Biography - Hiram Shepherd
HIRAM SHEPHERD. The name of this much-respected citizen and old pioneer
is well known in the county, for he has been successfully engaged in the
arduous duties of the farm in this locality for many years, and now owns one
of the most productive, best cultivated tracts of land in the locality. He
was born in Fillmore Township, Montgomery County, Ill., August 18, 1830, and
there his youthful days were passed.
His father, Pleasant Shepherd, was a native of the old North State and grew
to manhood in that State. When a young man, he went to Kentucky and there
married Miss Anna Brown, a native of the Old Dominion, but reared in
Kentucky. After this union Mr. Shepherd came direct to Montgomery County,
Ill., in about the year 1827, and located in Fillmore Township, where he
entered land from the Government. About 1832, he sold out and moved back to
Kentucky, but after remaining there one winter he made his way back to
Montgomery County, Ill., and settled in what is now North Litchfield
Township. There he improved a good farm and resided the remainder of his
days. His death occurred in 1834, while his wife followed him to the grave
in 1848. Her father, Richard Brown, was a native of Virginia and came to
Illinois about 1827.
Hiram Shepherd was one of five children, three sons and two daughters, two
of whom died in infancy. He was reared in his native county and was but four
years of age when his father died. When he was eighteen years of age, his
mother died, and then he started out to fight life's battles for himself. At
first he worked by the month on a farm, receiving $9 per month for his
services, and continued at this occupation for two years. He then began
farming on shares for himself. In 1852 a great desire came over him to cross
the plains to the land of gold. He started out with ox-teams, and went by
way of Salt Lake City, first stopping at what was then called old Hay Town.
After reaching the Pacific coast, he engaged in mining for about two years
and in 1854 returned via Panama and New York City on the "John L. Stephens"
and the "Pacific."
After reaching the Sucker State he farmed the first season, then went to
North Missouri, where he remained but a short time. In the fall he went to
the Lone Star State, but in 1855 returned to Illinois, where he again
resumed agricultural pursuits, following this for about two years. After
this he engaged in the sawmill business two and a-half miles northeast of
Litchfield and followed this for about two years, when he traded the mill
for a farm in North Litchfield Township. On this he located and remained
another two years, when he traded it for another farm in the same township
In 1864 he sold this and bought the place where he now resides, on section
26, and has since tilled the soil here with substantial results. He is
wide-awake and prosperous and has displayed excellent judgment in the
management of his affairs. All his property has been accumulated by honest
toil and good management, and as a citizen and neighbor he has no superior.
On the 21st of October, 1857, Miss Nancy A. Williams, a native of Washington
County, Ill., became his wife, and their union has been blessed by the birth
of nine children, four sons and five daughters: Anna E., wife of George H.
Barringer, of Fillmore, Ill.; Sarah E., in the millinery business at
Hillsboro, Ill.; Mattie J., wife of John Moore, of Fillmore Township; John
P., of Raymond Township; Rosa A., at home; Lillie L., wife of J. L.
Williamson, of Fillmore Township; Charlie H., Frank and Edward E.
Mr. Shepherd settled on the farm where he now resides in 1864, and on the
farm was a little frame house, 16x24 feet, and a small log stable, which
have since given place to a large two-story frame residence and substantial
out buildings. Since then Mr. Shepherd has added to his land until he now
owns two hundred and forty acres and is engaged in general farming and
stock-raising. The political views of our subject have brought him in
affiliation with the Democratic party and he is an earnest upholder of its
principles and policy. He was School Director for twenty years or more and
has also served as Highway Commissioner. He is a member of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church and one of the Trustees of the same. He is a man whose
career has been above reproach and one whose honesty and uprightness have
never been questioned.
Extracted 04 Dec 2016 by Norma Hass from 1892 Portrait and Biographical Record of Montgomery and Bond Counties, Illinois, page 173-174.
