Edward A. Bishop, importer, publisher and jobber of souvenir post cards and dealer in display stands and fixtures at Racine, is prominent among the energetic, farsighted and successful business men of the city, where he has developed a trade of very substantial proportions. He was born in the town of Somers, February 18, 1859, a son of Abram T. and Mary (Hulbert) Bishop. The father was born in Ohio, in 1835, and the mother was born the same year, of Vermont parentage. Abram T. Bishop is a brother of Isaac T. Bishop, of Somers. Wisconsin, who at one time was state senator. At an early day Abram T. Bishop arrived in Racine County, secured a tract of land and for many years engaged in farming but is now living retired in Sutton, Nebraska.
Edward A. Bishop, spending his youthful days upon the old home farm, pursued his early education in the country schools and afterward continued his studies in Racine. He was one of a family of eight children, four sons and four daughters, and, like the others of the household, was early trained to the duties incident to the development of the farm. He turned from agricultural pursuits, however, to a more congenial field and has made a valuable contribution to the world’s work. He became the organizer and was the president of the Arc Printer Company and engaged in the manufacture of a machine for art printing which was sold all over the world. In 1898 he established a photographic studio at his home on College Avenue and later took up the business of handling souvenir post cards as an importer, publisher and jobber. He engages in the wholesale publication of picture cards, booklets, photo cards, lithograph post cards and souvenir cards of all kinds and his business extends throughout the state.
On the 7th of September, 1880, Mr. Bishop was united in marriage to Miss Lura De Moulpied, who was born September 7, 1859, a daughter of Nicholas De Moulpied, who was born on Guernsey Island in 1820 and died in Racine County in 1875, at the age of fifty-six years. His wife, Mrs. Ann (Hosmer) De Moulpied, was born in New York State about 1826 and died in Racine County in 1899, at the age of seventy-three years. To Mr. and Mrs. Bishop has been born a son. Burnett Orvil, born June 24, 1884, is an alumnus of the University of Wisconsin, where he received the degree of Bachelor of Arts in June, 1908. He is now associated with his father in business and on the 2d of November, 1909, he married Louise M. Stoffel, of North Edgewater, Chicago, and they have two children, Robert Hulbert Bishop, born December 27, 1912, and Florence Lura Bishop, born May 17, 1916.
Both Mr. Bishop and his son are prominently known in lodge connections. He belongs to Belle City Lodge, No. 18, F. & A. M.; the United Commercial Travelers of America, No. 337, and to the Commercial Club. His son is a member of Racine Lodge, No. 252, B. P. O. E., and the United Commercial Travelers. He has membership in the Grange Avenue Methodist Episcopal church while Edward A. Bishop and his wife are members of the First Methodist Episcopal church. In his political views Mr. Bishop is a republican, supporting the party where national issues are involved but casting an independent ballot at local elections. He is well known as a wide-awake, energetic business man who along the steps of an orderly progression has reached a creditable position in commercial circles of Racine.