The subject of this notice came to this State with his parents, and received his education principally in the common schools of Adams county; he attended the Institute, near Quincy, about one year. After leaving school he bought a farm on section thirteen, Fall Creek township, and engaged in farming. In 1849, he married Elizabeth Reeder, born March 19, 1831; her parents were Daniel and Frances Reeder, who located near Quincy, in 1831. Mr. and Mrs. Shinn had thirteen children, of whom six are living, viz: Maxwell Hardin, Wilber, Leroy, Horace, Homer and Pettie. Rev. Mr. Shinn was licensed a preacher by the M.E. Church, in 1855, ordained as Deacon in 1859, and Elder in 1863, since which time he has been actively engaged in disseminating the Gospel. When he commenced life he had very little means, but plenty of energy; he improved one of the finest farms in the township, raised large quantities of fruit, and dealt in fine stock, which proved a good investment. He served in various township offices, was justice of the peace ten years and foremost in the advancement of education; he was one of the directors in the Adams County Agricultural Society many years, and was one of the trustees of the Quincy College. His first vote was cast for Henry Clay for President. He sold his farm in Adams county, in 1876, and located on his present farm in this county, which consists of two hundred and eighty acres of land, situated two and a half miles southwest of the State House; he is now engaged in farming, and for three years has made butter and cheese.