David Sheppard, Sr.

David Sheppard and his brothers Thomas, James and John, were the FIRST BAPTIST SETTLERS IN SOUTH JERSEY, arriving in 1683. They lived in Back Neck, West Jersey (now in Cumberland County, NJ).

Baptists were being persecuted in England at this time, so the Sheppards were seeking religious freedom.

It appears that the Sheppards were descendants or fellow settlers of the "Adventurers" in Oliver Cromwell's Army circa 1655.

Cromwell's plan was to put an end to rebellions in Ireland and Scotland by awarding parcels of land to the Adventurers.

By integrating English citizens into the acquired territory, he hoped to make the country more English than Irish.

However a lack of success and increased fighting persuaded King Charles II to finally return the land to the original owners.

The Adventurers were now unwelcome in a foreign land (Ireland) with religious beliefs contrary to the general population.

Many Adventurers returned to England from Ireland or emigrated to America.

David Sheppard came to West Jersey along with his brothers (or cousins) James, John, and Thomas.

The tolerance of South Jersey Quakers allowed for freedom of worship, and differences of doctrine, a tolerance not found in other parts of the colonies.

Another relative, Giles Sheppard, returned to England.

As listed children 1-3 were born before marriage?? porbably were listed in wrong family or generation.

Children of David Sheppard and Rachel Wausborough are:

1. David, born 1648 in England; died Nov 20, 1695 in Back Neck, Salem County, NJ; married Eve Walen Abt. 1670; born Abt. 1651; died Nov 15, 1704.
2. Giles, born Abt. 1650 in England; died Abt. 1690; married Elizabeth Wausborough Abt. 1675; born Abt. 1650; died 1720.
3. Jonathan, born Abt. 1653 in England; died Abt. 1692 in 1690's war.
4. John, born 1655 in England; died 1710; married (1) Margritt (Margaret) ... Sheppard Abt. 1678; married (2) Mary Wade Abt. 1707.
5. Thomas, born Abt. 1657 in Cleagh Keating, Tipperary, , Ireland; died Abt. 1721 in Cumberland Co, NJ; married (1) Ann Wansborough; born Aft. 1655; died Deceased; married (2) Ann Sambson Abt. 1677; born Abt. 1659; married (3) Ann Wausborough Abt. 1678 in , Ireland; born Abt. 1660; died Deceased.
6. Jonadeb, born Abt. 1660 in Cleagh Keating, Tipperary, , Ireland; died Abt. 1692 in 1690's war.
7. James, born 1665 in Cleagh Keating, Tipperary, , Ireland; died 1691; married (2) Hester Walen Abt. 1684; born Abt. 1667.

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