BISHOP, ROBERT H., JR. (22 Aug. 1879-29 Sept. 1955), a Cleveland physician, was a leader in hospital administration, in anti-tuberculosis (TB), and other public health issues. Born in Mankato, Kan., he graduated in 1903 from Ohio's Miami University where his great-grandfather had been the college's first president and his grandfather a Latin Professor. Bishop went to Western Reserve Medical School and in 1909 finished his internship under Dr. DUDLEY P. ALLEN. He was director of Lakeside Hospital (1920-1924), then worked for its consolidation with Maternity Hospital and Babies & Children's Hospital into UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS, of which he was Director from 1932-1947. He then headed the new Joint Commission for Advancement of Medical Education & Research at Western Reserve University.
A founder of the Anti-TB League, Bishop established the bureau of TB in the Cleveland health department in 1914, setting up 8 TB control centers and special treatment programs. He served as health commissioner during WORLD WAR I. In 1918, with Prof. John H. Lowman, Bishop organized and took to Italy the first overseas TB unit of the American Red Cross. He also promoted a bond issue for a sanatorium at Sunny Acres, where he served as chairman of the board.
Throughout his career, Bishop was a member of many civic organizations and worked to implement public-health programs. He was trustee of the Cleveland Welfare Fed., Director of the Natl. Social Hygiene Assn., American Hosp. Assn., President of the American College of Hospital Admins., and on the Board of Trustees of Miami University. Bishop was awarded the American Social Hygiene Assn.'s William Freeman Snow Medal for distinguished service to humanity.
Bishop married Constance Mather in 1914; they had four children: Robert III, William M., Amasa S., and Jonathan S.
Mather Family Papers, WRHS.