Richard Shepard of Exeter, N.H. Biography from History of Rockingham County, New Hampshire Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by MLM, Volunteer 0000130. For the current email address, please go to http://www.rootsweb.com/~archreg/vols/00001.html#0000130 Copyright. All rights reserved. ************************************************************************ Full copyright notice - http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm USGenWeb Archives - http://www.usgwarchives.net ************************************************************************ Source: History of Rockingham County, New Hampshire and Representative Citizens by Charles A. Hazlett, Richmond-Arnold Publishing Co., Chicago, Ill., 1915 Page 1304 RICHARD SHEPARD, born in New Hampshire December 6, 1826, was son of Samuel Smith and Lavina (Marsten) Shepard. His parents were both New Hampshire people, the father being a farmer and carpenter, who died at sea, having engaged on board a vessel as ship carpenter. Their chil- dren were Richard, George F. and Caroline, the last mentioned of whom married Jacob Adams. Richard Shepard was educated in the common schools and was reared a farmer. He worked for some time as clerk in a mercantile business, and was also a grocery merchant at Lynn, Mass. He was a man of quiet domestic tastes and took no active interest in politics, beyond that taken by every loyal citizen in the maintenance of good government. Religiously he was affiliated with the Episcopal church. On November 15, 1849, he married Ruth C. Smith, who was born in New Hampton, N. H., daughter of Ebenezer and Abiah (Stevens) Smith. Her father, born January 7, 1782, died December 30, 1846. Her mother was born October 4, 1792 and died December 13, 1872. They were both New Hampshire people. The father spent his life in farm- ing, except in his younger days, when for some time he followed the occupa- tion of school teacher. He was of a studious disposition and much given to reading. He resided on one farm all his life and was a very well known and respected citizen. He and his wife were affiliated with the Free Will Baptist church. Their children were: Betsey, wife of Daniel Veasey ; Relief R., who married Noah Woodman ; George; Mary, who married Ira Taylor; Ruth C. and Simeon D. Mr. and Mrs. Richard Shepard were the parents of one child only, Ella F., who resides at home with her mother. She was educated in the common schools and at Robinson Seminary. She belongs to the Daughters of the American Revolution, being eligible through the record of her great grand- father, Peter Stevens, who served in the war for independence. Mrs. Shep- ard and her daughter attend the Episcopal church. They are among the well known and respected residents of Exeter.