Bishop, Frances Evelyn

Biographical Notes

Frances Bishop was born in Sacramento and grew up in the Stockton area, attending school in both Stockton and the town of Lodi. She was a descendent of a pioneer family, and her aunt and uncle, Frances and Charles Gann, owned grazing land along Highway 4 above Cottage Springs. Bishop and her husband, Thomas Bishop, moved to the town of Arnold in 1967.

As a historian, researcher, and writer, Bishop's life work focused on the history of the Calaveras Big Trees, with an emphasis on the Ebbett's Pass area. For nearly 30 years, Bishop gathered facts from various repositories and individuals for her articles, brochures, and unpublished manuscript. She served as historian for the Calaveras Big Trees Association for 13 years, often contributing articles to the organization's newsletter. Although her major work remains unpublished, Bishop's influence permeates the brochures, trail guides, maps, and interpretation of Calaveras Big Trees State Park.

From the guide to the A Guide to the Papers of Frances Evelyn Bishop, 1852-1987, 1852-1900 and 1975-1985, (California State Parks. Calaveras Big Trees State Park)