Obituary

His boyhood days were spent on a farm and his early education was received at a county school. At the age of twenty-two years, he left his parental home and came to Newton, Kan., having noticed an advertisement in the paper for one who could play in the band, and was offered a position in the Newton City Mill in order that he might come and help organize the band. He was a splendid cornet player and for a number of years was leader of the Newton Cornet band. He was also a member of the Methodist, Orchestra for a long time. On September 9, 1886 he was married to Miss Florence Wood, and to this union was born a daughter, Geraldine, now Mrs. R. A. Cook. Mr. Shepherd was associated in the Foltz hardware store for about three years and in 1890 he entered the service of the government as letter carrier which position he held for thirty-one years. A little over a year ago he suffered a severe accident which prevented him from resuming his active duties as a letter carrier, and in recognition of this and his long and faithful service, he was granted a pension.

The record of thirty-one years of service of Mr. Shepherd was unusual in his close application to his duties, for during this time he had never had a vacation of more than two weeks allowed by the government but twice. When the accident occurred which prevented him from resuming his work, there was much sorrow among his mail patrons whom he had served so zealously. his disposition was a most kindly one and he felt the sadness and trials which came to h is patrons and never failed to express sympathy and like-wise he rejoiced with them in their prosperity and joys, so that he seemed just like a member of a big family uncle with those on his route and but few of these friends knew of his failing health so patient and cheerful he when they visited him at his home. About two months ago, Mr. and Mrs. Shepherd went to Colorado Springs, in hopes that the change in climate might benefit him. For the past six weeks he has been confined to his bed at Beth El hospital in that city, where he passed away peacefully at 1:35 Sunday morning, May 28, at the age of fifty-eight years, three months and one day.