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CHARLES M. SHEPHERD - A traveler throughout Sangamon County will note with pleasure the many thoroughly-developed estates and the great number of first-class farm buildings which meet his eye on every side, and will at once recognize the fact that this section is the home of an enterprising and progressive class of agriculturists. Should he enjoy the privilege of meeting and conversing with those in Woodside Township, he will find none who are more progressive in ideas than the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch, and whose fine estate is located on section 26.
Our subject is a son of Thomas C. and Ellen (Miller) Shepherd, who were born in Shepherdstown, W. Va. Their history will be found on another page of this Album under the heading of Thomas C. Shepherd. The mother died March 26, 1890. Their family consisted of five children, our subject being the fourth in order of birth. This gentleman opened his eyes to the light November 18, 1841, in the township in which he is still living. Here he grew to maturity and has spent his active life, with the exception of the years devoted to the service of his country. He has always been engaged in agricultural pursuits and has a thorough understanding of his calling. His estate consists of three hundred and twenty-nine acres, upon which good buildings stand, and where a general air of prosperity and thrift prevails. He settled upon this farm in March, 1883, having resided on the old homestead to that date.
At the home of the bride's parents in Ball Township, November 11, 1869, Mr. Shepherd was united in marriage with Sarah E. Ford. The lady is a daughter of William R. and Minerva (Scott) Ford, who now reside in Springfield, and was born in Ball Township September 5, 1850. She is possessed of many fine qualifications for the position which she holds as head of a household and as a useful member of society. Mr. And Mrs. Shepherd have three sons - C. Raymond, Alva F. and Louis P.
July 16, 1861, when not yet twenty years of age, our subject became a member of Company B, Eleventh Missouri Infantry, in which he served three years and twenty days. He takes an active part in the political affairs of the section in which he lives, working with and for the Republican party. He has held the office of Township Supervisor one term. Of the social and benevolent orders, he belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic and the Farmers' Mutual Benefit Association. Mr. Shepherd is well informed, genial in manner, and possessed of the public spirit which leads him to take part in every scheme which is promulgated that promises to benefit the community. His character is an upright one, and he and his wife are numbered among the most worthy members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he fills the office of Steward.