My Genealogy Hound

JOHN S. SHELMIRE is descended on the paternal and maternal sides from old and prominent families who have been for several generations residents of eastern Pennsylvania. He was born in Moreland township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, February 2, 1865, and is the eldest child of William and Sarah R. (Wynkoop) Shelmire, who were the parents of six other children, as follows: Eliza S., Curwen S., James W., Harry L., George M., and Jane L. Shelmire.

John S. Shelmire remained with his parents until he was twelve years of age, when he went to live with his aunt, Mary A. Shelmire, with whom he resided during the greater part of the next seven years, and assisted in a general way in the work of the store which she conducted. During this time he attended the Huntingdon Valley School, and during the winter of 1882-83 attended one term at Pierces Business College, a leading commercial school of Philadelphia. In 1884, after the demise of his father, he assumed the management of the homestead farm and continued thus employed for four years. In 1889 he engaged in farming on his own account in Moreland township, and in 1897 removed to the premises he now occupies at Bethayres. Mr. Shelmire has always taken an active interest in township and county affairs, and every enterprise that attended toward the development and growth of the section in which he resided, and the welfare of the public received from him an earnest support. In 1895 he was elected on the Democratic ticket for township register and assessor, held the office for four consecutive terms, during which time he discharged the duties to the satisfaction of the public. In 1901 he was elected by his party to the office of real estate assessor in Moreland township, and the following year became the candidate for the office of county commissioner. Upon his election he resigned the office of assessor to enter upon the duties of his new position, and during his term of county commissioner he and his fellow commissioners rendered important services in the erection and completion of the new County Court House at Norristown, which in architectural design and finish is one of the finest edifices in the state, and reflects great credit upon Montgomery county. Mr. Shelmire is a thoroughly conscientious man in all the affairs of life, and commands the respect and esteem of a wide circle of friends. His political affiliations are with the Democratic party, to which he has given his support since attaining his majority.

John S. Shelmire was married January 2, 1889, to Elizabeth R. Bavington, who was born August 4, 1865, a daughter of Watson W. and Hannah (Snyder) Bavington, of Moreland township. The issue of this union was one son, Stanley R. Shelmire, born February 13, 1897.