BIOGRAPHY: John Shoemaker; Aurelius, Cayuga co., New York transcribed and submitted by: Ann Anderson (ann.g.anderson at gmail.com) ========================================================= Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/ny/nyfiles.htm ========================================================= BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW THIS VOLUME CONTAINS BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF THE LEADING CITIZENS OF CAYUGA COUNTY NEW YORK BOSTON BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW PUBLISHING COMPANY 1894 JOHN SHOEMAKER, a prominent citizen of the town of Aurelius, who has here profitably been engaged in general agriculture for more than twoscore years, occupies one of the most attractive of the many beautiful homesteads to be found in Cayuga County. He is a native of Springport, born April 12, 1819, being the worthy descendant of a representative family-of pioneers of Central New York. Jacob Shoemaker, grandfather of the above-named John, was born and reared to man's estate in Pennsylvania. In his early manhood he came to New York, bringing his young family and all of his worldly goods with him, the journey being performed with ox teams. He settled in Lansing, Tompkins County, where he bought a small farm of timbered land, on which he built a log house to shelter his family. In common with the other pioneers of that day, he labored with unceasing toil to improve his land, performing no inconsiderable part in helping to develop the resources of that county. Indians still inhabited the woods. Wild turkey, deer, and other game were abundant, helping supply the family larder. In the course of time he improved an excellent farm, erected a frame house near the old log cabin, and built good farm buildings. There were no markets very near; and the family lived on the products of the farm and the fruits of the chase, the clothing being of home manufacture, woven, spun, and fashioned into garments by the frugal housewife. There he and his good wife, whose maiden name was Storms, spent the remainder of their years. They were the parents of several children. John Shoemaker, Sr., son of Jacob, was born during the residence of his parents in their native State, Pennsylvania, being very young when they took him to Lansing. His opportunities for acquiring an education were very limited; but he attended the pioneer schools when he could, and in tender years began to assist his father in his work of eliminating a farm from the wilderness. He was an ambitious young man, full of push and energy, and determined in his efforts to succeed in the battle of life. Following in the footsteps of his parents, he became a pioneer, coming to Springport in the latter part of the last century, bringing all of his household effects in an ox wagon. He bought a farm of forty acres on the Springport road, but, not having ready money, ran in debt for it. As early as possible he sowed his wheat, and the next fall teamed his crop to Albany, the nearest market, and with the proceeds paid for his land. In 1832 he built a brick house, which is still standing on the farm, at the present time occupied by a Mr. Conklin. During the War of 1812 he was drafted into service, but paid a substitute instead of entering the army. He cleared a fine farm, meeting with excellent success in his agricultural operations; and there he passed the remaining years of his life, a respected, honored, and prosperous citizen. He married Polly Osmun, of Lansing; and their household joys, cares, and expenses were increased by the birth of eleven children — namely, Israel, Jacob, Belinda, John, Jr., Henry, Emily, Michael, Thomas, Sally, Mary, and Libby. John, the subject of the following brief biography, was the fourth child and the third son born to his parents. He attended the district schools of Springport, gleaning his education during the short terms of school, and, as early as practicable, was initiated into the mysteries of farming. He proved a faithful worker, remaining on the homestead with his father until 1840. In June of that year Mr. Shoemaker began life on his own account, going to Ogden, Monroe County, where he bought of an uncle a farm of one hundred and forty-six acres, for which he was to pay forty dollars an acre. He had to go into debt for the amount, but he worked steadily one year alone; and the next spring his brother Henry bought a portion of the farm, and they carried it on together for two years. John then purchased his brother's share, again becoming sole possessor of it, and continued its management for eight years longer, being well satisfied with the results of his labors. In 1850 he disposed of his property there, and, coming to Aurelius, bought the farm he now occupies, which is pleasantly located in District No. 9, on the Springport road. His efforts in cultivating and improving his homestead have been amply rewarded, his farm, which has two good dwelling-houses and substantial and commodious barns and out-buildings, being a credit to him and an ornament to the town. That Mr. Shoemaker has met with great success throughout his life may be attributed to his industry, skill, and keen foresight, and the fact that he had for a wife a woman of rare ability and excellent judgment, one in whom he placed the utmost confidence, ever giving heed to her wise counsels and suggestions. The maiden name of this estimable woman, to whom he was wedded in 1842, was Margaret J. Flynn. She was a daughter of Peter and Castilla Flynn, of Springport. Their union was blessed by the birth of five children, the following being their record: George L., who has been twice married, the first wife having been Miss Ada Wheeler, who died, leaving one daughter, his second wife a Miss Pierce; Castilla, the wife of Thomas Durfee, of Aurelius; Frances, who married Adelbert Clapp, of Port Byron; Carrie, who married Edgar Thorpe, of Aurelius; and Ada, who became the wife of Hiram Titus, Jr., of Aurelius. This pleasant household has been sadly bereft, Mrs. Shoemaker, the devoted wife and mother, having been called to the life beyond, October 17, 1887, at the age of sixty-four years. Her memory is still cherished, and her influence is potent as in the days of yore. Mr. Shoemaker cast his first presidential vote for Martin Van Buren, and has always remained a stanch Democrat. He is a man held in deep respect throughout the community in which he lives, his integrity and other sterling qualities being everywhere recognized. A very good likeness of this veteran of the harvest fields appears on an adjoining page, giving additional interest to these brief memories of his family.