William SHEPARD, Congress, MA (1737-1817)

SHEPARD William , a Representative from Massachusetts; born in Westfield, Mass., December 1, 1737; attended the common schools; engaged in agricultural pursuits; served in the French and Indian wars for six years; member of the committee of correspondence for Westfield in 1774; lieutenant colonel of Minutemen in April 1775; entered the Continental Army in May 1775 as lieutenant colonel; commissioned colonel of the Fourth Massachusetts Regiment October 6, 1776, and served throughout the Revolutionary War; member of the State house of representatives in 1785 and 1786; selectman for Westfield, Mass., 1784-1787; chosen major general of the Fourth Division, Massachusetts Militia, in 1786 and defended Springfield Arsenal during Shays' Rebellion; member of the Governor's council of Massachusetts 1792-1796; appointed in 1796 to treat with the Penobscot Indians and in 1797 with the Six Nations; elected as a Federalist to the Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Congresses (March 4, 1797-March 3, 1803); resumed his agricultural pursuits; died in Westfield, Mass., November 16, 1817; interment in the Mechanic Street Cemetery.

Source: Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1771-Present