Sidney S. Shoemake Apr 26,1843 - Feb 7,1908
Sidney S. Shoemake, fourth child of James and Martha W. Glover-.Shoemake, was born Apr 26, 1843
in Smith Co,TN ? and married Sept 23,1864 (Smith Co,TN) Josephine "Josie" Gentry who was born
May 7,1845 in TN. It is thought that Josie was the daughter of James and Mary (?) Gentry who also
had the following children: John L., Adevill, Thomas, William, and Sidney (?) Gentry.
According to Civil War records, Sidney was 6' 2" tall, had blue eyes, light hair, and fair complexion.
Later in life, Sidney suffered from arthritis, causing him to use crutches to walk. Sidney joined as a
Private in Co. L, 5th Regot Tennessee Cavalry on Aug 19,1863 at Carthage, TN. By Dec 30,1863
Sidney had been appointed Corporal. Sidney and Josie were married by D.K. Timberlake. Sidney was
a Methodist preacher. Sidney died Feb 7,1908 (Smith Co, TN) and Josie died 1913 (Putnam Co,TN)
at the home of her daughter Callie Donia. Both are buried at the McDonald Cem. near Chestnut Mound,
TN (located behind an old homestead, in the pasture).
Their children were:
I.) Cordelia Shoemake (born circa 1866 - died circa 1882) died age 16
II.) James "Jim" Shoemake (Nov ,1868 - died ?)
III.) Ardella Shoemake (July 17,1871 - Apr 24,1959)
IV.) Callie Donia Shoemake (Oct 9,1874 - July 25,1917)
V.) Minnie Velma Shoemake (born circa 1880 - died ?)
VI.) Sidney Monroe Shoemake (Mar 1881 - Jan 3,1954)
VII.) Bertie Josephine Shoemake (Aug 4,1888 - Mar 4,1976)
VIII.) Martha Ella Shoemake ( ? - ?) (not proven yet)
Callie Donia Shoemake married Benjamin Jackson Blair and they are pictured on the website:
The following is an obituary notice written by E.M. Nunally about Sidney S. Shoemake:
OUR FRIENDS GONE BEFORE
SHOEMAKER (sic) Rev. Sidney s. Shoemaker (sic) was born on Hurricane Creek near the present
site of Maggart in Smith County, Tennessee, April 26,1843. When the Civil War Broke out he
espoused the cause of the Union and enlisted in the 5th Tennessee Cavalry United State Volunteers.
The Commander of this regiment was Col. William Riley Stokes. Brother Shoemaker (sic) was early
given the rank of Corporal and in the midst of danger and hardship he served his country gallantly
through the war. He was married to Miss Josephine Gentry September 23,1864, and she bravely and
lovingly shared his toils and hardships and her devotion to him was marked all through his life. He was
converted in 1865 and united with the Methodist Episcopal Church. He soon began to preach and for a
long time he raised his voice in many congregations and saw many sinners turn to God. He had been a
local Elder for a long time before he died, but was so afflicted with Rheumatism that he was unable to
preach. He was one of the leading spirits in building the Methodist Church at Maggart and when he moved
to Bloomington he would not be contented until our people were housed in a comfortable place of worship.
No man will be more missed at Bloomington than Brother Shoemaker (sic). Two of his children, Cordelia
and Martha Ella had preceded him to the heavenly world. He has left behind two sons and four daughters.
His sons, James and Monroe, are prominent men in this section of the country. Caladonia (sic), the wife
of Ben Blair Esq., Ardella, the wife of Campbell (sic) Loman, who is a steward of our church, both are
residents of Bloomington. Minnie Velma, the wife of Willie Julian lives in Knoxville, while Bertie, the
wife of Morgan Brown resides on Martin Creek in this county. Bro. Shoemaker (sic) quietly passed out
of this life into the life beyond February 7,1908. He died as he had lived with firm faith in Jesus Christ.
The writer held services in his home and presiding Elder, J.D. Harris went with the bereaved family to
Maggart where the body was laid to rest.
E.M. NUNALLY, Pastor
