My Genealogy Hound

Michael N. Shepherd was born in Fayette County, Ala., March 22, 1828, and is the son of Isaac and Martha (Poe) Shepherd, both natives of North Carolina. The former upon moving to Alabama settled in Fayette County, and subsequently came to Arkansas in 1852, locating in what is now Grant County, where he remained until his death in December, 1884, at the age of eighty-four. His estimable wife had been called to her final home fourteen years previous. Mr. Shepherd served as county surveyor, justice of the peace in Alabama one term, and also postmaster for some years in Arkansas. His death was mourned by the entire community, for it was realized that one of the best and most enterprising citizens had been lost. M. N. Shepherd grew to manhood in Fayette County, and was born and reared on the same plantation. He was married in 1849 to Miss Dollie Nall, a daughter of Martin Nall, and a native of Alabama. Mr. and Mrs. Shepherd moved with the former’s parents to Arkansas in 1852, and the year after rented a farm, coming in 1853 to the place where he has since resided. He has owned over 400 acres of land, but has sold off Rome, at the present time having about 200 acres, seventy of which are highly cultivated. Mr. Shepherd has made a great many improvements, among which a comfortable log-house, box barn, etc., are the most noticeable. A peach and apple orchard indicates that with the continuance of the attention it is now receiving it will give excellent returns in the near future. Mr. Shepherd enlisted in the Confederate service in 1861, in the Eleventh Arkansas Regiment, and served as lieutenant until the latter part of 1864. He participated in the fights of bombardment at New Madrid (Mo.), Fort Hudson and numerous skirmishes, was taken prisoner at New Madrid and held about six months at Johnson’s Island in Lake Erie, and being exchanged at Vicksburg, Miss. Afterward he was made commissary of the regiment. Mr. and Mrs. Shepherd have reared nine children: Isaac [whose sketch appears in this work], Jasper N., Dr. Franklin and Jacob (all married), Duffy and Thomas (young men), Sarah J. (wife of Martin Newell), Martha E. (wife of Spencer Mathis) and Alexander (who died in mature years). Mr. Shepherd is a member of the Masonic order, in which he has held several positions. Himself and wife are members of the Baptist Church, and he has been deacon of the same for some years.