- WILLIAM N. SHEPARD, a young and enterprising farmer of Turtle
Township, and one of the
- representative citizens of Rock County, was born in the city
of New Orleans, La., on the 13th day of January, 1857. His parents
were Josiah and Clara (NORTH) SHEPARD, the former a native of
the Empire State, and the latter of Connecticut. His father was
a man of great ingenuity, and possessed those traits of character
which insure success. At the early age of fifteen years he was
left an orphan, and from that time forward he made his own way
in the world. At the breaking out of the Civil War he was residing
in New Orleans, and had gained considerable property, but during
that struggle it was all swept away. His reverses did not discourage
him, but with characteristic energy he went to work to retrieve
his fortunes, and at the time of his death, which occurred in
August, 1880, was a wealthy man. We can probably best give the
story of his life by copying from the Beloit Free Press
a biographical sketch, supplemented by a few facts obtained from
other sources:
- "Josiah SHEPARD was born in Toronto, Canada, May 29,
1823, and like his father was distin-
- guished for his manufacturing enterprise and his Christian
character. At the age of fifteen years he was left an orphan,
and his life was composed of events of stirring interest. The
days of infancy and early boyhood passed, we find him at school
in Massachusetts. Next we catch a glimpse of him at work in the
interior of New York; at eighteen years of age, he sailed on
a fishing expedition to Greenland, and subsequently was engaged
in business in New York City. In 1849 the California wave swept
him to the Pacific coast, and its reflux landed him in New Orleans,
where he became connected with the silk house of Cyrus YALE.
His fidelity, energy and sagacity contributed largely to the
eminent success of that firm, in whose employ he remained for
about fifteen years. At length the war broke out and he lost
everything and, after long wandering with his wife and child
in the Southwest, he passed the line, and again established himself
in business, in 1863, in New Britain, Conn., as a manufacturer
of umbrellas. His natural business ability, indefatigable energy
and perseverance, led him on to such success, that, upon the
failure of his health, he was able to retire with a competent
estate, after having engaged in manufacturing in that city for
fourteen years. In the meantime, about the year 1878, accompanied
by his family, Mr. SHEPARD made a pleasure trip to Europe, visiting
various noted and historical places in France, England, Ireland,
Germany and Switzerland. After retiring from business he chose
the city of Beloit, which he had visited in former years, as
his future home, and in the spring of 1879 became a resident.
Though his health limited his personal acquaintance, his untiring
vigor and enterprise have been felt in the equipment of a farm,
which he conducted in connection with his son, while his sympathy
with the higher interests of the community was made manifest
by his gift to the Beloit College of a superb microscope, worth
$1,400, which bears his name, together with a previous donation
of $500.
- Mr. SHEPARD was twice married. His first union was with Miss
Clara H. NORTH, a lady of
- New Britain, Conn. She possessed rare gifts and graces of
mind and character, and belonged to a distinguished family, being
a sister of Prof. Emerson, and Mrs. Roger H. MILLS, whose husband
was an eminent attorney of Beloit. She was companionable and
entertaining, and possessed a high degree of intelligence. To
Mr. and Mrs. SHEPARD were born two children, William N. and Anna
M. In 1870 the death of the mother occurred, and her remains
were interred in the cemetery at New Britain. Mr. SHEPARD was
a second time married, when Miss Jennie YALE, of Ware, Mass.,
became his wife. Her loving care blest his later years, surrounding
his last days with happiness. Mr. SHEPARD's religious convictions
and life were most decided, clear and earnest, while the strong
beliefs of the evangelical system filled and satisfied his mind.
In his years of business activity, as well as in the months of
disease and suffering which closed his life, though his sickness
was lingering and painful, his last hours were peaceful, and
when his eyes were finally closed in death, his countenance assumed
a dignity and serenity, in harmony with an assurance that it
was well with him. After appropriate funeral services on the
Sabbath day at his late residence, conducted by the Rev. Dr.
BUSHNELL, his wife and son accompanied his remains to Connecticut,
laying them to rest in the family burial place at New Britain.
Mrs. SHEPARD and Miss Anna are now traveling in Italy. They are
ladies of refinement and culture, holding a high position in
the social world of this community, and are members of the First
Congregational Church of Beloit.
- Throughout his boyhood and youth the great desire of William
SHEPARD, our subject, was to
- become a farmer, and for the purpose of permitting him to
carry out his cherished scheme, his father removed to Beloit
and purchased a farm in Turtle Township. From the school room
he at once embarked in life as an agriculturalist, and is now
operating 250 acres of land, pleasantly situated within two and
a half miles of the city limits of Beloit. During the eight years
he has followed his chosen occupation, he has made most rapid
advancement, having begun without experience or practical knowledge
of the methods for operating a farm. Considering his past success,
we predict for him a bright future in his life work. Many improvements
have been added to the land, the barns and outbuildings are models
of convenience, a 20-foot windmill has been put up, arrangements
made for the curing of corn fodder and green clover, and in fact
every invention necessary to a well-regulated farm will be found
on the land. In connection with his other interests Mr. SHEPARD
is engaged in operating a dairy, and is the owner of a fine herd
of Jersey and Guernsey cattle, while he also owns Poland-China
hogs and a fine grade of sheep.
- Mr. SHEPARD resides in an elegant residence on Oaklawn avenue,
in the city of Beloit, presided
- over by a charming lady, whose maiden name was Miss Mary
YALE, who is now his wife. She is a daughter of Dr. John YALE,
a prominent physician of Ware, Mass., and of their union two
children have been born, Marion and Stanley. They are members
of the First Congregational Church, and in politics, he is a
Republican. In every enterprise for the improvement or advancement
of the community, Mr. SHEPARD stands in the front rank, and is
a worthy citizen of Rock County. He has traveled extensively
on the Pacific Slope, and owns some property in the beautiful
city of Los Angeles, Cal.
-
- Taken from "The Portrait and Biographical Album of
Rock County, Wis." (c)1889, pp. 791-792.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
|