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biography from Portrait & Biographical Album of Mahaska Co., Iowa, 1887
MICHAEL L. SHOEMAKE, dealer in new and second-hand furniture, cook and heating stoves, pumps, lightning-rods, etc., established his business in Oskaloosa in 1857, and has resided within the boundaries of Mahaska County since 1853. He is an active business man, wide awake to his own interests, and always ready to lend a helping hand to any cause that is calculated to advance the interests of the community in which he lives. Mr. Shoemake was born in Smith County, Tenn., Sept. 17, 1835, and is a son of Michael and Judy Shoemake. His parents were natives of Tennessee, and our subject remained a resident of his native State until seventeen years of age, receiving the advantages afforded by the common schools, In 1853 he came to Oskaloosa and embarked in the grocery business, starting the first extensive grocery establishment in that city. In 1857 he began his present business, and has carried it on continuously ever since, meeting with success. He was married, Aug. 4,1859, at Oskaloosa, to Hettie A. Wroughton. She was born in Ohio, and has borne our subject three children, all sons. John H. resides in Oskaloosa, and is a pressman by trade; Frank W. married Della Meeks, and they are living in Oskaloosa, as likewise is Harry W. Mrs. Shoemake is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics our subject was formerly a Republican, but at present is a member of the Greenback party. Socially he belongs to the I. O. O. F., and is a respected and honored citizen of the county.
Portrait & Biographical Album of Mahaska Co., Iowa, 1887
Mahaska County, Iowa Genealogy