Adam Shoemaker 1823-1895

SHOEMAKER

Posted By: Loretta Marriott
Date: 12/4/2002 at 02:39:21

SHOEMAKER, Adam
The Villisca Review Supplement

Died
Adam Shoemaker, Nov. 7, 1895, at the home of his son William, two and one half miles south of Villisca, aged 72 years 7 months and 26 days.

Uncle Adam, as he was familarly called, was one of the best known men in eastern Montgomery County. While a sketch of his life is hardly necessary to remind us of his sterling virtues, yet it would seem appropriate that we chronicle some of the leading events of his life and speak of some of his more marked traits of character.

He was born in Perry County, Indiana, March 11, 1823. He passed his boyhood and early manhood among the scenes of his infancy. His father being a Baptist minister he early imbibed the great truths of God's dealings with men and their duties toward God and each other, and the actions of his life were based upon this early teaching. At the age of 22 he married Miss Matilda J. Faulkenbouough, who proved to be a faithful helpmate so long as she was permitted to accompany him upon life's journey.

In 1867 he, with his devoted wife and children, removed to Montgomery County, Iowa, and ever since that time he has been actively interested in the welfare of his chosen home.

In 1875 his beloved wife passed to her eternal reward, and her tired body was laid to rest in the Bean cemetery, Douglas township, and by her side now reposes the body of her beloved husband.

Of this union were born nine children, five of whom are still living. James, of Denver, Col.; Mrs Phoebe Holmes, of Villisca, Ia; Jacob, Adam and William, all of this immediate vicinity. The last four named were with him and tenderly cared for him during his last sickness.

The funeral occurred from the home of his son William, where he died, conducted by Rev. C.L. Parsons. Text, Romans, 8:28. Uncle Adam was a man of very strong convictions, and fearless in expressing them. Of a religious turn of mind, his convictions religiously were pronounced and maintained without fear. Decidedly Calvinistic in his views he yet maintained man's obligations to do his best always and everywhere. His opinions politically were also of a pronounced type. Believing that the republican party embodied the correct principles of government he supported it with all the enthusiasm of his nature.

A political gathering or convention of his party without his presence was almost unknown. While he was a politician it was in the highest sense of the term. Nothing low or mean could ever be traced to him. On the other hand he was known as that noblest work of God, an honest man.

Near the close of the war at a spring election he met with a very stirring adventure. In company with J.D. Taylor and twelve others he as was his custom, went to vote and work for what he believed to be the best interests of his home people.

There was a large rebel element in the neighborhood, who had threatened to kill many of the union men. But they determined to do their duty at any risk. As they attempted to enter the polling place the mob attacked them, seriously wounding J. D. Taylor and Adam Shoemaker. Only seven succeeded in voting and all were finally driven away, but not until they had fully demonstrated their bravery and loyalty.

Uncle Adam's affection for his grandchildren was also most marked and even in the last his greatest comfort was to have them about him.

During his last sickness he evidenced a loving trust in his Savior. And told the writer that death had no terrors for him, as he had the assurance of Divine Forgiveness and justification through Jesus shed blood.

For Uncle Adam we cannot mourn; his was a rounded out and well-lived life.

Let us emulate his virtues and praise God that such a life was lived among us, and that we have the assurance that death but opens the way to greater joys beyond.

The undersigned desire to publicly express their gratitude to those kind friends who so lovingly assisted during the sickness and at the death and burial of our beloved father.

Jacob Shoemaker,

Adam Shoemaker,

William Shoemaker,

Phoebe Holmes
Submitted by:
Loretta Marriott