Dr. John Shepherd 1826-1902

SHEPHERD, LEGG, GUSTAFSON

Posted By: S. Ferrall - IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 11/20/2003 at 06:45:56

Dr. John Shepherd [photo of Mr. and Mrs. Shepherd].
On the 26th day of June, 1826, John Shepherd was born at New Deer,
Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Quite young in life he commenced the study
of medicine, while yet a student in the public schools of his native
land. In 1847 he was united in marriage to Anne Legg, both being
members of the Presbyterian church. Of this union six children were
born, of which four are now living -- William, Anne (Gustafson), Hugh
and J.I. Shepherd. His widow also survives him after fifty-five
years of married life.

At the time of his marriage he opened a drug store in New Petsligo,
where he remained in this occupation and that of the practice of
medicine until 1868, when he emigrated to America, landing at
Postville, Iowa. He at once purchased a small farm north of town,
where he lived until he graduated from the medical department of the
State University of Iowa in 1875, and the same year located in
Postville, where he continued in the active practice of his chosen
profession till a short time before his death which occurred on
Thursday, Aug. 28, 1902, from the infirmities of age.

While the subject of this sketch was perhaps known longer to may of
our readers than to ourself, there are none that knew and admired the
excellent qualities in him that tend to make the true man better than
we. Being as he was a son of the brawny Scot he was no man to mince
his words, but spoke out boldly and fearlessly his thoughts. He
despised all manner of shams and made no friends with hypocrisy, and
while to many his manner at times seemed harsh, within his breast
throbbed the heart of a loyal citizen, a true friend, a kind
neighbor, an indulgent husband and father. No man was more patriotic
than he, devoted to his adopted country, and a firm believer in the
principles of the republic, taking at all times an earnest interest
in the affairs of government. He was ever the friend of the poor and
unfortunate and few there were whose purse strings would loosen more
readily to an appeal for aid, or who would more gratuitously give of
his professional services to alleviate the sufferings of distressed
humanity.

Coming to this section in an early day, when Postville had scarce
assumed the dignity of a village, when settlers homes were few and
far between, when poor roads or no roads marked the way, he endured
all the hardships of the pioneer physician. And no matter how stormy
or black the night when called to alleviate the suffering of
distressed humanity, none ever appealed to him in vain. And no doubt
to this cause alone may be attributed the shortening of his life by
several years.

For four years he was a member of the board of pension examiners, and
for many years and up to the time of his death he was health
physician of the town of Postville.

He was a charter member of Noble Lodge No. 51 A.O.U.W. of which he
was sole official physician during his life membership therein. He
was also an honored member of the Northeastern Iowa Medical Society.

Being skilled in his profession his services were sought both far and
wide, and many are the homes in Postville and vicinity that will
mourn the loss of him who for years has ministered to their physical
needs and nursed them from sickness back to health again.

To the bereft widow and children we can but extend the cold words of
sympathy, and trust that our old friend is now at rest beyond the
river where sorrow, and pain, and death shall be known no more
forever. To this most useful life we now say farewell, friend,
citizen and upright man.

The funeral, which was one of the largest ever held in Postville, was
held from the Congregational church last Sunday afternoon at two
o'clock. The services at the church were conducted by Rev.
Higginbotham, and at the grave by the A.O.U.W., which fraternity
attended in a body.

The floral offerings were exceptionally profuse and beautiful, many
of them being a last token of respect from those in whose homes the
doctor had rendered most excellent service. The family are very
grateful to these, to those who kindly sang at the funeral and to all
who in any manner rendered them kindly services during the illness
and after the death of their beloved husband and father.

Relatives from abroad were - Mary Shepherd, Charles Shepherd and
Willie Shepherd, of Lawler; Anne Gustafson, of Cedar Rapids; Leonard
Shepherd, of Triumph, Minn.

Old friends from abroad - James Edwards, James Williamson and John McWilliams, of McGregor; Dr. D.H. Bowen of Waukon.

source: Postville Review, September 5, 1902

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Added by Joy Moore 1/23/2020:

Source: Decorah Republican Sept. 4, 1902 Page 4 Col 3

—Among the deaths last week was that of Dr. J. S. Shepherd, who has been a resident of Postville since 1868, and passed away at the age of 76 years.