James S. Sheppard

    James S. Sheppard, is the second son and child of Isaac D. and Thurza (Hess) Sheppard, natives of New Jersey and Kentucky respectively. He was born November 11, 1839, in Martinsville, Morgan County, Indiana.

    James Sheppard was reared in Martinsville, where he obtained a good English education. When thirteen years of age, he entered his father's harness shop and began learning the trade, at which he worked until June 16, 1862, when he enlisted in Company C, Sixteenth Indiana Volunteers, under Capt. Paul J. Beachbard. he served more than three years, participating the battles at Richmond, Kentucky, Arkansas Post, siege of Vicksburg (Red River campaign), Black River, Sabine Cross Roads, and some few others. After the close of the war, he returned to his home, where he resumed his trade, which, in 1875, he gave up, becoming a partner of N. T. Cunningham, of Martinsville, in the general merchandise business. He continued in the business for five years, when, his health failing, he sold his interest and retired from business for one year. In January, 1881, he became agent for pianos and organs in Martinsville, and at present is so engaged very successfully.

     On September 19, 1867, he was married to Lydia S. Meginnis, a daughter of the Rev. William Meginnis, one of the oldest Methodist Ministers in the Indiana conference. By this union there are two children -Harry A. and Lulie A. Mr. Sheppard is a member of the I. O. O. F. Lodge No. 274, and also of the G. A. R. Politically, he is a Republican.

Source: Counties of Morgan, Monroe and Brown, Indiana. Historical and Biographical. Charles Blanchard, Editor. F. A. Battey & Co., Publishers, 1884.