Joseph P., only son of Hiram S. and S. Emma (Wittnian) Shimer, was born in Allentown, Pennsylvania, March 2, 1872. He was educated in the public schools of his native town, and the Muhlenberg College, from which he was graduated in the class of 1891. In 1893 he succeeded his father in the carpet and drapery store of the latter, as above mentioned. He and his family are members of the St. John's Lutheran church, in which he has been a member of the church council for a number of years. He is a member of Barger Lodge, NO. 333. Free and Accepted Masons; Allen Chapter. No. 203, Royal Arch Masons; Allen Commandery, No. 20, Knights Templar; Rajah Temple, Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; and the prominent social clubs of the city. Mr. Shimer married (first) 1896, Martha L. Duff, (second), 1904. Mellie O. Duff, a sister of his first wife.