OBIT: William A. SHOEMAKER, 1948, Meyersdale, Somerset County, PA

File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Meyersdale Library.
Transcribed and proofread by: Richard Boyer.

Copyright 2006.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
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WILLIAM A. SHOEMAKER

  William A. Shoemaker, 77, died at his home on North Street, April 8.  He was 
found on the floor beside his bed, early in the morning, by members of his 
family.  It is conjectured that his death occurred about 1:30 a.m.  He had not 
been in good health for several months, but had been up and around the day 
before his death.
  He was born in Boynton, June 13, 1870, the son of Alexander and Lydia (Lint) 
Shoemaker, who later moved to Meyersdale.  The Shoemakers for many years 
occupied the house at the northwest corner of Front and Beachley Streets, the 
property running down to the Flaugherty river.  William received his education 
in the public school of Meyersdale.  At an early age, he apprenticed as a 
printer in the Meyersdale Commercial office, learning to be both a printer and a 
news writer from the late Lew Smith.
  Soon after the Meyersdale Republican was established in 1900 by the late 
Congressman S. A. Kendall, Shoemaker transferred to the new paper and became its 
shop foreman, news gatherer and, for a short time before the paper was bought by 
W. S. Livengood, he acted as editor also.  All together, he was with the 
Republican staff for more than 40 years with the exception of about two years 
during which time he worked in Connellsville and in Frostburg, Md.
  Besides being an efficient and all around printer, Shoemaker was an excellent 
pen-man, his long-hand news copy being as legible as typewritten copy.
  For many years along with his daily work as a printer, Shoemaker served as 
secretary to the Meyersdale Borough Council, keeping all its records, and 
writing all its business letters.  This he did until the time of his death, 
except in the last years when occasionally incapacitated by sickness.
  He remained with the Republican in the mechanical department until the summer 
of 1946, when ill health caused him to give up regular employment.  Since then, 
he continued to report council proceedings for the Republican and other 
occasional news items.  He also reported Meyersdale happenings for the 
Cumberland News.
  He was a member of the Church of the Brethren and served as superintendent of 
the Sunday school for many years.  He belonged to the Sons of Veterans 
organization.  
  He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Lena Mae (Cobaugh) Shoemaker; a son, George 
Shoemaker of Pittsburgh; and two daughters, Mrs. J. W. Schramm of Salisbury and 
Mrs. L. A. Seiler of Pittsburgh, and by two grandchildren.  Also surviving are a 
brother, Frank Shoemaker, and a sister, Mrs. J. Milton Gnagey, Meyersdale.  
Another sister, the late Miss Ida Shoemaker, well known missionary who devoted 
40 years of her life to the Church of the Brethren mission work in India, died 
at her post in India several years ago.
  Though a man of quiet disposition, Mr. Shoemaker was well known through his 
church affiliation, newspaper work and connection with the town council, and had 
many friends.  His funeral services, held in the Church of the Brethren Sunday 
at 2 p.m., were well attended.  Rev. S. Loren Bowman, pastor, officiated.  
Burial in Union Cemetery was under the direction of R. Reich & Son, morticians.

Meyersdale Republican, April 15, 1948