John Shepherd

A Patriot of the American Revolution for NORTH CAROLINA. DAR Ancestor # A103005

SHEPARD, JOHN Ancestor #: A103005
Service: NORTH CAROLINA Rank(s): PATRIOTIC SERVICE
Birth: 8-10-1734 SPOTSYLVANIA CO VIRGINIA
Death: 6-11-1810 WILKES CO NORTH CAROLINA
Service Source: NC REV WAR PAY VOUCHERS, #5192, ROLL #S.115.123
Service Description: 1) FURNISHED SUPPLIES

RESIDENCE
1) County: WILKES CO - State: NORTH CAROLINA

SPOUSE
Number Name
1) SARAH X

Child [Spouse #] Spouse
STEPHEN [1] MARY Stephen Shepherd
ANNE [1] WILLIAM VIARS Anne Viars
DELPHIA [1] NATHANIEL JUDD Philadelphia "Delphia" Judd
LEWIS [1] ALI JOHNSON Lewis Washington Shepherd
JOHN [1] PHOEBE X John Shepherd
SARAH [1] ELIJAH JENNINGS Sarah Jennings
NANCY [1] JOHN MCQUEARY Nancy Ann McQuerry
LUCY [1] HENRY PUMPHREY Lucy Pumphrey

John Shepherd, Sr. was born August 10, 1734 in Saint George's Parish, Spotsylvania County, Virginia. He was the son of George and Elizabeth Day Shepherd. He married Sarah (Jennings?) about 1758 in Spotsylvania, Virginia.

An Early Settler of Reddies River

On November 15, 1775, John sold his 500 acres of land in Spotyslvania County to William Arnold, Jr (This transaction was witnessed by George McNeil who also moved to Reddies River). With his wife, Sarah, and seven children (ages 1-15), John Shepherd joined his brothers James Shepherd and Robert Shepherd, and their families, in a move to the Reddies River area of Wilkes County, North Carolina in 1776.

In his book, The Early Settlers of Reddies River, Paul Gregory says:

"When John arrived on Reddies River, only a few scattered families were living there. It must have been a highly satisfying experience for them to find that the fertile bottom land on both sides of the stream beginning 'at the bend in the river' and extending Northward to the forks of the river was still uninhabited and unclaimed. The place where the wagons crossed the river was just north of the bend in the river. The water was unusually deep at this crossing, hence the name deep ford. The crossing was also located at the base of a hill, giving the name Deep Ford Hill. It is here that John settled.

Reddies River was flanked on either side not only with wide, fertile bottom land but also with mountain land covered with heavy timber, abounding in an assortment of wild life. The waters of Reddies River were clear, clean, swift, and cold. This is the place that John sank his roots never to move again.

When John arrived on Reddies River, most land of this area belonged to Earl Granville, Lord Proprietor for the British Government. Furthermore, no land was available for sale or lease, as the British land office had been closed several years prior to this date. Only a very few settlers actually owned the property on which they lived. Thus, more early settlers took possession (squatted on) land of their choice, with the idea of later buying or leasing tbe property when the land office was reopened. This is what John did.

On July 4th 1776 all land was confiscated and all land transactions with the British Government were invalidated. The confiscation act provided a way for the early settlers to own the land they had improved and to which they laid claim. The settlers were required to register their land with the local government as a basis for subsequent land grants. On April 24th, 1778, John entered his land, claiming 405 acres, beginning at the bend in the river near Deep Ford and extending northward to the forks of the river, including property on both sides of the river. Although John later bought many additional acres of land, it was here that he reared his family, and it is here that John and his wife, Sarah, lived for the rest of their lives."

John purchased additional acreage in later years. In 1787 he was listed in the Wilkes County tax roles as being taxable for 645 acres.

A Servant to the Community

Undoubtedly, John worked hard to rear his family and help build the infrastructure of his new community.

John may have been a soldier in the Revolutionary War. He is listed in a roster of soldiers that served under Captain William Lenoir in an expedition against the Indians dated May 31, 1776. However, his name is crossed out on this list along with some others with no explanation.

