In Alfred, N. Y., Nov. 30, 1916, Dr. Mark Sheppard, in the seventy-ninth year of his age.
Dr. Sheppard was the son of William T. and Abigail A. Davis Sheppard and was born in Shiloh, N. J. At the age of fourteen he left home with his mother's consent and set out to get an education. The nest year he entered DeRuyter Institute at DeRuyter, N. Y. After attending school for a time he successfully taught school, though only sixteen years of age.
In 1855, he entered the school at Alfred, N. Y. The next year, fired by the love of human freedom, he went to Kansas to aid in making that territory a free State. After a residence of about eighteen months in the midst of the conflict in Kansas, he returned to Alfred and entered school again; here he pursued his studies, teaching in the winter and attending school fall and spring, till the Civil War broke out. He enlisted on Company K, 23rd Regiment, N. Y. Volunteers, May 16, 1861. Owing to disabilities caused by fever he was discharged May 15, 1862, and returned to Alfred. He graduated from Alfred University this same summer receiving the degrees Ph. B. and Ph. M.
Following his graduation he taught three or four years in Quincy, Pa. It was during this time that he went to Gettysburg, in the adjoining county, and heard President Lincoln deliver his immortal Gettysburg address.
Returning to Alfred he conducted a bookstore for several years. During a part of this time he taught penmanship in the university and was secretary to the board of trustees; later (commencing with 1884), he was lecturer in the department of natural history in the university.
He entered New York University Medical College in 1874 and graduated therefrom in 1878. Returning to Alfred he took up the practice of medicine and continued his services to the community in this capacity till failing health a few months ago compelled him to give up work.
He was married to Mary E. Coon, July 12, 1862. To them was born one child, a daughter, who died in infancy; Eva Sheppard, now Mrs. James Holden, of Cuba, N. Y., grew up in their home. Mrs. Sheppard died in 1893 and he married Miss Eda L. Crandall, October 4, 1894. To them was born one son, Mark.
It appears that Dr. Sheppard was baptized and joined the Seventh Day Baptist Church of Shiloh, N. J., before he was fourteen years of age. About 1862, he united with the First Seventh Day Baptist Church of Alfred and of this church he remained a faithful member till his death.
He was one of the best informed men to be found in any circle; he gave himself in unselfish service to others; no night was too dark and no roads too bad for him when a call to minister to a sufferer came; he went whether there was any expectation of pay or not. In his death there has passed from earth a lover of knowledge, an open-minded investigator, a broad-minded reformer, an unselfish servant of the public and a kind, considerate husband, father, neighbor and friend.
Besides his wife, son, and Mrs. Holden, who grew up in his home as a daughter, he is survived by one brother, Charles D. Sheppard, of Vineland, N. J.
Funeral services, conducted by Pastor William L. Burdick, assisted by President Boothe C. Davis, were held at his home Sabbath afternoon, December 2, and interment took place in Alfred Rural Cemetery. Wm. L. B.
