U.S. Army Veteran, Civil War, Union, POW
Captain, Co. F 11th ILL Cavalry, "Bob Ingersoll Regiment"
Promoted to Major, April 2, 1865
Enlisted: October 8, 1861
Mustered Out: May 29, 1865
Son of Joel & Charlotte Sheppard
Other children: Hattie, Dennis S., Lottie, & John
MAJOR D.S. SHEPPARD, GALLANT OLD SOLDIER, ANSWERS THE SUMMONS
"I will live for those that love me,
For those that know me true;
For the heaven that smiles above me,
And awaits my spirit too.
For the wrongs that need resistance.
For the right that needs assistance.For the future in the distance.
And the good that I can do."
The above verse was quoted by Rev. William G. Trower at the memorial service in honor of Major D.S. Sheppard. It is a fitting tribute to his memory, as it was the inspiration of his life.
The funeral of Major Sheppard was held Sunday afternoon from Wilton's chapel in Peoria. The relatives and quite a number of the friends from Washington, Pekin, Peoria, and elsewhere were in attendance. From there the remains were brought by automobile funeral train to Washington and the burial was in the family lot in Glendale cemetery. Short services were held at the grave and a large number of Washington people had gathered at the graveside to pay their last respects to the old soldier's memory.
Rev. Trower, pastor of the Presbyterian church in Washington, officiated at the memorial service and at the grave, He offered a prayer, followed by an address of some twenty minutes. He spoke informally, but it was a splendid tribute to the memory of the old major. He told especially of his loyalty and patriotism. He was loyal to his country, loyal to his family, and loyal to his friends. A number of beautiful passages of verse and scripture were quoted which rounded out the tribute most beautifully and effectually.
Following the address by Rev. Trower Wilson Circle of the Woman's Relief Corps of Peoria held a brief service. They placed a flag across the breast of the old soldier and Mrs. Wilson gave a short address which was indeed most suitable to the occasion.
Major Dennis Scovel Sheppard died at the home of his daughter Mrs. Anna Lester in Peoria last Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock. The gallant old soldier was prepared and ready to go. A week previous to his death he was stricken with another attack of paralysis which rendered him helpless and unconscious most of the time. His remarkable vitality, however, held out to the end and for one week he lay in a comatose state without taking any nourishment. His going was painless and he gently slept his life away surrounded, as was his last wish, by his devoted children.
Capt. D.S. Sheppard was born June 23, 1829, near the post office of Bright, Ind., Miller Township, Dearborn County. He was a son of Joel and Charlotte (Gibson) Sheppard. In 1836 Mr. Sheppard came to Washington with his parents. He, however, returned with his parents to Indiana and lived there until October 8, 1848, when they came to Washington and he had lived here and in this vicinity ever since that time. His father, a cooper by trade, purchased a two-story house where L.J. Kern now lives. Mr. Sheppard lived there until he was married. His folks moved to Canton.
On December 26, 1850, Mr. Sheppard was married to Mary Jane Young. To this marriage eight children were born. Those who are now living are Mrs. Anna Lester, Mrs H.L. Zinser and D.S. Sheppard Jr. He leaves twenty-one grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
Capt. Sheppard, as he was familiarly called by all his old friends during his life, when a young man started at work farming around Washington. In 1849 Charles Anthony started a tin factory in Washington and Mr. Sheppard was one of his traveling salesmen, and as was the style in those days ran a peddler's wagon. While on one of his trips down in Menard County he became acquainted with a farmer named Nesbit Young who had formerly been a ship carpenter by trade and incidentally met his daughter who on December 26, 1850, became his wife. The old captain stated that he never regretted his traveling experience for he got a helpmate with whom he lived happily for 57 years.
The spring following his marriage Capt. Sheppard started to farming for himself on land owned by John Marsh, which is now the Joseph Strubhar farm. He farmed around here until 1856. He had purchased 80 acres of land of the Illinois Central railroad and this he traded for 160 acres of land near Roanoke and gave his note for $2,000 to boot. He farmed this from 1856 until the war broke out and he enlisted. He abandoned the farm and moved his family to Washington. After the war he sold the farm for just about enough to clear up the indebtedness against him.
After the war he returned to Washington and was engaged as a traveling salesman for a number of years. He sold implements for the Tom Birkett implement factory in Washington which at that time employed 100 people. He afterwards traveled for a Peoria firm. In 1884 he was appointed U.S. Guager at Pekin and was here for four years. At the expiration of that time he was appointed postmaster at Washington by President Cleveland and held the position until the end of Mr. Cleveland's term, nearly four years, when he promptly resigned upon the selection of a Republican president. He was afterwards elected supervisor of Washington township, defeating J.H. Anthony who had held the office for twenty years.