John served many times on the Wilkes County Court of Pleas as a juror and participated on committees that laid roads through the Reddies River area. On June 3, 1778, John was part of a jury of 12 that was commissioned to "lay out a road the best and most convenient way from the Deep Fourd on Reddies River to Benajah Pennington's mill and make report thereof to the next court." Pennington's Mill was located in Grassy Creek, now part of Ashe County, North Carolina near the border with Grayson County, Virginia.

On January 24, 1786, John was ordered to oversee the layout of a road from his property to the "foot of Mtn. at head of Reddies River." This road is likely the predecesor to Old NC Hwy 16 which was the primary route between Wilkes and Ashe Counties for many years. It is still used today as the main road through the heart of the Reddies River area.

Helped Establish Houses of Worship

John was also a driving force behind the establishment of churches in the Reddies River Area. The first church established on Reddies River was located on the crest of Deep Ford Hill, just above lands owned by John Shepherd, Sr. This church was established as early as 1783 and was in existence as late as 1796. The members of this church basically comprised the families of John Shepherd, Sr., and his brother Robert Shepherd.

Following the church at Deep Ford Hill, was the Reddies River Church of Christ that was constituted on April 7, 1798. John and Sarah Shepherd were constitutional members of this new church along with members of their family, Robert Shepherd's family, and others in the community. The first Reddies River Church of Christ building was located on Seed Tick Hill. Later, just prior to the civil war, a new Reddies River Church was built on the North Fork of Reddies River and was named Reddies River Baptist Church. This church still stands, and is now called Reddies River Primitive Baptist Church. Death

John died June 11, 1810, leaving his wife Sarah and 11 children. Sarah died about 1816. John and Sarah are believed to be buried in the Deep Ford Hill Church Cemetery.

No doubt John was a man not only with considerable substance but also with recognized integrity. A close reading of his Last Will and Testament indicates that John provided his children with considerable financial assistance and had enough left at his death to provide each one with a considerable additional amount.

Pioneer Spirit Lives On

Between 1820 and 1830, most of John and Sarah's children married and moved to Kentucky, Missouri, or Illinois, as did the majority of Robert Shepherd's children (John’s brother). Descendants of these families are now found primarily in the Kentucky-Illinois-Missouri areas.

First Shepherds in

Ashe County, NC

Two of John and Sarah Shepherd's children moved with their families to Ashe County, NC - birthplace and home of Grover & Harrison Shepherd.

Elijah Jennings, and wife Sarah Shepherd, received a State Land Grant for 60 acres located along the South Fork of the New River between Fleetwood and Todd in Ashe County, September 12, 1800 - only a year after Ashe County was formed from Wilkes County in 1799. However, the Jennings family did not stay. About 1820, the family removed to Adair County, Kentucky.

Lewis Shepherd was the second of John Shepherd's children that moved to Ashe County. Lewis purchased 200 acres from a Joseph Couch on March 5, 1808. Only about five years later, Lewis heard the call to go west. He sold this 200-acre tract to Elijah Jennings on November 13, 1814. Lewis moved his family to Russell County, Kentucky, and later to Illinois.

John James Shepherd, Sr Born: 10 AUG 1734 at: St. George Parish, Spotsylvania County, Va. Married: ABT 1758 at: Spotsylvania County, Va. Died: 11 JUN 1810 at: Reddies River, Wilkes County, NC
Parents:George Shepherd, Sr and Elizabeth Mary Angelica Day

NOTES Wife: Sarah Jennings Born: ABT 1738 at: St. George Parish, Spotsylvania County, Va. Died: ABT 1816 at: Reddies River, Wilkes County, NC

