FATHER

Solomon Shepard

MOTHER

Nancy Pate

WIFE

Sarah McGee
b. 15 Oct 1827 MO

CHILDREN

none

Ralls County History Portrait & Biographical Record  1895

"John Henry Shepherd is a worthy representative of a pioneer family of Ralls County, within the boundaries of which he has resided since boyhood, with the exception of only a few years.  he purchased the homestead where he has dwelt for several decades, May 1, 1856, and from time to time invested in more land, until he is now the proprietor of three hundred acres.  When he came to this county there were very few settlers here, and at one time it was his boast that he knew every man within its limits.  In his earlier years he was a Whig and later became a Republican.  He was elected Constable of Township 54, in 1852, holding the office to the satisfaction of all for several years.

Our subject's father, Solomon Shepherd, was a native of Kentucky and one of the pioneers of Breckinridge County.  he was life-long agriculturist and succeeded in providing well for his large family.  In 1825 he moved to Boone County, MO., renting a farm there for four years, when he came to this county and purchased forty acres of land in partnership with his brother-in-law.  The place was covered with timber which he proceeded to clear off, but only lived there about two years, then selling out and making up his abode on a farm north of the one where our subject is now living.  He entered one hundred and sixty acres of Government land, on which he made substantial improvements during his five years' residence thereon.  From 1836 until his death, which occurred in 1866, his home was near Mexico, Audrain County, Mo.,  His wife departed this life in 1835.  Of their ten children only four survive, namely, Jeremiah, John, Julia and Benjamin.  Melissa, Lucretia, Thomas, and one other, all died in infancy or childhood, and Mary and Rhoda A. have also passed away.

The birth of our subject took place in Breckinridge County, KY, April 5, 1818.   He grew up on his father's farm, and when in his nineteenth year left home to make his own living.  For some time he worked in a brickyard in Grant County, Wis., and was also employed on farms.  He can say what few men can with truth, that he has crossed the plains twelve time, a most unusual record in view of the difficulties and dangers which the daring adventurers of early days encountered.  As schools were very few and poorly conductied when Mr. Shepherd came to this county, and as he was obliged to give his services to his father on the farm, it is little wonder that he had a small chance of obtaining an education.  Nevertheless he is a man of keen observation, fond of reading and study, and by his own efforts became well informed.

In 1850 Mr Shepherd was married in Audrain County to Sarah McGee, a native of Monroe County, MO., but who was reared to womanhood in Ralls County.  Her parents were James and Polly (See) McGee, both natives of Kentucky.  The father was one of the early settlers here, and with his wife passed his last years in this community.  For two years after his marriage our subject lived at the home of his wife's mother, then moving to a farm near his present home, and three years later coming here.  The land is suitable for general farming, though corn and wheat are the principal products.  The owner also gives considerable attention to raising livestock, and has been very prosperous.

January 20, 1862, Mr Shepherd enlisted in the Union service as a private in Company E, Second Regiment of Missouri Cavalry, under Col. Mc Neal and Capt. Cowen.  In august, 1862, he took part in an engagement at Perry Grove, Mo., where they met the forces of Green and Porter.  His next battle was at Pierce's Mill in Shelby County, Mo., and at Kirksville there was a sharp skirmish with the enemy.  Then with his company he went to the southern part of the State and met Marmaduke's soldiers at Cape Girardeau, Mo.  He was in several other engagements of lesser note during his three years' service, and finally received an honorable discharge, May 12, 1865.  With the exception of a slight injury incurred during his first battle he was never wounded, and was always present at his post of duty.

Mr. and Mrs. Shepherd have never had any children of their own, but have adopted several to whom they have stood in the light of parents, giving them loving care and every possible advantage.  At present a member of their household is Miss Lettie Henderson, who has lived with them for many years.  Mr. Shepherd is a member of the Christian Church, while his wife is a Methodist, and both take great interest in religious progress."