The captain was formerly a Republican, but on account of the stand taken by some old soldiers he became a Democrat and was most prominent in the councils of his party up until nearly the end of his life.
Captain Sheppard lived a retired life in this city for quite a number of years following his active retirement from business. About two years ago he went to Peoria to live with his daughter Mrs. Anna Lester. Captain Sheppard was a man of remarkable personality and ability. If he had followed the pursuits of his early calling he would no doubt have been a rich man. Called to the defense of his country in his early manhood he gave some of the best years of his life to this work. He, however, reared a large family and gave liberally of his time and talents to the benefits of the community and his friends.
He was a man of splendid integrity and was most loyal to his friends. The old captain was not afraid to stand out for his convictions and what he thought to be the right, no matter who might be offended. He was most honorable in all his business transactions and we believe it can truthfully be said that he never intentionally did another person a wrong. The editor of the Post and News will ever remember and cherish the memory of the gallant captain. When we first came to Washington a stranger and alone it was he who was the first to give us a cordial welcome and who extended to us in every way his sympathy and aid in getting our business established. He was a loyal friend throughout his whole life and would go out of his way any day to do us a favor. Would that there were more of such unselfish men in the world.
The memory of the old Captain's life in our community will always linger and will aid coming humanity in pointing to his life and patriotism to his country and loyalty to his friends as an inspiration for others to follow. Major Sheppard had a most remarkable war record. The following brief narrative of the events during his enlistment in the civil war were given to the editor of the Post & News a few years before his death.
He enlisted in the war October 8, 1861 in Company F Illinois Cavalry. He was in what was known as the Bob Ingersoll regiment. He enlisted as a private in the ranks December 20, 1861, the day the company was mustered in he was made first sergeant. His first war experience was in the battle of Shilo, where two were killed in his company. The cavalry was kept in the rear during the battle as reserves. Plenty of bullets went over their heads. The lieutenant of their company was killed, and it made them feel pretty bad. The captain gave him command the first day and the second day he did not show up. The colonel the third day called him over and gave him a paper made him out as captain, and sent to the government for his commission. Captain Sheppard was in the fight at Lexington, Tenn. He was taken prisoner December 18, 1862, by General Forrest. He was sent on parole to Camp Butler, Illinois. He was exchanged May 6, 1863. From Camp Butler he went to St. Louis where he was given charge of a company of paroled prisoners. He reported to his regiment May 6, 1863 at La Grange, Miss. He was on scouting duty until General Sherman started on his march from Vicksburg to Meriden. He went with him on that famous campaign. They saw a good deal of fighting.
Two brass pieces of cannon their regiment captured at Jackson are now at Springfield. Col. Bob Ingersoll resigned from his regiment on June 1, 1863. He was disgusted with the way he was being treated. Thought they did not give him a chance to show them what he could do. Under the command of Colonel Winslow from Memphis to Vicksburg Captain Sheppard said it tried his metal. From Vicksburg to Meriden he was under Colonel Grierson and had a good deal of fighting and skirmishing, from Meriden to Vicksburg.
The captain related a peculiar experience in his life. When he would have a dream about his wife he always received a letter. Going into Vicksburg he had had a dream the night before about his wife and he made a bet that next day when he got there he would receive a letter from her and he did. Some time before the Captain's last illness he also had a dream which told him that about the time of his next birthday, his 86th, he would meet his wife in a lovely garden and it has come true. He spoke of this vision often and longed for its fulfillment.
Captain Sheppard was promoted as a major on April 2, 1865. He had been senior officer in his regiment and in command for nearly a year. During that time he was in a good deal of skirmish fighting and chasing rebels from one point to another.
Major Sheppard was mustered out of the army at Memphis, Tennessee, last of May 1865, and cam home to Washington. He telegraphed his wife to meet him in Memphis. She came down and was there for two weeks. The government wanted the major to go to Texas after the close of the war and fight guerillas, but he resigned as the war was over and came home with his wife. Mr and Mrs. W. J. Lester and little daughter of Portland, Ore. arrived in time for the funeral. Mr. Lester was not only a grandson, but a son of the old captain as he was brought up in his home.
The funeral arrangements of Major Sheppard were carried out in conformity with his wishes. He wished no unostentatious display and wanted no flowers. He desired that he be not embalmed, which required the early funeral. The funeral was to have been held in the home of Mrs. Lester, but the undertaker was unable to get the casket in and out of the flat building so it was necessary to hold it in the chapel.
