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 HOMAS T. SHOEMAKER, one of the most
prominent farmers and stock-growers of
Humbolt Township, has a fine estate located
on section 24, of, which he has been in possession
since the spring of 1879. His property consists of
a handsome and substantial residence, and all the
out-buildings required by the progressive and intelligent agriculturist. The fields are conveniently
laid off, enclosed with good fencing, and the outbuildings are finely adapted for the storing of grain
and the shelter of stock. Mr. Shoemaker usually keeps about seventy-five head of Short-horn cattle, which include calves, cows and breeding bulls, comprising one of the finest herds in this section of the country, all the animals which are of the required age being registered in the American Herd Book. At the head is “Antiquarian,” a two-year-old, who with his mate “Acklen Geneva” (Rose of Sharon), form a couple of which their owner is proud. Mr. S. has 100 head of Poland-China hogs and the same number of fine wool Southdown sheep, and in both departments has distinguished himself as a breeder of more than ordinary success. He also feeds cattle to a considerable extent, and each year ships a carload of choice animals to the Eastern markets. The farm of Mr. Shoemaker embraces 632 acres of valuable land in a fine state of cultivation. He is provided with the latest and most improved machinery, and has five fine barns which are all utilized in the shelter of his grain and stock. The water necessary on so large an estate is carried to the places required by a force pump, operated by wind power. The subject of our sketch is a native of this county, born in Lafayette Township, Sept. 14, 1847, and the son of Samuel and Martha (Woods) Shoemaker. His parents were natives respectively of North Carolina and Kentucky. Samuel Shoemaker was born in 1812. and removed from his native State with his parents when a small boy to Virginia, where he was reared on his father’s farm until reaching manhood. He came to this county in 1834, locating on a farm near Charleston, and became one of the most highly respected citizens of this locality, esteemed as much for his kindness of heart as for his admirable business qualities. He departed this life at his home in Lafayette Township in December, 1867, amid the universal regret of the community. The mother had preceeded her husband to the silent land, her death taking place in 1863, when she was forty-five years of age, having been born in 1818. Thomas Shoemaker was the fourth of a family of six children, his brothers and one sister being Franklin, James O., Lilburn D., Mary and Charles. He spent his early years on the farm of his parents, and when twenty-four years of age was united in marriage with Miss Emma Reat. Their wedding occurred at the home of the bride’s parents in Charleston Township, Aug. 31, 1871. Mrs. Shoemaker is a native of this county, born Oct. 18, 1850, and is the daughter of John W. and Sarah (Linder) Reat, natives respectively of Ohio and Virginia. Mr. R. came to this county in 1837, and engaged in farming on the homestead where his death took place in 1883. The mother makes her home with Mr. and Mrs. Shoemaker. Our subject and his wife have become the parents of seven children—Estella, Harry R., Theodora, John E., Joseph T., Katie, and an infant who died unnamed. As an important factor of the agricultural community, Mr. Shoemaker has been identified with its interests for many years, serving as President of the Coles County Agricultural Board, and giving his experience and influence for the benefit of his co-laborers in a field whose success largely influences the welfare of the entire country. Both he and his estimable wife are connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church at Wesley Chapel, and socially, Mr. S. belongs to Elwood Lodge No. 299, A. F. & A. M. His homestead is one of the most attractive spots in the landscape of this county, and forms no unimportant adjunct to its reputation and prosperity. |
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