.
His father was Joseph B. Bishop, a native of Ballard county, Ky., a
doctor lawyer and judge.  His mother was Martha Elizabeth Richardson, a
native of Pickens county Alabama.
William Richardson Bishop attended the Athens Public Schools, and in 1892
entered Southwestern University at Georgetown, Texas, from which
institution he graduated in 1897, receiving the A. M. Degree.  He is a
member of Iota Chapter of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity.
He was admitted to the bar in 1898. On the incorporation of the City of
Athens, in 1900, he was appointed City Attorney, and served as such
three years.
He was elected chairman of the Democratic Executive Committee of
Henderson county in 1912 and served until 1918.  He was attorney for the
Texas & New Orleans Railroad Co., and St. Louis and Southwestern Railway
Co., of Texas, in Henderson county from 1900 to 1920.  Elected to the
office of Judge of the 3rd Judicial District of Texas in 1920, he served
until September 15, 1923, when he was appointed one of the Judges of the
Supreme Commission of Appeals, by Governor Pat M. Neff, and was
reappointed by Governor Miriam A. Ferguson, June 27th, 1925, and is
serving in that capacity at this time.
August 21, 1901 he was married to Miss Jessilyn Carpenter, of Corsicana,
Texas, whose handiwork in molding the character of the mature man is
easily discernable to those of their many friends who know them
intimately.
He has since early boyhood been actively identified with the Methodist
Church South.
At some time in the "stub toe" period of his existence, the nickname
"Jack" was conferred upon the Judge, and by that sobriquet he is
familiarly known to practically ever one in Henderson county; many
knowing him only by this name.
A close student of the law and possessed of a highly developed analytical
mind, his interpretation of the statutes was unblushingly sought by older
men of long experience in the profession of law.
On the bench he is every inch the Judge, his quiet certainty of authority
enabling him to render his decisions promptly and fairly in accordance
with law and justice in a manner highly dignifying his exalted position.
In this capacity Henderson county appreciates in full her native son and
glories in his achievements; but she loves him best at home when he is
just happy lovable Jack Bishop, bubbling over with the vitality and joy
of living that characterized his boyhood days and that endeared him to
all his associates.


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