CHILDREN

1. Susannah Shepherd Born: ABT 1758 at: St. George Parish, Spotsylvania County, Va. Died: 13 MAR 1816 at: Wilkes Co., NC
2. Anne Shepherd Born: ABT 1759 at: St. George Parish, Spotsylvania County, Va. Died: UNKNOWN at: Wilkes Co., NC
3. John James Shepherd, Jr Born: 1760 at: St. George Parish, Spotsylvania County, Va. Married: ABT 1788 Died: 7 MAY 1812 at: Reddies River, Wilkes County, NC Spouses: Phoebe Eseentrino
4. Lucy Shepherd Born: ABT 1764 at: St. George Parish, Spotsylvania County, Va. Died: 31 DEC 1816 at: Wilkes Co., NC
5. Nancy W. Shepherd Born: 17 NOV 1765 at: St. George Parish, Spotsylvania County, Va. Died: UNKNOWN
6. Stephen Shepherd Born: 20 SEP 1769 at: St. George Parish, Spotsylvania County, Va. Died: 1 OCT 1825 at: Russell County, Ky
7. Lewis W. Shepherd Born: 15 DEC 1771 at: St. George Parish, Spotsylvania County, Va. Died: 15 AUG 1858 at: Sheppard Cemetery, Athensville, Greene Co, IL.
8. Philadelphia Delphia Shepherd Born: ABT 1778 at: Reddies River, Wilkes County, NC Died: AFT 1850 at: Dallas County, MO
9. Sarah Sally Shepherd Born: ABT 1780 at: St. George Parish, Spotsylvania County, Va. Died: 27 JUL 1856 at: Russell County, Ky
10. Andrew Shepherd Born: ABT 1785 at: Reddies River, Wilkes County, NC Died: 23 MAY 1856 at: Adair County, Ky.

SOURCES 1) Thornton Shepherd Bible

http://www.penjaccphoto.com/penleyged/fam00908.htm

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Note: St. George's Parish shows to be in Accomack County?

John James Shepherd aka Sheppard Born 10 Aug 1734 in St. George's Parish, Spotsylvania Co., VA Ancestors Son of George Shepherd and Elizabeth Mary Angelicke (Day) Shepherd Brother of George Shepherd, James Shepherd, John Shepard Sr., Elizabeth Ann Shepherd and Robert Shepherd Husband of Sarah Jennings (Rash) Shepherd — married about 1758 in Virginia, USA Descendants Father of Ann Shepherd, Lewis Washington (Shepherd) Sheppard and Delphia (Shepherd) Judd Died 11 Jun 1810 in Reddies River, Wilkes Co., NC

Thank you to Kitty Smith for contributions to this profile. This person was created through the import of LaBach Family TreeApril28_2011.ged on 05 May 2011. Biography

Son of George Shepherd and Elizabeth Mary Angelick "Day" Shepherd from Spotsylvania Co, VA

Married Sarah "Jennings" Shepherd

CHILDREN INCLUDE: Ann Shepherd John Shepherd, Jr (b) 1760, Spotsylvania Co, VA (d) 5/7/1812 (age 52) Reddies River, Ash Co NC. James Madison Shepherd (b) 1762, Spotsylvania Co, VA (d) 9/6/1822 (age 60) Shelbyville, Shelby Co, IN Susannah Shepherd (b) 1762 (d) 3/13/1816 (age 54), Wilkes Co, NC Lucy Shepherd (b) abt 1764, Spotsylvania, VA Stephen Shepherd (b) 9/20/1769, Spotsylvania Co, VA, (d) 10/1/1825 (age 56) Webbs Cross Roads, Russell Co, KY Lewis Washington Shepherd (b) 12/15/1771, Spotsylvania, VA; (d0 9/15/1858 (age 86) Greene Co, IL Sarah Shepherd Nancy Shepherd Delphia Shepherd Andrew Shepherd

FROM SHEPHERD FAMILY RESEARCH (Provided by Carole Conrad, #46532185) On November 15, 1775, John sold his 500 acres of land in Spotyslvania Co. to William Arnold, Jr (This transaction was witnessed by George McNeil who also moved to Reddies River). With his wife, Sarah, and seven children (ages 1-15), John Shepherd joined his brothers James Shepherd and Robert Shepherd, and their families, in a move to the Reddies River area of Wilkes County, NC. in 1776.

In his book, The Early Settlers of Reddies River, Paul Gregory says: "When John arrived on Reddies River, only a few scattered families were living there. It must have been a highly satisfying experience for them to find that the fertile bottom land on both sides of the stream beginning 'at the bend in the river' and extending North­ward to the forks of the river was still uninhabited and unclaimed. The place where the wagons crossed the river was just north of the bend in the river. The water was unusually deep at this crossing, hence the name deep ford. The crossing was also located at the base of a hill, giving the name Deep Ford Hill. It is here that John settled. Reddies River was flanked on either side not only with wide, fertile bottom land but also with mountain land covered with heavy timber, abounding in an assortment of wild life. The waters of Reddies River were clear, clean, swift, and cold. This is the place that John sank his roots never to move again."

