Biography of John H Shepard, Greenville, Montcalm County, Michigan


Copyright © 1997 by Candy Grubb. This copy contributed for use in 
the USGenWeb Archives.  

 

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>From "History of North Washington" Published 1904

Transcribed by: Candy Grubb (candyg@theofficenet.com)
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JOHN H. SHEPARD
	John H. Shepard, interested in the fancy fruit industry, and residing
four miles north of Echo, Stevens county, was born in Greenville, Montcalm
county, Michigan, December 2, 1871.  He is the son of James J. and
Melissa (Rodgers) Shepard, the father a native of New York, the mother of
Michigan.  James J. Shepard went to Michigan when a young man, where he now
lives.  His wife died in 1895.  They were the parents of seven children, of
whom four survive: Frank and Fred, in Michigan; May, wife of Frank Davy,
living in Washington; and John, our subject.  The ancestry of both parents
were prominent and distinguished people.
	At Greenville, Michigan, our subject secured the advantages of a
public school education, and at the age of twelve years began life for
himself, working industriously on a farm five years.  He then learned the
trade of a carpenter, which he pursued four years.  After this he began
railroad work, which he continued two years, returning to his trade which he
followed until he came to Washington in 1890.  During fifteen months he
found employment at Colville, Stevens county, cooking in a hotel, and then
located his present homestead, mainly timber land, with thirty-five acres
under cultivation.  He has an orchard, commodious buildings, the farm well
watered and fenced, besides considerable stock.
	In 1900 Mr. Shepard married to Mary Rice, daughter of James and
Hulda Rice, the father a native of Missouri, the mother of Iowa.  They were
the parents of the following children: Hester, wife of Elmer Gear, of Elk,
Washington; Joey, of Springdale, Stevens county; George; Alonzo, of Elk;
Robert, of St. Maries, Idaho; Eliza, of the same place; Clarence and James.
	Mr. and Mrs. Shepard have two children, Fred and Wilber, at present
residing with their parents.  Politically Mr. Shepard is a Liberal, but
always taking a patriotic interest in local politics.  He has been a member
of the board of supervisors and a director of the schools.