Notes for: James SHEPPARD

Did one of James sister's marry a Mr. Spear? In his will, James mentions "my niece Julia Ann Spear." Or is Julia a niece on Jame's wife's side.

James was a Tanner by trade; a successful farmer; an extensive land owner; a warm friend of education and did much for its advancement. Assisted in building Kirkwood Township's first schoolhouse and several years later ones; held several township offices besides following his trade in connection with farming.
In 1812 he "entered" 160 acres near Sewellsville in SE1/4 section 23 Kirkwood Twp., at one time owning over 1,200 acres in that county.
Research has shown that James and his wife Hannah were living in East Nottingham (now Calvert) Cecil Co., Maryland as late as March 20, 1809, when they deeded property to her brother, Jeremiah Gatchell. About October 1809, James and Hannah and their four children left Cecil Co., and moved to Belmont Co., Ohio.

Dated December 3, 1806, in Cecil County, MD, a Bill of Sale indicates that James Sheppard bought some household furniture, implements, a shot gun, etc., from ADAM FERLEY (FAIRLEIGH), who was the husband of Rachel Sheppard (sister to James). This transaction was witnessed by JOHN SHEPPARD and ISAAC MEDCALF. Isaac married Elizabeth Sheppard (sister to James). The John Sheppard is not identified but most likely was James' father, John.