Source: Link to father's memorial provided by Baxter B. Fite III, Find A Grave member # 47203738. Middle name provided by Deb McCallister, Find A Grave member # 47109890
Captain, Co. F 11th ILL Cavalry, "Bob Ingersoll Regiment"
Promoted to Major, April 2, 1865
Enlisted: October 8, 1861
Mustered Out: May 29, 1865
Son of Joel & Charlotte Sheppard
Other children: Hattie, Dennis S., Lottie, & John
MAJOR D.S. SHEPPARD, GALLANT OLD SOLDIER, ANSWERS THE SUMMONS
"I will live for those that love me,
For those that know me true;
For the heaven that smiles above me,
And awaits my spirit too.
For the wrongs that need resistance.
For the right that needs assistance.For the future in the distance.
And the good that I can do."
The above verse was quoted by Rev. William G. Trower at the memorial service in honor of Major D.S. Sheppard. It is a fitting tribute to his memory, as it was the inspiration of his life.
The funeral of Major Sheppard was held Sunday afternoon from Wilton's chapel in Peoria. The relatives and quite a number of the friends from Washington, Pekin, Peoria, and elsewhere were in attendance. From there the remains were brought by automobile funeral train to Washington and the burial was in the family lot in Glendale cemetery. Short services were held at the grave and a large number of Washington people had gathered at the graveside to pay their last respects to the old soldier's memory.
Rev. Trower, pastor of the Presbyterian church in Washington, officiated at the memorial service and at the grave, He offered a prayer, followed by an address of some twenty minutes. He spoke informally, but it was a splendid tribute to the memory of the old major. He told especially of his loyalty and patriotism. He was loyal to his country, loyal to his family, and loyal to his friends. A number of beautiful passages of verse and scripture were quoted which rounded out the tribute most beautifully and effectually.
Following the address by Rev. Trower Wilson Circle of the Woman's Relief Corps of Peoria held a brief service. They placed a flag across the breast of the old soldier and Mrs. Wilson gave a short address which was indeed most suitable to the occasion.
Major Dennis Scovel Sheppard died at the home of his daughter Mrs. Anna Lester in Peoria last Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock. The gallant old soldier was prepared and ready to go. A week previous to his death he was stricken with another attack of paralysis which rendered him helpless and unconscious most of the time. His remarkable vitality, however, held out to the end and for one week he lay in a comatose state without taking any nourishment. His going was painless and he gently slept his life away surrounded, as was his last wish, by his devoted children.
Capt. D.S. Sheppard was born June 23, 1829, near the post office of Bright, Ind., Miller Township, Dearborn County. He was a son of Joel and Charlotte (Gibson) Sheppard. In 1836 Mr. Sheppard came to Washington with his parents. He, however, returned with his parents to Indiana and lived there until October 8, 1848, when they came to Washington and he had lived here and in this vicinity ever since that time. His father, a cooper by trade, purchased a two-story house where L.J. Kern now lives. Mr. Sheppard lived there until he was married. His folks moved to Canton.
On December 26, 1850, Mr. Sheppard was married to Mary Jane Young. To this marriage eight children were born. Those who are now living are Mrs. Anna Lester, Mrs H.L. Zinser and D.S. Sheppard Jr. He leaves twenty-one grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
Capt. Sheppard, as he was familiarly called by all his old friends during his life, when a young man started at work farming around Washington. In 1849 Charles Anthony started a tin factory in Washington and Mr. Sheppard was one of his traveling salesmen, and as was the style in those days ran a peddler's wagon. While on one of his trips down in Menard County he became acquainted with a farmer named Nesbit Young who had formerly been a ship carpenter by trade and incidentally met his daughter who on December 26, 1850, became his wife. The old captain stated that he never regretted his traveling experience for he got a helpmate with whom he lived happily for 57 years.
The spring following his marriage Capt. Sheppard started to farming for himself on land owned by John Marsh, which is now the Joseph Strubhar farm. He farmed around here until 1856. He had purchased 80 acres of land of the Illinois Central railroad and this he traded for 160 acres of land near Roanoke and gave his note for $2,000 to boot. He farmed this from 1856 until the war broke out and he enlisted. He abandoned the farm and moved his family to Washington. After the war he sold the farm for just about enough to clear up the indebtedness against him.
After the war he returned to Washington and was engaged as a traveling salesman for a number of years. He sold implements for the Tom Birkett implement factory in Washington which at that time employed 100 people. He afterwards traveled for a Peoria firm. In 1884 he was appointed U.S. Guager at Pekin and was here for four years. At the expiration of that time he was appointed postmaster at Washington by President Cleveland and held the position until the end of Mr. Cleveland's term, nearly four years, when he promptly resigned upon the selection of a Republican president. He was afterwards elected supervisor of Washington township, defeating J.H. Anthony who had held the office for twenty years.
