James Shoemaker, farming and stock; P. O. Loxa; the subject of this sketch was born in Washington Co., Va., Feb. 19, 1825. He married Miss Tabitha Mason Sept. 3, 1863; she was born in Fayette Co., Ky., Aug. 30, 1840; they had seven children, four living, viz., Mary E., William K., James S. and Franklin R. He lived in Virginia nearly ten years, when, with his parents, he came to Illinois and settled in Coles Co., one mile north of Charleston; this was in December, 1834; they lived there four years, then moved to La Fayette Township, on the Springfield road, five miles west of Charleston; while there, his father died; in 1850, he came to his present place, he being the first settler in this part of the township. In 1862, he enlisted in the 123d I. V. I., which, after four months’ service, was mounted; he held the position of First Lieutenant; he remained in the service nearly one year, and took part in the battles of Perryville and Milton, and also the minor engagements of the regiment. He has held the office of Assessor two years, and was Supervisor of Humbolt Tp. for the years 1865 and 1866. He owns 382 acres in this county, which he has earned by his own labor and management. His parents, John and Annie Brown Shoemaker, were natives of North Carolina, where they were married; both died in this county, he in 1843, and she in 1856.
