My Genealogy Hound

John F. Shoemaker, formerly county clerk of Saline County, and one of the most enterprising men within its limits, was born in Winston County, Miss., in March, 1846, his parents being Lindsay F. and Jefsonia M. (Coulter) Shoemaker, natives of Alabama and Tennessee, respectively, though reared in Mississippi. Lindsay Shoemaker was a millwright by trade, and was educated in the country schools. After marrying he settled in Leake County, Miss., engaging in the mill business. Here he remained until 1856, when he moved to this county and resumed his former occupation, giving it his attention, with the exception of two years, until his death, in 1870. He was married in 1844, becoming the father of eight children. Four of these died while young and four are still living: John F. (who forms the subject of this sketch), America M. (wife of G. W. Ogle, who resides in this place), Mary T. (wife of C. A. Payne, of Shaw, this county), and William W. (married and in Little Rock). Mrs. Shoemaker died about 1866. In 1869 Mr. Shoemaker was again united in marriage. His wife was Mrs. Harriet McClue, daughter of W. Brents. By this union there was one child, which died when young. Mrs. Shoemaker still lives, residing with her son John. Mr. Shoemaker had been justice of the peace of this township, and was a member of the I. O. O. F. John F., whose name heads this sketch, was reared and educated in Benton, working at the milling business until 1880, when he was elected county and circuit clerk. This office he filled for eight years. Since the expiration of his term of office he has been engaged in buying and selling scrip. He was married in 1871 to Miss Susan E. McClue, daughter of John and Harriet E. (Brents) McClue. Five children were born to them, four now living: C. E., Clard E., Hattie W. and Wilbur. In 1864 Mr. Shoemaker joined the Confederate army, enlisting in Company B, First Cavalry Regiment of Trans Mississippi department, commanded by Col. W. A. Crawford. He served faithfully until his discharge on the Trinity River, Tex., participating in the battles of Pilot Knob, Mo., Independence, Mo., and nearly all the battles on Gen. Price’s raid through Missouri in 1864. After the close of the war he came home and engaged in the milling business with his father until the latter’s death. Mr. Shoemaker is a member of Benton Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and quite a society man. He heartily supports all movements tending to increase the welfare of his county, and is an earnest advocate of public improvements. He owns some valuable property in this city, prominent among which is a beautiful residence and a splendid store building. Politically he is a Democrat, taking an active interest in the party movement of his county. He is practically a self-made man, coming here when small, and not receiving the advantages of a liberal education in his boyhood days. By close application, however, he has qualified himself for any position of trust within the power of his acquaintances to bestow.