The captain was formerly a Republican, but on account of the stand taken by some old soldiers he became a Democrat and was most prominent in the councils of his party up until nearly the end of his life.
Captain Sheppard lived a retired life in this city for quite a number of years following his active retirement from business. About two years ago he went to Peoria to live with his daughter Mrs. Anna Lester. Captain Sheppard was a man of remarkable personality and ability. If he had followed the pursuits of his early calling he would no doubt have been a rich man. Called to the defense of his country in his early manhood he gave some of the best years of his life to this work. He, however, reared a large family and gave liberally of his time and talents to the benefits of the community and his friends.
He was a man of splendid integrity and was most loyal to his friends. The old captain was not afraid to stand out for his convictions and what he thought to be the right, no matter who might be offended. He was most honorable in all his business transactions and we believe it can truthfully be said that he never intentionally did another person a wrong. The editor of the Post and News will ever remember and cherish the memory of the gallant captain. When we first came to Washington a stranger and alone it was he who was the first to give us a cordial welcome and who extended to us in every way his sympathy and aid in getting our business established. He was a loyal friend throughout his whole life and would go out of his way any day to do us a favor. Would that there were more of such unselfish men in the world.
The memory of the old Captain's life in our community will always linger and will aid coming humanity in pointing to his life and patriotism to his country and loyalty to his friends as an inspiration for others to follow. Major Sheppard had a most remarkable war record. The following brief narrative of the events during his enlistment in the civil war were given to the editor of the Post & News a few years before his death.
He enlisted in the war October 8, 1861 in Company F Illinois Cavalry. He was in what was known as the Bob Ingersoll regiment. He enlisted as a private in the ranks December 20, 1861, the day the company was mustered in he was made first sergeant. His first war experience was in the battle of Shilo, where two were killed in his company. The cavalry was kept in the rear during the battle as reserves. Plenty of bullets went over their heads. The lieutenant of their company was killed, and it made them feel pretty bad. The captain gave him command the first day and the second day he did not show up. The colonel the third day called him over and gave him a paper made him out as captain, and sent to the government for his commission. Captain Sheppard was in the fight at Lexington, Tenn. He was taken prisoner December 18, 1862, by General Forrest. He was sent on parole to Camp Butler, Illinois. He was exchanged May 6, 1863. From Camp Butler he went to St. Louis where he was given charge of a company of paroled prisoners. He reported to his regiment May 6, 1863 at La Grange, Miss. He was on scouting duty until General Sherman started on his march from Vicksburg to Meriden. He went with him on that famous campaign. They saw a good deal of fighting.
Two brass pieces of cannon their regiment captured at Jackson are now at Springfield. Col. Bob Ingersoll resigned from his regiment on June 1, 1863. He was disgusted with the way he was being treated. Thought they did not give him a chance to show them what he could do. Under the command of Colonel Winslow from Memphis to Vicksburg Captain Sheppard said it tried his metal. From Vicksburg to Meriden he was under Colonel Grierson and had a good deal of fighting and skirmishing, from Meriden to Vicksburg.
The captain related a peculiar experience in his life. When he would have a dream about his wife he always received a letter. Going into Vicksburg he had had a dream the night before about his wife and he made a bet that next day when he got there he would receive a letter from her and he did. Some time before the Captain's last illness he also had a dream which told him that about the time of his next birthday, his 86th, he would meet his wife in a lovely garden and it has come true. He spoke of this vision often and longed for its fulfillment.
Captain Sheppard was promoted as a major on April 2, 1865. He had been senior officer in his regiment and in command for nearly a year. During that time he was in a good deal of skirmish fighting and chasing rebels from one point to another.
Major Sheppard was mustered out of the army at Memphis, Tennessee, last of May 1865, and cam home to Washington. He telegraphed his wife to meet him in Memphis. She came down and was there for two weeks. The government wanted the major to go to Texas after the close of the war and fight guerillas, but he resigned as the war was over and came home with his wife. Mr and Mrs. W. J. Lester and little daughter of Portland, Ore. arrived in time for the funeral. Mr. Lester was not only a grandson, but a son of the old captain as he was brought up in his home.
The funeral arrangements of Major Sheppard were carried out in conformity with his wishes. He wished no unostentatious display and wanted no flowers. He desired that he be not embalmed, which required the early funeral. The funeral was to have been held in the home of Mrs. Lester, but the undertaker was unable to get the casket in and out of the flat building so it was necessary to hold it in the chapel.
