John Shumaker
John Shumaker, of West Union, Ohio, was born in Harrisburgh, Pa., September 22, 1837. His father was Jos. H. Shumaker and mother, Susan Shumaker, whose maiden name was Susan Walton. He emigrated to Fairfield County, Ohio, with his father's family at the age of eight years, where he attended the common schools, and at the age of seventeen was granted a one year certificate by the Board of School Examiners of Fairfield County, Ohio. At about this time he, with his parents, moved and settled on a farm in Morrow County, Ohio, where his time was occupied on his father's farm during the Summer and teaching during the Winter months.
At the breaking out of the Civil War. he enlisted July, 1862, in the 45th O. V. I., but was not mustered into the service on account of being disabled by sickness. On July 20, 1864, he re-enlisted in the 178th O. V. I., and served as First Sergeant of Company K. until the regiment was mustered out at Charlotte. N. C, July t, 1865.
He then returned to his father's farm and was engaged in farming, teaching, and clerking. He was connected with the Adams Express Company from 1877 to 1880, as Express Messenger between Pittsburgh and Chicago, on the P., F. W. & C. R. R. From 1881 to 1883. he was engaged in teaching in Scott County, Ills. He returned to Ohio and was engaged in various occupations until May, 1893, when he settled in West Union and conducted a restaurant in the Mullen Building. September 21, 1893, he married Miss Cedora F. Caraway, of Adams County. At the November election, 1894, he was elected a Justice of the Peace of Tiffin Township. At the April election, 1896, he was elected Mayor of the incorporated village of West Union. April, 1897, he was re elected as Justice of the Peace, and in April, 1898, was re-elected Mayor, which offices he now holds.
From "History of Adams County, Ohio from its Earliest Settlement to the Present Time" - by Nelson W. Evans and Emmons B. Stivers - West Union, Ohio - Published by E. B. Stivers - 1900