When John arrived on Reddies River, most land of this area belonged to Earl Granville, Lord Proprietor for the British Government. Furthermore, no land was available for sale or lease, as the British land office had been closed several years prior to this date. Only a very few settlers actually owned the property on which they lived. Thus, more early settlers took possession (squatted on) land of their choice, with the idea of later buying or leasing tbe property when the land office was reopened. This is what John did.

On July 4, 1776, all land was confiscated and all land transactions with the British Government were invalidated. The confiscation act provided a way for the early settlers to own the land they had improved and to which they laid claim. The settlers were required to register their land with the local government as a basis for subsequent land grants. On April 24, 1778, John entered his land, claiming 405 acres, beginning at the bend in the river near Deep Ford and extending northward to the forks of the river, including property on both sides of the river. Although John later bought many additional acres of land, it was here that he reared his family, and it is here that John and his wife, Sarah, lived for the rest of their lives."

John purchased additional acreage in later years. In 1787 he was listed in the Wilkes County tax roles as being taxable for 645 acres.

John may have been a soldier in the Revolutionary War. He is listed in a roster of soldiers that served under Captain William Lenoir in an expedition against the Indians dated May 31, 1776. However, his name is crossed out on this list along with some others with no explanation.

John served many times on the Wilkes County Court of Pleas as a juror and participated on committees that laid roads through the Reddies River area. On June 3, 1778, John was part of a jury of 12 that was commissioned to "lay out a road the best and most convenient way from the Deep Fourd on Reddies River to Benajah Pennington's mill and make report thereof to the next court." Pennington's Mill was located in Grassy Creek, now part of Ashe County, North Carolina near the border with Grayson County, Virginia.

On January 24, 1786, John was ordered to oversee the layout of a road from his property to the "foot of Mtn. at head of Reddies River." [4] This road is likely the predecessor to Old NC Hwy 16 which was the primary route between Wilkes and Ashe Counties for many years. It is still used today as the main road through the heart of the Reddies River area

John was also a driving force behind the establishment of churches in the Reddies River Area. The first church established on Reddies River was located on the crest of Deep Ford Hill, just above lands owned by John Shepherd, Sr. This church was established as early as 1783 and was in existence as late as 1796. The members of this church basically comprised the families of John Shepherd, Sr., and his brother Robert Shepherd.

Following the church at Deep Ford Hill, was the Reddies River Church of Christ that was constituted on April 7, 1798. John and Sarah Shepherd were constitutional members of this new church along with members of their family, Robert Shepherd's family, and others in the community. The first Reddies River Church of Christ building was located on Seed Tick Hill. Later, just prior to the civil war, a new Reddies River Church was built on the North Fork of Reddies River and was named Reddies River Baptist Church. This church still stands, and is now called Reddies River Primitive Baptist Church. Sources

   Maintained by: Julie A (Eskridge) Taylo... 

Originally Created by: Jo Ellen Caccamise Parke... Record added: Jan 23, 2005 Find A Grave Memorial# 10361031

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=10361031

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Birth: Aug 10 1734 - St. George's Parish, Spotsylvania Co., VA Death: June 11 1810 - Reddies River, Wilkes Co., NC Parents: George Shepherd, Elizabeth Mary Angelicke Mary Angelicke Shepherd Wife: Sarah Jennings Rash Children: Delphia Judd, Ann Shepherd Siblings: George Shepherd, Elizabeth Ann Shepherd, James Shepherd, Robert Shepherd, John James Sheppard

• Reference: WikiTree Genealogy - SmartCopy: Feb 14 2018, 10:33:56 UTC

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Son of George Shepherd and Elizabeth Mary Angelick (Day) Shepherd from Spotsylvania Co, VA

