Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1865-12-09
(From the New Orleans Picayune.)
THE LATE REIN D. SHEPHERD.

features OF this paper for some time past.
Il has heen i sorrowful task 10 Us 10 an
nounce the deaths, and 10 offer feeble and
hurried tributes 10 the virtues OF so many
of our best and most venerated cilzens.
Alas this duty IS not yet completed.
We have now to record the decesse OF
one of the patriarchs Of New Orleans.
whose name has been identified with It's
fortunes from the commencement oil It's
career as an American city.
Rein Davis Shepherd departed this
life on the llth of November. 1868, at
his farm near epherdstown, Jefferson
county, Virginia. al the advanced age oil
eighty-on He had maintained his usu-
al vigorous health and sound faculties TO
very recent date, and INDUCED the hope
of paying his customary visit to this CITY,
this winter, when he was seized with fs-
yer, from which he had partially recover
ed. when sudden relapse, proving TOO
much for his great age, he departed tins
life. Mr.. Shepherd was by many years
the oldest merchant OF this ely, and
leaves the largest and most productive es-
tate which has ever been held by one per
son in this city and State. He was born
a, Shepherdslown on the lst day Of Au'
gust, 1884. His grandfather was one of
the earliest settlers in The Shenandoah
Valley, about The year 1884, and founded
the town which bore his name. lie d.
vided the site into lots, and sold them on
small ground rents, and the leases exist
10 this day. Abraham Shepherd, The
father Of r. d. Shepherd, succeeded TO
this property, all of which is now held
by the family.
In 1893, Rezin Davis Shepherd was
placed in the store and counting house OF
William Taylor, who then lived on Cal
vert street, Baltimore, and was al that
time one Of the most extensive and enter
prising merchants in Baltimore, being
large importer and ship owner. Al the
same time John McDOnough was also
clerk in the same house. In 1900, Mr..
McDonough was sent by his employers
as super-cargo, with large cargo, TO
New Orleans. This adventure proved
so profitable, that McDonough on his re-
turn as dispatched 10 England. where
he bought most valuable cargo OF goods.
adapted 10 the marke, of New Orleans,
and which he succeeded in landing in
this city in the beginning Of the year 1901.
The house in Baltimore, no, having re-
ceived satisfactory returns Of sales OF Tins
cargo, X. d. Shepherd was dispatched TO
New Otleans TO cooperate with MIR. Nc
Donough in efecling the sales and settle
meni of his adventure. Mr.. Shepherd
reached here IN September, 1902. and
took quarters with Mr.. McDonough, who
a. that time was genial and Pleasant,and
even a gay and fashionable young man.
These Two clear headed and energetic
young men, operating together. soon ef-
fecled most satisfactory settlement Of
the business entrusted 10 them. and Mr..
Shepherd, in The winter Of 1902, returned
10 Baltimore with The accounts all bal
snced and large remittance in specie.
In October, 1903, it was well known
throughout the country that Louisiana
had been purchased by The United States.
MIR. Taylor was The only merchant who
seemed 10 comprehend, and had the FORE
sight and energy to profit by one conss-
quence OF this great political event.
Heretofore, the products Of Louisiana.
when brought into any of the States, were
subjected 10 import duties. The duty on
sugar then was 2ac. per pound. Mr..
Shepherd was again sent TO New Orleans
with secret orders TO McDoDough, and
himself 10 buy all the sugar in the State.
At that ,ime The largess amount Of sugar
M ads in The whole State was 2lOO or
1900 bogsheads, there being no plan!a'
ton above Bonnet Cave. 1t may serve
TO illustrate the great energy and activity
of MessIs. Shepherd and McDonoug b.. that
they succeeded in securing eighteen hun
dred hogshesds. This proved most
profitable operation. and Mr.. Shepherds
generous aud liberal employer allowed
him snare Of the proi1s. This share
proved handsome capital for syosng
man to start in mercantile life on his own
account. and IN 1905 Mr.. Shepherd open.
ed house under the style Of Palirey,
Shepherd & Co.. his partners being Mr..
Taylor, bis late employer, and Mr.. lay
lor's nephew, Mr.. John Pslfrey, OF Bos.
ton. father Of ouI feilow.cllIren. Gen. II.
w. PslfEey. This firm did not lssl long.
MIR. Pslrsy retiring into 'he country, and
Mr.. Taylor having met with feVerses
which compelled his withdrawal rom sc-
live business. Mr.. Shepherd continued
in business on his own account, and was
successful. In 1908 he married the niece