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Note: Dr Nathan Shepherd was born in Jefferson county, Ohio on the second day of June, 1808, and died near Bentonsport, Van Buren county Iowa, March 31, 1889, being at the time of his death, 82 years, 9 months, and 29 days old. At the age of 18 years, Mr Shepherd began the study of medicine, completing his studies in 1827 and began his practice as a physician in Shepherdstown, Belmont county Ohio, forming a parthership with Joseph A. Waterman, MD. In 1828, Dr Shepherd went to Kentucky on a business trip for his father, where he formed the acquaintance of Miss Zarina Stewart, with whom he was united in marriage March 11, 1830. After spending 4 years in Kentucky as a physician,he returned to Ohio, settling in New Richmond, Claremont county. In 1839, he came to Van Buren county, IA and settled in what is now known as Washington township where he continued to reside until he met his reward. Whle ascending the Dew Moines river, enroute to his new home, he met a company of indians with whom was the celebrated chief Keokuk. The indians had been engaged in a drunken row and one of the warriors had stabbed Keokuk and Dr Shepherd was called to dress the wound. In 1818, he professed religion and united with the Methodist church, giving 71 years of service to the Master. In 1832, during his stay in Kentucky, he recieved liscense as a local preacher and continued to exercise his grace and gifts as a minister of the gospel until he bcame infirm by the weight of years. Dr Shepherd and his wife were members of the first religious society organized in the Des MoinesValley, which organization was effected by Rev Joseph Kirkpatrick in 1839. At the time of his death, he was the only member remaining. From the date of his organization, he had been an ardent supporter of the Republican party, previous to which time he had been a Whig. For many years, he had been a member of the Masonic fraternity and the ritual of the order was observed in the burial service, conducted by his Bentonsport Lodge.
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