Shepherd, Daniel

SHEPHERD, BRANDENBURG, ROWE, RICKABAUGH, MILLSAP

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 8/15/2009 at 09:22:51

Daniel Shepherd

The agriculturists of Jasper County, as a rule, possess general intelligence thorough understanding of their calling and great energy, and they therefore rank well among the farmers of Iowa. Among those who have for years successfully pursued the peaceful occupation of tilling the soil is the gentleman above named, whose estate is located on section 25, Washington Township. His landed possessions in Jasper County aggregate four hundred and forty acres, including what is called Shepherd's Addition to the city of Colfax, comprising eighteen acres laid out in town lots.

Born in Washington County, IN, August 21, 1823, the subject of this sketch is the son of John Shepherd, a native of Ohio, whose father, Charles, was supposed to be of Scotch descent. John Shepherd removed to Indiana in an early day and located in Washington County, where he engaged in farming. Subsequently, he settled in Greene County, the same state, where he continued to make his home until his death, at the age of sixty-six. Throughout his entire life he followed the occupation of a farmer, in which, through energy and perseverance, he met with success. His wife, whose maiden name was Sarah Brandenburg, was, it is thought, a native of Kentucky, and her father was of German birth and parentage.

In the parental family there were ten children, five sons and five daughters, and nine of the number grew to mature years, three are now living, namely: Mrs. Mary F, Rowe, of Colfax; Francis, who resides in Washington, and Daniel, who is the third son and the sixth child of the family. He was reared in Indiana, amid pioneer scenes and surroundings. So meager were his advantages that he was a lad of twelve when he first saw a schoolhouse. His entire schooling consisted of three weeks' attendance in a log building, where the mode of instruction and the furnishings were equally crude.

In Greene County, IN, in 1843, Mr. Shepherd married Miss Elizabeth Rickabaugh, a native of Indiana, and an estimable and refined lady. She died after her having become the mother of five children: Albert, Mary, Isabel and Arabelle (twins), and Josephine, who died in infancy. Mr. Shepherd was again married, in Jasper County, Iowa, in 1858, his wife being Elizabeth Elliott. They became the parents of two children (twins), who were born in 1862. One died at the ago of eight months, and the other, Malissa, is the wife of Albert Millsap.

In 1843 Mr. Shepherd located in Greene County, IN, where he remained until 1856, coming in that year to Iowa. After a short sojourn in Prairie City, Iowa, in 1858, he purchased a farm in Mound Prairie Township, upon which he placed first-class improvements, devoting his attention to its cultivation until 1869. He then disposed of the property and bought a farm in Washington Township, where he has since resided. In connection with tilling the soil, he engages extensively in the stock business, and for twenty-six years or more has raised and shipped cattle, an enterprise which has proved a profitable source of revenue. Upon locating here he had sufficient money to pay for one hundred and twenty acres, the price being $12 per acre. The success which has attended his efforts is well deserved, for in all his enterprises he has displayed excellent judgment and untiring industry.

The interest Mr. Shepherd has shown in the advancement of measures for the good of Washington Township since his residence here, and the zeal he has displayed in all projects worthy of support caused him long since to be classed as one of the leading citizens of Jasper County. All that be has gained or achieved has come as the result of his own efforts. In national affairs he supports the principles of the Republican Party, but in local elections gives his support to the man whom he deems beet qualified for the office irrespective of party ties. His first Presidential vote was cast for General Taylor. He has served in a number of local offices, including the position of Supervisor, which he held for many years. Portrait and Biographical Record, Jasper, Marshall and Grundy Counties, IA Page 211.