Mr. Backus is a very benevolent and liberal man, also, but his generosity is not in the beaten track. It is bestowed unseen and unknown by the public, and his own judgment selects the object of his bounty. His friendship when once bestowed is undying and changes not with time or circumstances so long as the person on whom it is bestowed proves worthy of his confidence.
[Illustration: Yours truly, J. P. Bishop]
Judge Bishop was born in New Haven, Vermont, June 1, 1815, and was taken with his father's family to St. Lawrence county, New York, whilst yet a child. His father died when he was but nine years old, and his mother returned to Vermont, taking her children with her. As soon as he was of age to be serviceable, he was apprenticed to a farmer until his fourteenth year, at the expiration of which time he resided with an uncle until his seventeenth year, when he left farm work in order to acquire an education. He studied hard for four or five years, partly maintaining himself by teaching school, and at length had prepared himself for a collegiate course.
In 1836, he came to Cleveland, and after an experience in a counting-room one season, he concluded that he was better adapted for a literary life. Accordingly he entered Western Reserve College, and on examination was admitted to the senior class.
In 1838, he began the study of law with Hon. Rufus P. Spalding, afterwards with Andrews, Foote & Hoyt, and subsequently with Varnum J. Card, and was admitted to practice August, 1839, when he immediately entered into partnership with Mr. Card, who, however, died about one year later, and Mr. Bishop formed a partnership with F. T. Backus. This business connection continued fifteen years.
In 1856, Mr. Bishop was elected to the Common Pleas Judgeship of this county and district, and served with great satisfaction both to members of the profession and to the public. His decisions were characterized by a painstaking research, and an exhaustless consideration of the principles of law involved, indicating a clear, accurate and discriminating mind. It is believed that very few of his decisions were ever reversed by a higher court, which is of itself sufficient testimony to his ability and industry. At the end of his term he declined being a candidate, and at once resumed the practice of law. In this he still continues, having associated with him Seymour F. Adams, recently of the Lewis county Bar, New York.