Married Sarah (Jennings) Shepherd

CHILDREN: 1. Ann Shepherd (b) about 1759, Spotsylvania Co., VA. 2. John Shepherd, Jr (b) 1760, Spotsylvania Co, VA (d) 7 May 1812 (age 52) Reddies River, Ash Co NC. 3. James Madison Shepherd (b) 1762, Spotsylvania Co, VA (d) 6 Sept 1822 (age 60), Shelbyville, Shelby Co, IN 4. Susannah Shepherd (b) 1762 (d) 13 Mar 1816 (age 54), Spotsylvania Co., VA 5. Lucy Shepherd (b) abt 1764, Spotsylvania Co., VA 6. Nancy Shepherd (b) 17 Nov 1765, Spotsylvania Co, VA, (d) after 1840 in Brown Twp., Hancock Co, IN, buried Hays Cem. 7. Stephen Shepherd (b) 20 Sept 1769, Spotsylvania Co, VA, (d) 1 Oct 1825 (age 56) Webbs Cross Roads, Russell Co, KY. 8. Lewis Washington Shepherd (b) 15 Dec 1771, Spotsylvania Co., VA; (d) 15 Sept 1858 (age 86), Morgan Co., IL, buried in Greene Co., IL 9. Sarah Shepherd (b) about 1774, Spotsylvania Co., VA 10. Delphia Shepherd (b) about 1776, Wilkes Co., NC 11. Andrew Shepherd (b) 13 Aug 1783, Wilkes Co., NC (d) 23 May 1856, Russell Co., KY.

FROM SHEPHERD FAMILY RESEARCH (Provided by Carole Conrad, #46532185) On November 15, 1775, John sold his 500 acres of land in Spotyslvania Co. to William Arnold, Jr (This transaction was witnessed by George McNeil who also moved to Reddies River). With his wife, Sarah, and seven [?] children (ages 1-15), John Shepherd joined his brothers James Shepherd and Robert Shepherd, and their families, in a move to the Reddies River area of Wilkes County, NC. in 1776.

In his book, The Early Settlers of Reddies River, Paul Gregory says: "When John arrived on Reddies River, only a few scattered families were living there. It must have been a highly satisfying experience for them to find that the fertile bottom land on both sides of the stream beginning 'at the bend in the river' and extending North­ward to the forks of the river was still uninhabited and unclaimed. The place where the wagons crossed the river was just north of the bend in the river. The water was unusually deep at this crossing, hence the name deep ford. The crossing was also located at the base of a hill, giving the name Deep Ford Hill. It is here that John settled. Reddies River was flanked on either side not only with wide, fertile bottom land but also with mountain land covered with heavy timber, abounding in an assortment of wild life. The waters of Reddies River were clear, clean, swift, and cold. This is the place that John sank his roots never to move again."

When John arrived on Reddies River, most land of this area belonged to Earl Granville, Lord Proprietor for the British Government. Furthermore, no land was available for sale or lease, as the British land office had been closed several years prior to this date. Only a very few settlers actually owned the property on which they lived. Thus, more early settlers took possession (squatted on) land of their choice, with the idea of later buying or leasing tbe property when the land office was reopened. This is what John did.

On July 4, 1776, all land was confiscated and all land transactions with the British Government were invalidated. The confiscation act provided a way for the early settlers to own the land they had improved and to which they laid claim. The settlers were required to register their land with the local government as a basis for subsequent land grants. On April 24, 1778, John entered his land, claiming 405 acres, beginning at the bend in the river near Deep Ford and extending northward to the forks of the river, including property on both sides of the river. Although John later bought many additional acres of land, it was here that he reared his family, and it is here that John and his wife, Sarah, lived for the rest of their lives."

John purchased additional acreage in later years. In 1787 he was listed in the Wilkes County tax roles as being taxable for 645 acres.

John may have been a soldier in the Revolutionary War. He is listed in a roster of soldiers that served under Captain William Lenoir in an expedition against the Indians dated May 31, 1776. However, his name is crossed out on this list along with some others with no explanation. [He provided supplies. He did not serve.]*

John served many times on the Wilkes County Court of Pleas as a juror and participated on committees that laid roads through the Reddies River area. On June 3, 1778, John was part of a jury of 12 that was commissioned to "lay out a road the best and most convenient way from the Deep Fourd on Reddies River to Benajah Pennington's mill and make report thereof to the next court." Pennington's Mill was located in Grassy Creek, now part of Ashe County, North Carolina near the border with Grayson County, Virginia.

