Shoemaker, Joseph Jerome 1838-1906

SHOEMAKER

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 7/17/2012 at 09:14:42

The Montezuma (IA) Weekly Republican; June 7, 1906

LATE JOSEPH J. SHOEMAKER AS A SOLDIER
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Head Quarters, Wisner Post, No. 127, G.A.R., Department of Iowa, Montezuma, Iowa, June 3rd, 1906.

Joseph Jerome Shoemaker was born near Columbus, Ohio, June 2nd, 1838. Moved to Knox County, Ills. and enlisted December 1st, 1861 in Co. D. 64th Ills. Infantry (known as Yates Sharp Shooters) for the period of three years. Was in twenty seven battles, among them Ft. Henry, Ft. Donaldson, Island No. 10, Pittsburg Landing, Corinth, Iuka, Kingston, Buzzard's Roost, Big Shanty, Snake Gap, Kennesaw Mountain, Marietta and marched to the relief of Gen. Corse at Altoona, also Lovejoy's Station, East Point and the seige and fall of Atlanta. Marched with Sherman to the sea, and in many skirmishes on that march. Was five days in the seige and capture of the city of Savannah.

After the fall of Savannah the command went by boat to Budford, South Carolina, marched to Cheraw, Polktaligo and in the battles of the Salquehatcha Swamps, in the fights of Orangeburg and Fayetteville. Was in the battle of March 20 and 21st, 1865 at Bentonville, N.C. Was captured in this battle on the afternoon of the 21st, this being the last battle that Gen. Sherman's command was engaged in. He was taken to Richmond, Va., and confined in Libby Prison from which place he was paroled and sent north to Springfield, Ills. when he was mustered out May 25th, 1865 as corporal of Co. D. 64th, Ills, Infantry, after a continuous service of three and a half years. This regiment was armed with the sixteen shot Henry rifle and was used in the advance of the brigade.

Comrade Shoemaker joined Wisner Post No. 127 G.A.R. by muster, March 15th, 1884 and attended all meetings when his health would permit, until the date of his death. The muffled drum's sad roll has beat, the soldier's last tattoo.

No more on life's parade shall meet, the brave and fallen few.
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Brooklyn Chronicle; June 15, 1906

Our people were shocked on Friday morning last to learn of the sudden death of Joseph Shoemaker. He had attended the memorial exercises of the 30th although in ill health. Suddenly about two? o'clock there was a slight move, a tremor and all was over. Funeral services were held at the M.E. church on Sunday morning, the Post and Wisner circle joined in doing honor to their comrade and conducted the burial service. Rev. Smith preached an excellent sermon and with the honors of a soldier he was laid to rest.