Source: Link to father's memorial provided by Baxter B. Fite III, Find A Grave member # 47203738. Middle name provided by Deb McCallister, Find A Grave member # 47109890
U.S. Army Veteran, Civil War, Union, POW
Captain, Co. F 11th ILL Cavalry, "Bob Ingersoll Regiment"
Promoted to Major, April 2, 1865
Enlisted: October 8, 1861
Mustered Out: May 29, 1865
Son of Joel & Charlotte Sheppard
Other children: Hattie, Dennis S., Lottie, & John
MAJOR D.S. SHEPPARD, GALLANT OLD SOLDIER, ANSWERS THE SUMMONS
"I will live for those that love me,
For those that know me true;
For the heaven that smiles above me,
And awaits my spirit too.
For the wrongs that need resistance.
For the right that needs assistance.For the future in the distance.
And the good that I can do."
The above verse was quoted by Rev. William G. Trower at the memorial service in honor of Major D.S. Sheppard. It is a fitting tribute to his memory, as it was the inspiration of his life.
The funeral of Major Sheppard was held Sunday afternoon from Wilton's chapel in Peoria. The relatives and quite a number of the friends from Washington, Pekin, Peoria, and elsewhere were in attendance. From there the remains were brought by automobile funeral train to Washington and the burial was in the family lot in Glendale cemetery. Short services were held at the grave and a large number of Washington people had gathered at the graveside to pay their last respects to the old soldier's memory.
Rev. Trower, pastor of the Presbyterian church in Washington, officiated at the memorial service and at the grave, He offered a prayer, followed by an address of some twenty minutes. He spoke informally, but it was a splendid tribute to the memory of the old major. He told especially of his loyalty and patriotism. He was loyal to his country, loyal to his family, and loyal to his friends. A number of beautiful passages of verse and scripture were quoted which rounded out the tribute most beautifully and effectually.
Following the address by Rev. Trower Wilson Circle of the Woman's Relief Corps of Peoria held a brief service. They placed a flag across the breast of the old soldier and Mrs. Wilson gave a short address which was indeed most suitable to the occasion.
Major Dennis Scovel Sheppard died at the home of his daughter Mrs. Anna Lester in Peoria last Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock. The gallant old soldier was prepared and ready to go. A week previous to his death he was stricken with another attack of paralysis which rendered him helpless and unconscious most of the time. His remarkable vitality, however, held out to the end and for one week he lay in a comatose state without taking any nourishment. His going was painless and he gently slept his life away surrounded, as was his last wish, by his devoted children.
Capt. D.S. Sheppard was born June 23, 1829, near the post office of Bright, Ind., Miller Township, Dearborn County. He was a son of Joel and Charlotte (Gibson) Sheppard. In 1836 Mr. Sheppard came to Washington with his parents. He, however, returned with his parents to Indiana and lived there until October 8, 1848, when they came to Washington and he had lived here and in this vicinity ever since that time. His father, a cooper by trade, purchased a two-story house where L.J. Kern now lives. Mr. Sheppard lived there until he was married. His folks moved to Canton.
On December 26, 1850, Mr. Sheppard was married to Mary Jane Young. To this marriage eight children were born. Those who are now living are Mrs. Anna Lester, Mrs H.L. Zinser and D.S. Sheppard Jr. He leaves twenty-one grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
Capt. Sheppard, as he was familiarly called by all his old friends during his life, when a young man started at work farming around Washington. In 1849 Charles Anthony started a tin factory in Washington and Mr. Sheppard was one of his traveling salesmen, and as was the style in those days ran a peddler's wagon. While on one of his trips down in Menard County he became acquainted with a farmer named Nesbit Young who had formerly been a ship carpenter by trade and incidentally met his daughter who on December 26, 1850, became his wife. The old captain stated that he never regretted his traveling experience for he got a helpmate with whom he lived happily for 57 years.
The spring following his marriage Capt. Sheppard started to farming for himself on land owned by John Marsh, which is now the Joseph Strubhar farm. He farmed around here until 1856. He had purchased 80 acres of land of the Illinois Central railroad and this he traded for 160 acres of land near Roanoke and gave his note for $2,000 to boot. He farmed this from 1856 until the war broke out and he enlisted. He abandoned the farm and moved his family to Washington. After the war he sold the farm for just about enough to clear up the indebtedness against him.
After the war he returned to Washington and was engaged as a traveling salesman for a number of years. He sold implements for the Tom Birkett implement factory in Washington which at that time employed 100 people. He afterwards traveled for a Peoria firm. In 1884 he was appointed U.S. Guager at Pekin and was here for four years. At the expiration of that time he was appointed postmaster at Washington by President Cleveland and held the position until the end of Mr. Cleveland's term, nearly four years, when he promptly resigned upon the selection of a Republican president. He was afterwards elected supervisor of Washington township, defeating J.H. Anthony who had held the office for twenty years.
