Bishop, Daisy H. and Charles Maceo
Daisy Carolyn Hitch Bishop (1897-1990) and Charles Maceo Bishop (1898-1990) resided in Paris, KY for most of their lives. Daisy was born in Falmouth, KY, the daughter of Carrie B. and Edward J. Hitch. Charles, a musician, was born in Paris, the son of Georgie A. Small Bishop (1874-1953) and Charles W. Bishop (b. 1867).
Charles Bishop was a World War I Naval veteran. He and Daisy were married November 30, 1919 and initially lived with Daisy's family in Newtown, an African American community in Paris. Charles learned to play music while a student at the Western School for Colored Children in Paris, becoming accomplished on drums, saxophone, and piano.
His mother Georgie encouraged him to play music; her father, George Small (1822-1879?), who had also been a musician, was killed when Georgie was a child. Georgie's mother, Martha Wallace Small (b. 1832), raised the family alone.
At the age of 15, Charles began teaching music, saving $1,500 by the time he graduated from high school. His services were in demand throughout Central Kentucky as well as in nearby states. He performed with local orchestras as well as nightclub and gambling house bands in Bourbon County and surrounding counties. He also voluntarily played during services at the Martin and Hurley Funeral Home from the day the business opened untill the death of the owner. He played for churches, as well, at the insistence of his mother, serving as organist for the St. Paul Methodist Church for more than 50 years, beginning in 1918.
See also Charles Maceo Bishop at Find A Grave.
