The morning call., 1891-08-30

Enjoys the distinction of being leading
Episcopal clergyman and educator of note. a
Mason of high standing and a poet of much
merit.
he was born in Brandon, Vt, August 26,
1916. Early in Mr.. Shepherds life
his father moved his family to Bra
zil. locating at Rio Janeiro. There
thechild grew to boyho0d, meanwhile
acquiring the Portuguese language to
such a degree that to him it is almost his
vernacular, and he still speaks it with flu
ency. In Brazil his brother was born, and
there his father died. One Of the incidents
of his life in South America was of such a
nature as to make vivid impression upon
his mind; and what wonder, since the ship
on which he was passenger was chased by
pirates off the Brazilian coast for two
thirds of day. The pirates came so near
that those being pursued could see their
faces. But this proximity disclosed to the
pirates the fact that their intended vlcti ms
carried three guns on each side of the ship;
and so, evidently believing that this was a
case where discretion was the better par of
valOr, the pirates, not caring to risk the
encounter, sheered off.
In the year 1924 Mr.. Shepherd was the
child in the party who on Sunday, July 4th,
held the first celebration of the anniversary
of American independence ever held in
Brazil. A dozen Americans went out to an
island in the beautiful harbor of Rio de
Janeiro for that patriotic purpose. He is
the only survivor OF that party.
In the evening of long, eventfnl and
successful life Mr.. Shepherd, since 1879, has
been in Santa Rosa, the beloved rector of
the Church of the Incarnation, residing in
his own house, Cherry Lane" not hun
drrd yards from the church. He is alone,
without family, his only son, Herbert,
dying in 1880, aud his wife passing beyond
in January, 1887.
A college-bred man. Mr.. Shepherd has
always taken the greatest interest in all
educational pursuits. lie himself passed
through the academy in Brandon. and after
ward graduated with hOHorS from Middle
burg College, Vermont. Among his other
scholastic attainments may be mentioned
the fact that he speaks, reads and writes
five different languages.
His first advent in California dates back
TO February l., 1855, and upon his arrival he
at once filled a place as a professional
teacher most acceptably. In one of the
houses opposite the present site of Grace
Church he established q day and boarding
school which comprised among its pupils
the elite of California. That this is not au
empty honor IS proved with the anxiety
shown by all to be classed among the MEM
bers of the old set.
In 1858 Mr.. Shepherd returned to the
East organized and built up a large school
in Montgomery, Ala, where he, with the
break of one year spent in Mississippi, con-
in 1860 In 1866 Mr.. Shepherd founded
large and successful school in Elcott City,
Md, where he remained nearly ten years.
AS a clergyman his first charge was over
church in Kentucky. Later North Car
olina was the scene of his pastoral labors.
This was before his duties as an educator
began. He ceased to teach in 1866 and
since that time has never been without a
church. Born and educated Baptist at
the age of 20 he became an Episcopalian
from sincere conviction, aud his worth has
been recognized in the church by his having
been appointed to positions Of trust and re-
sponsiblity
During his active career Mr.. Shepherd has
built up three large and successful schools
and two churches. He has been associated
with Bishops Hopkins of Vermont, Smith
Of Kentucky, Ives of North Carolina, Green
of Mississippi, CobbS of Alabama, Kip of
California, Whittingham of Maryland and
Winghed of California. Among his pupils
twenty have become cergymen, among them
DR.. Parks Of Boston; while others have
gained distinction in the leading professions.
William Walter Phelps was once in Mr..
Shepherds Sunday-school class.