The captain was formerly a Republican, but on account of the stand taken by some old soldiers he became a Democrat and was most prominent in the councils of his party up until nearly the end of his life.
Captain Sheppard lived a retired life in this city for quite a number of years following his active retirement from business. About two years ago he went to Peoria to live with his daughter Mrs. Anna Lester. Captain Sheppard was a man of remarkable personality and ability. If he had followed the pursuits of his early calling he would no doubt have been a rich man. Called to the defense of his country in his early manhood he gave some of the best years of his life to this work. He, however, reared a large family and gave liberally of his time and talents to the benefits of the community and his friends.
He was a man of splendid integrity and was most loyal to his friends. The old captain was not afraid to stand out for his convictions and what he thought to be the right, no matter who might be offended. He was most honorable in all his business transactions and we believe it can truthfully be said that he never intentionally did another person a wrong. The editor of the Post and News will ever remember and cherish the memory of the gallant captain. When we first came to Washington a stranger and alone it was he who was the first to give us a cordial welcome and who extended to us in every way his sympathy and aid in getting our business established. He was a loyal friend throughout his whole life and would go out of his way any day to do us a favor. Would that there were more of such unselfish men in the world.
The memory of the old Captain's life in our community will always linger and will aid coming humanity in pointing to his life and patriotism to his country and loyalty to his friends as an inspiration for others to follow. Major Sheppard had a most remarkable war record. The following brief narrative of the events during his enlistment in the civil war were given to the editor of the Post & News a few years before his death.
He enlisted in the war October 8, 1861 in Company F Illinois Cavalry. He was in what was known as the Bob Ingersoll regiment. He enlisted as a private in the ranks December 20, 1861, the day the company was mustered in he was made first sergeant. His first war experience was in the battle of Shilo, where two were killed in his company. The cavalry was kept in the rear during the battle as reserves. Plenty of bullets went over their heads. The lieutenant of their company was killed, and it made them feel pretty bad. The captain gave him command the first day and the second day he did not show up. The colonel the third day called him over and gave him a paper made him out as captain, and sent to the government for his commission. Captain Sheppard was in the fight at Lexington, Tenn. He was taken prisoner December 18, 1862, by General Forrest. He was sent on parole to Camp Butler, Illinois. He was exchanged May 6, 1863. From Camp Butler he went to St. Louis where he was given charge of a company of paroled prisoners. He reported to his regiment May 6, 1863 at La Grange, Miss. He was on scouting duty until General Sherman started on his march from Vicksburg to Meriden. He went with him on that famous campaign. They saw a good deal of fighting.
Two brass pieces of cannon their regiment captured at Jackson are now at Springfield. Col. Bob Ingersoll resigned from his regiment on June 1, 1863. He was disgusted with the way he was being treated. Thought they did not give him a chance to show them what he could do. Under the command of Colonel Winslow from Memphis to Vicksburg Captain Sheppard said it tried his metal. From Vicksburg to Meriden he was under Colonel Grierson and had a good deal of fighting and skirmishing, from Meriden to Vicksburg.
The captain related a peculiar experience in his life. When he would have a dream about his wife he always received a letter. Going into Vicksburg he had had a dream the night before about his wife and he made a bet that next day when he got there he would receive a letter from her and he did. Some time before the Captain's last illness he also had a dream which told him that about the time of his next birthday, his 86th, he would meet his wife in a lovely garden and it has come true. He spoke of this vision often and longed for its fulfillment.
Captain Sheppard was promoted as a major on April 2, 1865. He had been senior officer in his regiment and in command for nearly a year. During that time he was in a good deal of skirmish fighting and chasing rebels from one point to another.
Major Sheppard was mustered out of the army at Memphis, Tennessee, last of May 1865, and cam home to Washington. He telegraphed his wife to meet him in Memphis. She came down and was there for two weeks. The government wanted the major to go to Texas after the close of the war and fight guerillas, but he resigned as the war was over and came home with his wife. Mr and Mrs. W. J. Lester and little daughter of Portland, Ore. arrived in time for the funeral. Mr. Lester was not only a grandson, but a son of the old captain as he was brought up in his home.
The funeral arrangements of Major Sheppard were carried out in conformity with his wishes. He wished no unostentatious display and wanted no flowers. He desired that he be not embalmed, which required the early funeral. The funeral was to have been held in the home of Mrs. Lester, but the undertaker was unable to get the casket in and out of the flat building so it was necessary to hold it in the chapel.
