Shepard, Shelton B.

Shelton Beach Shepard
1816-1909


    S.B. Shepard died at 10:30 o'clock this morning at the age of 92 years and eight months.
    The funeral services will be held at the home of F.M. Gray, 306 north Fourth street, on Saturday, Feb. 13, at 2 p.m.
    Shelton Beach Shepard was born in Marcellus, New York, May 20, 1815. He was married to Mrs. Mary Gray in Marshall, Mich., in 1846, where he was engaged in the foundry and milling business.
    Mr. Shepard removed to Niles in 1864 buying the Steam Cracker Bakery of G.A. Colby which business he carried on for some years in connection with his stepsons, Gordon Y. and Francis M. Gray.  At a later date they also established the private bank of Gray, Shepard & Gray which was finally converted into the Citizen's National Bank, Mr. Shephard holding a position as director for some years.
    After the death of his wife in 1885 Mr. Shepard retired from business and spent two winters with his son Gordon Y. Gray in San Diego, Cal.  For the remainder of his life his home [was] with the family of his son, F.M. Gray.
    Throughout his long life Mr. Shepard had known no illness until over taken by the disease and feebleness of the last few years. He was not a member of any church but a true Christian character and a regular attendant at the Methodist Episcopal church until his hearing became impaired.
    Mr. Shepard's great love for children, his sunny disposition and never failing kindness won him many friends wherever he was known but it was within the walls of his own home that the great unselfishness of his love was best appreciated where no words but of kindness ever passed his lips, and where his contentment and affection for his family was beyond expression.
    Mr. Shepard will be laid at rest by the side of his wife in Silver Brook cemetery.
(Source: Niles Daily Sun, Thursday, February 11, 1909, page 3 col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library)