ANOTHER PIONEER IS GONE.

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DEATH CAME TO J. C. SHOMO YES-

TERDAY EVENING.

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An Old and Influential Citizen Closes a

Useful Life—Funeral To-

morrow.

Death has again robbed Ottawa of one of her oldest and most highly esteemed citizens. The roll of the pioneers is being regularly, if slowly, called.

J. C. Shomo, who has been suffering from illness for months past, died at his home at Fifth and Cedar streets at 5:30 yesterday evening. Mr. Shomo has been a sufferer from rheumatism for more than a year, and for the greater part of the time he had been practically helpless. Recently his condition from a complement of ailments, has been growing steadily worse, and death was foreseen for some time.

The funeral service will be held at the house at 2:30 tomorrow and interment will be at Hope cemetery. Rev. W. R. Wood will conduct the funeral ceremony.

J. C. Shomo was born in Potsdam, Miami county, August 9, 1839, and was at the time of his death 64 years old. He lived on the farm during his earlier years and taught school near his home for some time. On October 5, 1862, he was married to Miss Barbara Ellen Smith, who died in Ottawa a number of years ago. Three children –Miss Nora Shomo and Messrs. Herman and Scott Shomo survive the deceased.

Mr. Shomo came to Ottawa in July, 1866, shortly after the establishment of the town, after having seen war service with company A, of the 112th infantry. He was accompanied to Ottawa by J. R. Fisher, now of Oswego, and the two established a grocery business at the present site of the Blum meat market. Mr. Shomo afterward built the present Shomo building on Main, near Third, and for a time conducted a confectionery business there. For twenty years he was engaged in the book and jewelry business. He was always a stalwart republican in politics and had been named for county office by his party. Mr. Shomo was held in high esteem by his comrades of George H. Thomas post, and his funeral will be conducted tomorrow under the direction of that organization. A peculiar fact in connection with his death is that it occurred on the anniversary of his marriage. Mr. Shomo had been a member of long standing of the Baptist church.

The passing of “Joe” Shomo, as he was familiarly known to all the older citizens, is noted with profound regret in Ottawa. Mr. Shomo was a man whose congenial comradeship was keenly appreciated by all his associates, and his sterling worth as a citizen was recognized by all.