On January 24, 1786, John was ordered to oversee the layout of a road from his property to the "foot of Mtn. at head of Reddies River." [4] This road is likely the predecessor to Old NC Hwy 16 which was the primary route between Wilkes and Ashe Counties for many years. It is still used today as the main road through the heart of the Reddies River area

John was also a driving force behind the establishment of churches in the Reddies River Area. The first church established on Reddies River was located on the crest of Deep Ford Hill, just above lands owned by John Shepherd, Sr. This church was established as early as 1783 and was in existence as late as 1796. The members of this church basically comprised the families of John Shepherd, Sr., and his brother Robert Shepherd.

Following the church at Deep Ford Hill, was the Reddies River Church of Christ that was constituted on April 7, 1798. John and Sarah Shepherd were constitutional members of this new church along with members of their family, Robert Shepherd's family, and others in the community. The first Reddies River Church of Christ building was located on Seed Tick Hill. Later, just prior to the civil war, a new Reddies River Church was built on the North Fork of Reddies River and was named Reddies River Baptist Church. This church still stands, and is now called Reddies River Primitive Baptist Church.

• NOTE: Per correspondence between Paul W. Gregory and Louise Taraba it was learned that John Shepherd, Sr. along with John McQuary, Sr., were both paid for supplies or services furnished the military during the Revolutionary War. NEITHER WERE SOLDIERS.

John Shepherd, Sr. has been established with the DAR and possibly SAR and S.R. for his Patriotic Service of providing supplies or services to the Militia. His Service Source: NC Rev War Pay Vouchers, #5192, Roll #S.115.123. At this date no one has applied for DAR membership under the Patriotic Service of John McQuary (any spelling). Any descendant that can prove lineage back to either of these men is eligible to join the DAR, SAR or S.R., if she or he wishes. Children from birth and under age 21 are eligible to become members of C.A.R., if they wish. C.A.R. is a youth organization under the guidance of the DAR who provides senior leadership with the assistance of SAR and S.R. (lt 4-6-2015)

Son of George Shepherd and Elizabeth Mary Angelick "Day" Shepherd from Spotsylvania Co, VA

• ************************************************************* Married Sarah "Jennings" Shepherd
  • ******************************** CHILDREN INCLUDE: Ann Shepherd John Shepherd, Jr (b) 1760, Spotsylvania Co, VA (d) 5/7/1812 (age 52) Reddies River, Ash Co NC. James Madison Shepherd (b) 1762, Spotsylvania Co, VA (d) 9/6/1822 (age 60) Shelbyville, Shelby Co, IN Susannah Shepherd (b) 1762 (d) 3/13/1816 (age 54), Wilkes Co, NC Lucy Shepherd (b) abt 1764, Spotsylvania, VA Stephen Shepherd (b) 9/20/1769, Spotsylvania Co, VA, (d) 10/1/1825 (age 56) Webbs Cross Roads, Russell Co, KY Lewis Washington Shepherd (b) 12/15/1771, Spotsylvania, VA; (d0 9/15/1858 (age 86) Greene Co, IL Sarah Shepherd Nancy Shepherd Delphia Shepherd Andrew Shepherd
    • *********************************************************** FROM SHEPHERD FAMILY RESEARCH (Provided by Carole Conrad, #46532185) On November 15, 1775, John sold his 500 acres of land in Spotyslvania Co. to William Arnold, Jr (This transaction was witnessed by George McNeil who also moved to Reddies River). With his wife, Sarah, and seven children (ages 1-15), John Shepherd joined his brothers James Shepherd and Robert Shepherd, and their families, in a move to the Reddies River area of Wilkes County, NC. in 1776.

