Person:Benjamin Sheppard (9)

Transcription published in Pitt County Genealogical Quarterly, Vol. VII, No 1, August, 2000, at Page 23.

"The President has appointed and the Senate confirmed Benjamin H. Sheppard as Marshall for the Middle District of Tennessee."

B. H. Sheppard assessed personal property tax on $150 of watches, $250 of pianos, 3 dogs and $2300 in "gross amount of fees of officers".

Benj. H. Sheppard, 34 years old, born Tennessee, farmer with $13,000 realty, residing with wife and children.

The Chickasaw Calendar of Estates reflects that P.R. Sheppard was appointed administrator of his estate in November, 1869. Court records indicate the place of his death as the Second District of Chickasaw County, Mississippi and that P. R. Sheppard resigned as administrator of the estate in 1872.

The available issues of the paper reflect that he served as editor of the paper in 1837 and co-editor, with J.L. Talbot, in 1838. The March 23, 1838 issue shows David Short as the new editor. See also: http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn97065540/

In issues of the paper from February through April of 1838 a notice, dated February 9, 1838, appears announcing the formation of the law partnership of Martin, McClanahan and Sheppard in Jackson, Tennessee.

His grave marker and those of other family members have been lost. The marker of his grandson, Harper Sheppard, appears to be the only one remaining.

Announcement of the funeral of his daughter, Mary Elizabeth Sheppard, identifies the location of the family's residence as Cherry Street in Nashville.

Benjamin H. Shepard, head, 1M 20-30, 1M 15-20, 1F 15-20, 1F under 5, slaves: 8 male and 12 female, with 20 employed in agriculture.

"...prior to removal to this state in 1854, I resided at Nashville, Tenn. and served as U.S. Marshal for the Middle District of Tennessee under Mr. Tyler, and for eighteen months during Col. Polk's administration..."

This file contains a voucher dated May 31, 1862, reflecting that he was paid $83.33 per month as "Commissary Agent" See Page 59. However, in a letter to Jefferson Davis, President CSA, dated December 5, 1862, he refers to the position as "General Adjunct and Superintendent for the Hospital". See Page 6.

In a letter to Jefferson Davis, President CSA, dated December 5, 1862, Sheppard states that he had been appointed Provost Marshall by Gen. Beauregard, when the general had assumed command at Corinth Mississippi. See Pages 5-6. The Letter of Chief of Staff, Head Quartermasters Department, Tupelo, to "B. H. Sheppard, Provost Marshal" dated June 23, 1862, reflects that prior to the date of the letter, Sheppard had been appointed Provost Marshal and subsequently relieved of that position by appointment of a commissioned officer, under the mistaken belief on the part of the general that Sheppard had requested the same. The letter indicates that General Beauregard had been entirely satisfied with Sheppard's performance and was willing for him to continue in the position of Provost Marshal, if he so desired. See Pages 9-10. It appears that he did so, as this file contains a number of vouchers, reflecting payment to B.H. Sheppard for rent paid for an office in Okolona for use by the "Provost Marshall" for the period from September, 1862, through September, 1863, and afterward for use as the "Post Commissary" for the period from October, 1863 through March, 1864. See Pages 69-89.

This file contains one document signed by B. H. Sheppard in his capacity as Provost Marshall, a "List of straggling soldiers returned from Okolona", dated June 12 1862.