(subsequently Pittsburgh) on June 30, 1842, to James Schoonmaker and Mary Clark Stockton.

James was a student at the Western University of Pennsylvania (now known as the University of Pittsburgh) when the American Civil War began and enlisted in a local company of recruits which was assigned to the 1st Maryland Cavalry, rising to the rank of lieutenant.

[1] In August 1862, Schoonmaker was authorized by Secretary of War Edwin Stanton to raise the 14th Pennsylvania Cavalry Regiment, and was promoted to the rank of colonel.

The Medal of Honor citation reads: "During the Battle of Star Fort, Virginia, at a critical period, gallantly led a cavalry charge against the left of the enemy's line of battle, drove the enemy out of his works, and captured many prisoners.

"[2] After the war he made a fortune in coke around Pittsburgh and was on the board of directors at Mellon Bank.