John Shoemaker

John is 38 years old and employed by James Cunningham in 1860 at the former tavern renamed the Cunningham Hotel. His job was to take care of horses belonging to the hotel's guests. His duties would have included feeding, brushing, taking off and putting on the horse's tack (such as bridles, saddles, harness), cleaning the stables, and providing veterinary care as needed for minor illness and wounds. He would have also been responsible for the care the Cunningham's horses, tack, and wagon or carriage.

By 1870, John is living in a Poor House in Elkton, MD run by Stephen Pluck and his wife Mary. 58 men, women, and children, some as part of family units live in the Poor House with John.