Where the Name came from
Bishop is an early and interesting surname of Ancient Greek origins. The word itself derives from the word 'episkopos', translated as 'the overseer' from 'epi' meaning 'over' and 'skopein' meaning 'to look'. The early Christians began adopting the name for their head of their local communities, and the name later became applied to religious leaders. In the British Isles the name was commonly used as an occupational name given to local Bishops of the church. The first recording of the surname is that of Iefwinus Bissop of Nottingham in 1166. Bridget Bishop was the first person ever executed for witchcraft during the Salem witchcraft trials of 1692.
On Oct 5, 1980 the Bishop’s in rhe USA took up money $650.00for a brass plaque and some families went to England and presented to the church St Peter and St Paul at Cattistock, England where William Bishop Esq. Is buried.
St Peter and St Paul at Cattistock, England
