John was born on April 20, 1834 in Adamsburg, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania to Solomon Shrum and Sarah A. (nee Uber).

Catharine was born in 1844 (probably in Westmoreland County) to Andrew Joseph Kepple and wife, Susanna.

John & Catharine were married on April 26, 1865.

They spent their lifetimes on their farm at or near Adamsburg in Westmoreland County. John was a Democrat and was elected in 1878 for a 3 year term as Westmoreland County "Guardian of the Poor".

Catharine died on October 6, 1907.

John died on March 1, 1913 and is buried in the Brush Creek Cemetery at Adamsburg, Pennsylvania.