Among the flood of Easterners to Michigan following the opening of the Erie Canal in 1825, came several by the name of Bishop, all born in New York. Their relationship has not been established. They may be brothers or cousins.
The patriarchs included Edward, b. 1796 (to Michigan 1836). A land purchase is recorded November 15, 1854, Hamburg Township Section 3. He and Lavina have eight children, one of who, Henry, saw much action in the Civil War. Lyman b. 1805, records his first land ownership in Hartland Township, January 5, 1848. However he was in Michigan in 1837, when his third child, Henry, is born to Martha. They have four children. The 1860 census records Andrew J., b. 1831, in Howell. In 1861 he enlisted for three years, was promoted to Captain of the 15th Infantry, Co., D and was mustered out January 28, 1865. He served as deputy sheriff of the county. The 1870 census records Walker, b. 1810, living with another settler in Hartland Township. Otis , b. 1823, is boarding as a laborer in Handy Township in 1880 census.
It was April 18, 1856, that Horace K., b. 1823 and Elizabeth b. 1830, record land bought in Section 3, Hamburg Township, in the area of present Bishop Lake. There are six children born to them; the first two in New York. The first son, Clarence. A., b. October 21, 1850, is in Green Oak Township Section 5, in 1880, having purchased 300+ acres from Wm. McPherson, an officer in the company building the railroad. By 1870 the tracks run diagonally, NW/SE across the property which is east of the Ann Arbor Road across from Lee Road; from Maltby Road north to the township line.
Clarence is a farmer and raiser of stock. He served as township supervisor 1903-09. He married Isadori Peach, daughter of Joseph and Ermina Peach, early settlers in the township. After living in the old house, perhaps built by Royal Rumsey, the first owner, a new home was built to which they retired. A four column, Greek Revival with adjoining wings was built across from the end of Maltby Road on the east side of the trail. Several large evergreens shaded the yard. Clarence died April 14, 1927, and Isadori, in 1938. They are buried in the Plains Cemetery on Maltby Road. (Bishop Road is named for the family.) They had two daughters. Daisy b. October 19, 1880 and Ermina b. April 17, 1883, who married Claude M. Taylor. Their daughter Thelma married Dr. F. Haight. A son and daughter came from this union. Daisy married Judson Timothy Warner December 4, 1906, and moved to Ronan, Montana, for his health in 1910. He died March 26, 1947 and she September 18, 1967. Both are buried in Ronan.
After their parents death Daisy and Ermina own the property, c. 175 acres. The portion north of the railroad is privately owned and 50 acres are part of the Island Lake State Recreation Area. By 1961 the house is gone and acreage is reduced because of US 23 Interstate and Fieldcrest Road construction. In 1979 Haight Industries, Inc. is the owner of record. 2005 saw the beginnings of Green Oak Village Place Mall.
Compiled by Marieanna Bair from census records; Early Landowners and Settlers of Livingston County and Obituaries compiled by Milton Charboneau; cemetery records by John & Janice Field; Yesteryears of Green Oak 1830-1930.