Daniel Shepardson

Since he lived a long life the above date of death must be incorrect or his birth date is incorrect. His name appears on a petition to establish a settlement at Atfieboro, Mass., dated October 17, 1694. He seems to have owned land there as early as 1660. He lived to an advanced age and was long called "old goodman Daniel Shepardson". Making him in his mid to late 80's when he passed or older. Walter G. Ashworth, 8th GGS

Sometime in the year 1628-9, from what ship no record remains to tell, Daniel Shepardson landed at Salem, Mass., being one of a numerous company who sought homes in America at that period of English history. A tradition indicates that he was accompanied by his brother, John, who soon died of lockjaw as a result of a dispute in which a spade was thrown at him by his adversary. Some of the immigrants moved to Charlestown where Daniel Shepardson is recorded as a citizen in 1632. He was not one of the wealthy members of the Puritan body, but was a craftsman, a blacksmith by trade.

He had his home with three acres of land, his blacksmith shop, and fifty acres of pasture and meadow land, scattered here and there, so that his widow, Joanna, who had the use of the property during her lifetime, was quite well fixed for a woman of the day. His family comprised a son, Daniel, and two daughters, Lydia and Joanna. His wife's maiden name or the date of the marriage is not known.

The second DANIEL, following in his father's footsteps, was a blacksmith by trade. He made his home at Maiden, Mass., for many years and was prominent in town affairs.

On April 1668, he married Elizabeth Call and they had six children, three sons and three daughters.

His name appears on a petition to establish a settlement at Atfieboro, Mass., dated October 17, 1694. He seems to have owned land there as early as 1660. He lived to an advanced age and was long called "old goodman Daniel Shepardson".

Who were the Shepherdsons in Early England

According to Researchers at the House Of Commons.com, the Shepherdson surname was first found in Durham in the north east of England and that they were a family name of great antiquity. They were described as notable Englishmen in Durham where they were seated as Lords of the Manor of Bishopwearmouth and Murton.

Based on historical documents available, we know that the Shepherdsons in Durham held lands by copy of court roll in Bishop Wearmouth and of Murton since the commencement at least of the records of the Halmot Court, temp. Edward III who was king of England from 1327 to 1377.

The Shepherdson family name rose to prominence during the mid 17th century.

It is well documented that a William Shepherdson, esq. Of Bishop Wearmouth and of Murton, in County was living there in 1635. He was married to Joan (Daughter of John Goodchild, esq. of Ryhope, and sister of Robert Goodchild, esq. Of Pallyon).

The abbreviation “esq” is short for “Esquire” which was used as a term to denote social status. During those days, the social rank began with royalty continuing down through to officers of state, church dignitaries, the nobility and knights, they invariably concluded with Esquires and finally, Gentlemen, in that order. Hence, Esquire is often defined as a rank next below that of Knight.

It is documented that two of William’s three sons served in the military. Adam was a captain under Oliver Cromwell (1599-1658) who was an English military and political leader best known for his involvement in making England into a republican Commonwealth and for his later role as Lord Protector of England, Scotland, and Ireland. He was one of the commanders of the New Model Army which defeated the royalists in the English Civil War.

William’s third son, Edward, esq. Of Murton which he acquired by gift from his father on 24th November, 1645, was captain of a troop of horse under General George Monk, captain general and commander-in-chief of all the forces in England. One of Edward’s descendants, also named Edward, became an acting magistrate and deputy lieutenant of the county of Durham, for which he served as high sheriff in 1843.

The Shepherdson Crest / Coat of Arms & The Royal Connection

The royal connection of the Shepherdsons is depicted in the Shepherdson Family Crest. Two Shepherdson members married descendants from the royal line of King Edward III. Captain Edward Shipperdson of Murton married Margaret Sympson, sister and sole heir of William Sympson, Pidingtonhall Garth. His son, Ralph, married Margaret Mugrave, the only child and heir to Thomas Musgrave, the sixth son of Sir William Musgrave, Edenball, Bart. Both Margaret Sympson and Margaret Musgrave have their royal lineage to King Edward III documented in the book "Royal Descents and Pedigrees of Founders' Kin", Bernard Burke, Published by Harrison, 1858, Oxford University.

So who was King Edward III. Edward III (13 November 1312 – 21 June 1377) was one of the most successful English monarchs of the Middle Ages. His achievements included transformation of the Kingdom of England into the most efficient military power in Europe, including introducing changes in vital legislature and government—in particular the evolution of the English parliament—as well as the ravages of the Black Death. He remained on the throne for 50 years.

Posted by Walter G. Ashworth, 8th Great Grandson
Born by about 1612 based on estimated date of marriage. A blacksmith who came to Massachusetts Bay in 1633 & settled in Charlestown. Died in Charlestown, 26 July 1644.
Married by 1637 Joanna _____ (named as the mother at the baptism of all three children). She married (2) between 1644 and 1651 (called "Joanna Call" in a petition of 28 October 1651 to the general court in support of Rev. Marmaduke Matthews)as his second wife Thomas Call. She died at Malden on 30 January 1660[/1].
Source: Robert C. Anderson's Great Migration Begins* Reference: Find A Grave Memorial - SmartCopy: Mar 6 2022, 4:42:56 UTC