In his book, The Early Settlers of Reddies River, Paul Gregory says: "When John arrived on Reddies River, only a few scattered families were living there. It must have been a highly satisfying experience for them to find that the fertile bottom land on both sides of the stream beginning 'at the bend in the river' and extending North­ward to the forks of the river was still uninhabited and unclaimed. The place where the wagons crossed the river was just north of the bend in the river. The water was unusually deep at this crossing, hence the name deep ford. The crossing was also located at the base of a hill, giving the name Deep Ford Hill. It is here that John settled. Reddies River was flanked on either side not only with wide, fertile bottom land but also with mountain land covered with heavy timber, abounding in an assortment of wild life. The waters of Reddies River were clear, clean, swift, and cold. This is the place that John sank his roots never to move again."

When John arrived on Reddies River, most land of this area belonged to Earl Granville, Lord Proprietor for the British Government. Furthermore, no land was available for sale or lease, as the British land office had been closed several years prior to this date. Only a very few settlers actually owned the property on which they lived. Thus, more early settlers took possession (squatted on) land of their choice, with the idea of later buying or leasing tbe property when the land office was reopened. This is what John did.

On July 4, 1776, all land was confiscated and all land transactions with the British Government were invalidated. The confiscation act provided a way for the early settlers to own the land they had improved and to which they laid claim. The settlers were required to register their land with the local government as a basis for subsequent land grants. On April 24, 1778, John entered his land, claiming 405 acres, beginning at the bend in the river near Deep Ford and extending northward to the forks of the river, including property on both sides of the river. Although John later bought many additional acres of land, it was here that he reared his family, and it is here that John and his wife, Sarah, lived for the rest of their lives."

John purchased additional acreage in later years. In 1787 he was listed in the Wilkes County tax roles as being taxable for 645 acres.

John may have been a soldier in the Revolutionary War. He is listed in a roster of soldiers that served under Captain William Lenoir in an expedition against the Indians dated May 31, 1776. However, his name is crossed out on this list along with some others with no explanation.

John served many times on the Wilkes County Court of Pleas as a juror and participated on committees that laid roads through the Reddies River area. On June 3, 1778, John was part of a jury of 12 that was commissioned to "lay out a road the best and most convenient way from the Deep Fourd on Reddies River to Benajah Pennington's mill and make report thereof to the next court." Pennington's Mill was located in Grassy Creek, now part of Ashe County, North Carolina near the border with Grayson County, Virginia.

On January 24, 1786, John was ordered to oversee the layout of a road from his property to the "foot of Mtn. at head of Reddies River." [4] This road is likely the predecessor to Old NC Hwy 16 which was the primary route between Wilkes and Ashe Counties for many years. It is still used today as the main road through the heart of the Reddies River area

John was also a driving force behind the establishment of churches in the Reddies River Area. The first church established on Reddies River was located on the crest of Deep Ford Hill, just above lands owned by John Shepherd, Sr. This church was established as early as 1783 and was in existence as late as 1796. The members of this church basically comprised the families of John Shepherd, Sr., and his brother Robert Shepherd.

Following the church at Deep Ford Hill, was the Reddies River Church of Christ that was constituted on April 7, 1798. John and Sarah Shepherd were constitutional members of this new church along with members of their family, Robert Shepherd's family, and others in the community. The first Reddies River Church of Christ building was located on Seed Tick Hill. Later, just prior to the civil war, a new Reddies River Church was built on the North Fork of Reddies River and was named Reddies River Baptist Church. This church still stands, and is now called Reddies River Primitive Baptist Church.

Family links:

Parents:

 George Shepherd (1700 - 1751)

Spouse:

 Sarah Jennings Shepherd (1732 - 1810)*

Children:

 John James Shepherd (1760 - 1812)*

 Nancy Shepherd McQuary (1765 - ____)*

 Stephen Shepherd (1769 - 1825)*

 Lewis Washington Sheppard (1771 - 1858)*

 Andrew Shepherd (1783 - 1856)*

*Calculated relationship

Burial: Deep Ford Cemetery (Defunct) Wilkes County North Carolina, USA

Edit Virtual Cemetery info [?]

Maintained by: Julie A (Eskridge) Taylo... Originally Created by: Jo Ellen Caccamise Parke... Record added: Jan 23, 2005 Find A Grave Memorial# 10361031