General William Shepard
Dublin Core
Title
General William Shepard
Description
Major-General William Shepard was born in Westfield in 1737 and attended the common schools, and later was a farmer. He served in the French and Indian wars for six years. He was a member of the Committee of Correspondence for Westfield in 1774, and was a lieutenant colonel of Minutemen in April 1775. He entered the Continental Army in May 1775 as Lieutenant Colonel and served throughout the Revolutionary War, including winter at Valley Forge, PA. where he commanded the 4th Division of the Massachusetts militia, under the overall command of General John Glover.
He fought in 22 battles during the war and defended the Springfield arsenal during Shays’ Rebellion in 1787, is among 50 to 60 Revolutionary War veterans buried in the historic Mechanic Street cemetery.
Following the war Shepard became involved in politics and was elected to the state Legislature, four times to the U.S. House of Representatives; he was elected as a Federalist to the Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Congresses (March 4, 1797-March 3, 1803) He also served as a member of the Governor’s council of Massachusetts (1792-1796). He returned to Westfield and continued his agricultural pursuits.
This collection highlights Gen. Shepard's military correspondence, orderly book in Glover's army and has a few images of Shepard's home and gives pages from his family bible.
He fought in 22 battles during the war and defended the Springfield arsenal during Shays’ Rebellion in 1787, is among 50 to 60 Revolutionary War veterans buried in the historic Mechanic Street cemetery.
Following the war Shepard became involved in politics and was elected to the state Legislature, four times to the U.S. House of Representatives; he was elected as a Federalist to the Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Congresses (March 4, 1797-March 3, 1803) He also served as a member of the Governor’s council of Massachusetts (1792-1796). He returned to Westfield and continued his agricultural pursuits.
This collection highlights Gen. Shepard's military correspondence, orderly book in Glover's army and has a few images of Shepard's home and gives pages from his family bible.
Collection Items
William Shepard's appointment to Colonel
Appointment certificate promoting William Shepard to Colonel in 1779.
George Washington to William Shepard
Correspondence from Gen. George Washington to Col. William Shepard concerning William Shepard receiving commission.
Richard Falley to Wm Shepard
Correspondence from Richard Falley to General William Shepard concerning an order for guns and other military matters. Correspondence written February 18, 1801.
Joshua Danforth to Gen William Shepard
Correspondence from Joshua Danforth to General William Shepard concerning military matters including the formation of regiments and brigades throughout Massachusetts. Correspondence dated June 16, 1788.
Maj. Seth Catlin to Gen. William Shepard
Correspondence from Mayor Seth Catlin to General William Shepard concerning his to regimental companies throughout Western Massachusetts. Correspondence dates June 24, 1788.
Justin Ely to Gen. William Shepard
Correspondence from Justin Ely to General William Shepard concerning matters in Westfield, Massachusetts, throughout Pioneer Valley, and the death of George Washington, dated December 30, 1799.
Justin Ely to Honorable William Shepard
Correspondence from Justin Ely to General William Shepard concerning matters in Westfield, Massachusetts and throughout Pioneer Valley, dated January 6, 1802.
Colonel James Taylor to Major William Shepard
Military correspondence between General William Shepard and Colonel James Taylor dated June 19, 1788 notifying of election of ensign within regiment.
William Shepard-Appointment Paper to Second Lieutenant
Appointment Certificate to William Shepard on March 31, 1759 appointing him Second Lieutenant under General John Bancroft.
Gen. Shepard's home
Drawing of General William Shepard's Homestead which stood on the north side of Franklin Street in Westfield, Massachusetts. Drawing is from Westfield's Quarter Millennial Anniversary Official Souvenir 1919.