Source: Link to father's memorial provided by Baxter B. Fite III, Find A Grave member # 47203738. Middle name provided by Deb McCallister, Find A Grave member # 47109890
Captain, Co. F 11th ILL Cavalry, "Bob Ingersoll Regiment"
Promoted to Major, April 2, 1865
Enlisted: October 8, 1861
Mustered Out: May 29, 1865
Son of Joel & Charlotte Sheppard
Other children: Hattie, Dennis S., Lottie, & John
MAJOR D.S. SHEPPARD, GALLANT OLD SOLDIER, ANSWERS THE SUMMONS
"I will live for those that love me,
For those that know me true;
For the heaven that smiles above me,
And awaits my spirit too.
For the wrongs that need resistance.
For the right that needs assistance.For the future in the distance.
And the good that I can do."
The above verse was quoted by Rev. William G. Trower at the memorial service in honor of Major D.S. Sheppard. It is a fitting tribute to his memory, as it was the inspiration of his life.
The funeral of Major Sheppard was held Sunday afternoon from Wilton's chapel in Peoria. The relatives and quite a number of the friends from Washington, Pekin, Peoria, and elsewhere were in attendance. From there the remains were brought by automobile funeral train to Washington and the burial was in the family lot in Glendale cemetery. Short services were held at the grave and a large number of Washington people had gathered at the graveside to pay their last respects to the old soldier's memory.
Rev. Trower, pastor of the Presbyterian church in Washington, officiated at the memorial service and at the grave, He offered a prayer, followed by an address of some twenty minutes. He spoke informally, but it was a splendid tribute to the memory of the old major. He told especially of his loyalty and patriotism. He was loyal to his country, loyal to his family, and loyal to his friends. A number of beautiful passages of verse and scripture were quoted which rounded out the tribute most beautifully and effectually.
Following the address by Rev. Trower Wilson Circle of the Woman's Relief Corps of Peoria held a brief service. They placed a flag across the breast of the old soldier and Mrs. Wilson gave a short address which was indeed most suitable to the occasion.
Major Dennis Scovel Sheppard died at the home of his daughter Mrs. Anna Lester in Peoria last Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock. The gallant old soldier was prepared and ready to go. A week previous to his death he was stricken with another attack of paralysis which rendered him helpless and unconscious most of the time. His remarkable vitality, however, held out to the end and for one week he lay in a comatose state without taking any nourishment. His going was painless and he gently slept his life away surrounded, as was his last wish, by his devoted children.
Capt. D.S. Sheppard was born June 23, 1829, near the post office of Bright, Ind., Miller Township, Dearborn County. He was a son of Joel and Charlotte (Gibson) Sheppard. In 1836 Mr. Sheppard came to Washington with his parents. He, however, returned with his parents to Indiana and lived there until October 8, 1848, when they came to Washington and he had lived here and in this vicinity ever since that time. His father, a cooper by trade, purchased a two-story house where L.J. Kern now lives. Mr. Sheppard lived there until he was married. His folks moved to Canton.
On December 26, 1850, Mr. Sheppard was married to Mary Jane Young. To this marriage eight children were born. Those who are now living are Mrs. Anna Lester, Mrs H.L. Zinser and D.S. Sheppard Jr. He leaves twenty-one grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
Capt. Sheppard, as he was familiarly called by all his old friends during his life, when a young man started at work farming around Washington. In 1849 Charles Anthony started a tin factory in Washington and Mr. Sheppard was one of his traveling salesmen, and as was the style in those days ran a peddler's wagon. While on one of his trips down in Menard County he became acquainted with a farmer named Nesbit Young who had formerly been a ship carpenter by trade and incidentally met his daughter who on December 26, 1850, became his wife. The old captain stated that he never regretted his traveling experience for he got a helpmate with whom he lived happily for 57 years.
The spring following his marriage Capt. Sheppard started to farming for himself on land owned by John Marsh, which is now the Joseph Strubhar farm. He farmed around here until 1856. He had purchased 80 acres of land of the Illinois Central railroad and this he traded for 160 acres of land near Roanoke and gave his note for $2,000 to boot. He farmed this from 1856 until the war broke out and he enlisted. He abandoned the farm and moved his family to Washington. After the war he sold the farm for just about enough to clear up the indebtedness against him.
After the war he returned to Washington and was engaged as a traveling salesman for a number of years. He sold implements for the Tom Birkett implement factory in Washington which at that time employed 100 people. He afterwards traveled for a Peoria firm. In 1884 he was appointed U.S. Guager at Pekin and was here for four years. At the expiration of that time he was appointed postmaster at Washington by President Cleveland and held the position until the end of Mr. Cleveland's term, nearly four years, when he promptly resigned upon the selection of a Republican president. He was afterwards elected supervisor of Washington township, defeating J.H. Anthony who had held the office for twenty years.
