Walter W. Shoop
Upon a beautiful elevation on Circle Avenue, surrounded by grounds one acre in extent and finely laid out in lawns, will be noticed a commodious residence, which is undoubtedly one of the most attractive homes in Washington C. H. Not only is its exterior appearance pleasing to the eye, but the interior arrangements are in harmony with the laws of beauty, and on every hand the good taste of the inmates is apparent. This is the home of Mr. Shoop and his family, who are well and favorably known throughout the community.
The son of a farmer, Mr. Shoop was born in Bainbridge, Ross County, this State, March 16, 1846, his parents being J. M. and Mary E. (Snyder) Shoop. He commenced his education in the district schools of Clinton County, whither he was taken by his parents when about three years old. In 1856, when a lad of ten years, he came to this county and located on a farm near Jasper Mills, where he remained until after the death of his father in 1864, at the age of forty-six years.
The parental family comprised nine children, of whom the following is noted: William H. died in 1865: James is now a minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church and resides in Washington County, this State; Laura H. is the wife of William B. Hukill, of Missouri; our subject is the next in order of birth; Martha E. is the widow of Jacob Sollars, of Fayette County; Henry C. is engaged in the harness and saddlery business at Washington C. H.; Obie is the wife of George Mouser, of Fayette County; and John D. is Superintendent of the city schools at Gibson, Ill. The mother of this family passed from earth in 1860, four years prior to the demise of her husband.
Upon leaving the farm, in 1870, our subject first engaged in business at the Jasper Mills and was a grain dealer at that place for six years. About 1882, he removed to Washington C. H. and for several years was in the implement business, which he conducted with great success. After managing the business alone for a few years, he took into partnership J. H. Lawwill, the firm being Shoop & Lawwill. They continued to superintend their extensive interests for several years, when Mr. Shoop 's health failing, he sold out to Mr. Lawwill, December 16, 1891. Since that time, he has been retiied from active business cares, although in looking after his real-estate interests and in other duties, he still finds sufficient to occupy his time.
In his social connections, Mr. Shoop is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he has filled all the chairs. He has also served successfully as District Deputy Grand Master for two terms; District Deputy Chief Patriarch and Captain of the Cantons; and, in addition, is a Knight of Pythias. His wife, to whom he was married January 16, 1868, was known in her maidenhood as Laura Campbell, and is the daughter of Lenox Campbell, one of the early settlers of Fayette County, whose sketch will be found elsewhere in this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Shoop are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which faith they have reared their two sons and two daughters: Werter, Ottie, Lenox and Bessie.
From PORTRAIT & BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF FAYETTE, PICKAWAY AND MADISON COUNTIES, OHIO - Chapman Bros. [Chicago, 1892]