Michael Shoemaker (April 6, 1818 - November 10, 1895) was born and raised in German Flats, Herkimer County, New York. In 1835, Shoemaker moved to Joliet, Illinois where his brother-in-law, Dr. A.W. Bowen, lived. He worked in real estate and as a merchandiser for the firms of A.W. Bowen and Co. and Matteson and Shoemaker. In 1838 and 1839, he helped build sections of rockwork for the Illinois and Michigan Canal. In 1842, Shoemaker moved to Jackson, Michigan and with his brother, Matthew Shoemaker, he purchased a flouring mill property. In 1845, he bought a farm and was appointed Inspector of the State prison. The following year Shoemaker was elected to the State Senate for the Second District of Michigan. When the Civil War occurred Shoemaker joined the 13th Michigan Volunteer Infantry and was appointed Colonel; he joined the Army of the Cumberland and served with it for two years. In 1863, He was taken prisoner at Tyree Springs, Kentucky. Two weeks later he exchanged in trade back to the Union. After returning to Jackson, Michigan Shoemaker led a very busy life. He was President of the Young Men’s Association of Jackson, a member of the Executive Committee of the Michigan State Agricultural Society, a correspondent of the National bureau if Agriculture, President of the Agricultural Society of Jackson, member of the Board of Public Works, President of the Pioneer Society, a member of Odd Fellow, and was Chairman of the Democratic State Central Committee. During this time, Shoemaker was also an member of the Masonic Fraternity, and he held the position of Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter, Royal Arch Masons. In 1886, Shoemaker was elected Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Committees at the Grand Lodge. He also was a member of the Counsil of R.and S. Masons, the Commandery of Knights The lived the remainder of his life in Jackson, Michigan, dying a year after this diary on November 10, 1895. He is buried in Mount Evergreen Cemetery.emplar, and the Order of High Priesthood.