The captain was formerly a Republican, but on account of the stand taken by some old soldiers he became a Democrat and was most prominent in the councils of his party up until nearly the end of his life.
Captain Sheppard lived a retired life in this city for quite a number of years following his active retirement from business. About two years ago he went to Peoria to live with his daughter Mrs. Anna Lester. Captain Sheppard was a man of remarkable personality and ability. If he had followed the pursuits of his early calling he would no doubt have been a rich man. Called to the defense of his country in his early manhood he gave some of the best years of his life to this work. He, however, reared a large family and gave liberally of his time and talents to the benefits of the community and his friends.
He was a man of splendid integrity and was most loyal to his friends. The old captain was not afraid to stand out for his convictions and what he thought to be the right, no matter who might be offended. He was most honorable in all his business transactions and we believe it can truthfully be said that he never intentionally did another person a wrong. The editor of the Post and News will ever remember and cherish the memory of the gallant captain. When we first came to Washington a stranger and alone it was he who was the first to give us a cordial welcome and who extended to us in every way his sympathy and aid in getting our business established. He was a loyal friend throughout his whole life and would go out of his way any day to do us a favor. Would that there were more of such unselfish men in the world.
The memory of the old Captain's life in our community will always linger and will aid coming humanity in pointing to his life and patriotism to his country and loyalty to his friends as an inspiration for others to follow. Major Sheppard had a most remarkable war record. The following brief narrative of the events during his enlistment in the civil war were given to the editor of the Post & News a few years before his death.
He enlisted in the war October 8, 1861 in Company F Illinois Cavalry. He was in what was known as the Bob Ingersoll regiment. He enlisted as a private in the ranks December 20, 1861, the day the company was mustered in he was made first sergeant. His first war experience was in the battle of Shilo, where two were killed in his company. The cavalry was kept in the rear during the battle as reserves. Plenty of bullets went over their heads. The lieutenant of their company was killed, and it made them feel pretty bad. The captain gave him command the first day and the second day he did not show up. The colonel the third day called him over and gave him a paper made him out as captain, and sent to the government for his commission. Captain Sheppard was in the fight at Lexington, Tenn. He was taken prisoner December 18, 1862, by General Forrest. He was sent on parole to Camp Butler, Illinois. He was exchanged May 6, 1863. From Camp Butler he went to St. Louis where he was given charge of a company of paroled prisoners. He reported to his regiment May 6, 1863 at La Grange, Miss. He was on scouting duty until General Sherman started on his march from Vicksburg to Meriden. He went with him on that famous campaign. They saw a good deal of fighting.
Two brass pieces of cannon their regiment captured at Jackson are now at Springfield. Col. Bob Ingersoll resigned from his regiment on June 1, 1863. He was disgusted with the way he was being treated. Thought they did not give him a chance to show them what he could do. Under the command of Colonel Winslow from Memphis to Vicksburg Captain Sheppard said it tried his metal. From Vicksburg to Meriden he was under Colonel Grierson and had a good deal of fighting and skirmishing, from Meriden to Vicksburg.
The captain related a peculiar experience in his life. When he would have a dream about his wife he always received a letter. Going into Vicksburg he had had a dream the night before about his wife and he made a bet that next day when he got there he would receive a letter from her and he did. Some time before the Captain's last illness he also had a dream which told him that about the time of his next birthday, his 86th, he would meet his wife in a lovely garden and it has come true. He spoke of this vision often and longed for its fulfillment.
Captain Sheppard was promoted as a major on April 2, 1865. He had been senior officer in his regiment and in command for nearly a year. During that time he was in a good deal of skirmish fighting and chasing rebels from one point to another.
Major Sheppard was mustered out of the army at Memphis, Tennessee, last of May 1865, and cam home to Washington. He telegraphed his wife to meet him in Memphis. She came down and was there for two weeks. The government wanted the major to go to Texas after the close of the war and fight guerillas, but he resigned as the war was over and came home with his wife. Mr and Mrs. W. J. Lester and little daughter of Portland, Ore. arrived in time for the funeral. Mr. Lester was not only a grandson, but a son of the old captain as he was brought up in his home.
The funeral arrangements of Major Sheppard were carried out in conformity with his wishes. He wished no unostentatious display and wanted no flowers. He desired that he be not embalmed, which required the early funeral. The funeral was to have been held in the home of Mrs. Lester, but the undertaker was unable to get the casket in and out of the flat building so it was necessary to hold it in the chapel.
Source: Link to father's memorial provided by Baxter B. Fite III, Find A Grave member # 47203738. Middle name provided by Deb McCallister, Find A Grave member # 47109890
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