BIOGRAPHY - YOUNG SHAMEL
Dr. J. Young Shamel, a prominent representative of the medical fraternity, with experience and ability that places him foremost in the ranks of those who are successful in the profession, was born February 20, 1871, in Springfield, Illinois. His parents were Conrad and Caroline (Alkire) Shamel. The father, a native of Bavaria, Germany, was thirteen years of age when he crossed the Atlantic with his parents, the family home being established north of Springfield, in Sangamon county, Illinois, theirs being one of the pioneer homes of that locality. The grandfather purchased land there and upon the homestead farm Conrad Shamel was reared. He completed his education in the public schools, assisted in the farm work and eventually was married and resided in that locality until his son, Dr. Shamel, was three years of age. He then removed with his family to Christian county, Illinois, settling near Taylorville, where he purchased land, and as his financial resources permitted invested more and more largely in property until he became the owner of eight hundred acres of as fine farm land as can be found in the entire Mississippi valley.
In his family were four sons. The eldest, Charles H. Shamel, won the degree of Bachelor of Science at the Illinois University, while the degrees of Master of Science and Bachelor of Laws was conferred upon him at University of Michigan and those of Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy by Columbia University in New York city. He is now living with his mother on the old homestead near Taylorville and is managing the estate, having previously practiced law for a short time. Clarence A. Shamel, the second son, after being graduated from the Illinois University with the degree of Master of Science, is now editor and business manager of The Orange Judd Farmer at Chicago. He also owns a large wheat ranch in Canada. Archibald D. Shamel is a graduate and was formerly an instructor in the Illinois University and is now one of Secretary Wilson's experts on farming in the department of agriculture at Washington, D. C. The last two brothers are married.
Dr. Sliamel attended the district schools and for one year was a student in the preparatory department of the Illinois University, where he spent three years, remaining there until his father's death in 1890. In 1891 Dr. Shamel entered the University of Pennsylvania for the purpose of pursuing a medical course and was graduated with honors in the class of 1894. While in college he became a member of the John Ashhurst, Jr., Surgical Society. Following his graduation he came to Gibson City, where he has since been located in the successful practice of his profession. In addition to a large private practice, he is official surgeon for both the Wabash and Illinois Central Railroads.
Dr. Shamel was married October 18, 1899, to Miss J. Anita Snyder, a daughter of W. E. Snyder, of Moweaqua, Illinois, where he follows farming. Mrs. Shamel is a graduate of the high school of that place and also of the Cumnock School of Oratory at the Northwestern University of Chicago. She likewise pursued a two years' course in the Illinois Training School for Nurses. By her marriage she has become the mother of three sons: Clarence A., Dixon S. and John Hayden, the first two being twins.
Dr. Shamel belongs to the Masonic fraternity, being a past master of Gibson Lodge, No. 733, A. F. & A. M., also a chapter Mason and a member of Mt. Olivet Commandery, K. T., at Paxton. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he is now serving as president of the board of education for the second term. He belongs to the Lotus Club and is a gentleman of genial, social nature. Professionally he is connected with the Iroquois-Ford Medical Society, the State Medical Society, the American Medical Association and the American Association of Railway Surgeons and the Wabash and Illinois Central Railroads Associations. He takes delight in his work from the scientific standpoint and also because of the humanitarian spirit, which rejoices in the good that he can do for his fellowmen.
Extracted 16 Oct 2016 by Norma Hass from History of Ford County, Illinois, From Its Earliest Settlement to 1908, author E. A. Gardner, Volume 2, pages 561-562.
