My Genealogy Hound

Clifton R. Shepard was born in Scott County, Ky., in 1832, and is a son of Thomas J. and Amanda (Smith) Shepard, both of whom were born on Blue-Grass soil. The father was born in 1809, and was reared in his native town of Georgetown. He commenced life for himself as a jeweler, and this occupation continued to receive his attention throughout life, although he was engaged in other pursuits at different times in which he was quite successful, accumulating a large property before his death. His marriage was consummated in 1829, and a family of three children was born to himself and wife: Clifton R., Elizabeth (who died in childhood), and Elizabeth (named for her sister, who died at the age of eight years). Clifton R. Shepard spent his early life in the State of Kentucky, and while growing up attended school quite regularly, obtaining a good practical education, so that on starting out in life for himself at the age of twenty-three years he was well fitted to cope with the world. He continued to follow mercantile pursuits in his native town until 1858, at which time he went to LaFayette County, Mo., and opened a grocery store, but remained here only a short time, going next to Ogle County, Ill., where he went to farming. The year 1860 found him in Desha County, Ark., and until the opening of the Civil War he conducted a mercantile establishment with good success, but at that time he dropped his labors to take up arms for his country, becoming a member of Joe Shelby’s brigade, and served throughout the entire war, surrendering at Shreveport, La. Upon returning home he found that all his property had been destroyed, and he was compelled to commence the battle of life anew, and began devoting his attention to agriculture, which occupation has proved successful under his skillful management. He is now the owner of 350 acres of excellent land, and has 275 acres cleared and under cultivation, producing about 175 bales of cotton each year. The raising of stock also receives some attention. Mr. Shepard is a Democrat, but takes no active interest in politics, but is a member of the local school board, and is always ready to further enterprises of an educational nature. He is public spirited, a liberal contributor to all good works, and is a man whom all respect and esteem. In 1858 he was married to Miss Lavinia Blackburn, a daughter of George C. and Isabella (Buck) Blackburn [see sketch of Charles B. Blackburn], and by her became the father of five children: Isabella, Thomas C., Charles, and two children who died in infancy, the mother also passing from life in 1866. After remaining a widower for four years Mr. Shepard espoused Miss Mary Monroe, a daughter of Dr. Ben and Martha (Holliway) Monroe, natives of Kentucky. A family of four children have been born to them: Ben M. (who is now in Jefferson College), Pattie (who is attending the Jesamine Female College), Charley B. (who is attending school at home), and Patrick H. (at home).