My Genealogy Hound

JOSEPH E. SHIMER is one of the successful merchants of Northampton County, now engaged in business at Stockertown. In the spring of 1876 he formed a partnership with his father, Reuben L., under the firm title of R. L. Shimer & Son, and this connection continued until the spring of 1894, since which time he has conducted the business alone. As a merchant he is upright in all his business transactions, and by reliable dealings has gained the confidence of the people.

The father of our subject, Reuben L. Shimer, was born in Northampton County in 1831, being a son of Edward B. Shimer, one of the pioneers of this county. The former was reared to farm life, and followed that occupation for many years, but in 1876 drifted into the general mercantile business, which he followed successfully until his death. He was a man of prominence in his community, and held a number of local offices in Forks Township. His death occurred March 8, 1893, at a ripe old age. The only survivor of the parental family is the subject of this sketch, who, as above stated, is the proprietor of a general mercantile business at Stockertown. In his establishment he carries a full and varied assortment of dry goods, groceries, notions, boots and shoes, hardware, hats and caps, and, in fact, everything, to be found in any first-class country store. He also handles lumber and coal. With the people of the village and the farmers of the surrounding country he conducts a large and profitable, trade, the quality of the stock and uprightness of his dealings commending him to the people.

Born in Northampton County, July 3, 1851, the subject of this sketch received a practical education in the public schools of Forks Township, and in a private- school in Easton. He was engaged in agricultural pursuits until he entered the mercantile business in 1876. In addition to the management of his store, he has served as Postmaster of Stockertown. His landed possessions aggregate one hundred and thirteen acres, and he is well-to-do in this world’s goods. He has a pleasant home in Stockertown, presided over by his amiable wife, who was formerly Miss Adella F. Fenstermacher, of Allentown, Pa.