JOSEPH E. SHIMER, is one of the
successful merchants of Northampton County, now engaged in
business at Stockertown. In the spring of 1876 he formed a
partnership with his father, Reuben L., under the firm title of
R. L. Shimer & Son, and this connection continued until the
spring of 1894, since which time he has conducted the business
alone. As a merchant he is upright in all his business
transactions, and by reliable dealings has gained the confidence
of the people.
The father of our subject, Reuben L.
Shimer, was born in Northampton County in 1831, being a son of
Edward B. Shimer, one of the pioneers of this county. The
former was reared to farm life, and followed that occupation for
many years, but in 1876 drifted into the general mercantile
business, which he followed successfully until his death. He
was a man of prominence in his community, and held a number of
local offices in Forks Township. His death occurred March 8,
1893, at a ripe old age.
The only survivor of the parental family
is the subject of this sketch, who, as above stated, is the
proprietor of a general mercantile business at Stockertown. In
his establishment he carries a full and varied assortment of dry
goods, groceries, notions, boots and shoes, hardware, hats and
caps, and, in fact, everything to be found in any first-class
country store. He also handles lumber and coal. With the
people of the village and the farmers of the surrounding country
he conducts a large and profitable trade, the quality of the
stock and up and uprightness of his dealings commending him to
the people.
Born in Northampton County, July 3, 1851,
the subject of this sketch received a practical education in the
public schools of Forks Township, and in a private school in
Easton. He was engaged in agricultural pursuits until he
entered the mercantile business in 1876. In addition to the
management of his store, he has served as Postmaster of
Stockertown. His landed possessions aggregate one hundred and
thirteen acres, and he is well-to-do in this world’s goods. He
has a pleasant home in Stockertown, presided over by his amiable
wife, who was formerly Miss Adella F. Fenstermacher, of
Allentown, Pa.