New Britain herald., 1921-06-09
MRS. SHEPARD HAS
 HER SD BIRTHDAY
Lake Street Resident Picture Of
 Health and CheerfulneSS

Observing her S3rd birthday today at her home at 13g Lake street, Mrs. Celia Adelaide Curtis Shepard. Wife or James shepard. Is the picture of health, happi- ness and checrfulnesS. Mrs. Shepard was busying herself around the house when the interviewer called. Her aG- tive step and graceful carriage iS indeed remarkable for one of her advanced age and in many other ways she proves hgrsef a remarkable woman.
 Mrs. Shepard has d Eenealogy of which she is rightfully proud. She is (, French and English descent on both CT maternal and paternaI parentaGe. She was born in Bristol. in 1858. the laughter of William Gaylor Curtis and Lucy Preston. both of whom were Con ueCticut people.
 The Preston family boasts the honor Of having had one of it's members mar ricd Ey a king Of England. The Pres ion about whom the story is related had long been close friend of the sovcr- ClEu. having been called upon on nu- nlcrous occasions to act in an advisory capacity. When the reigning king passed on. he bequeathed a huge deer park to his adviser.
 Numbered among the relatives oC Mrs. Shepard are Lady Randolph Churchill of England, and Mrs. Charles Evans Hughes, wife of the present sec rctary uf state. While Mrs. Hughes father. the late William Carter. was q resident of Bristol. Mrs. Shepard at- tended his classes in the Bristol schools. Mr. Carter later went to New York state where he established law offices. Mr Hughes studied in Mir. Curter's office. later being admitted 10 the firm Ill this way. the secretary of state became acquainted with the woman who was to beromc his wife. Although the fam fly has long been known as a race of long livcrs. Mrs. shepard has no liv- ing relatives other than few cousins. two of whom are mentioned above.
 Mir. and Mrs. Shepard were married September 2J. 1859. nearly 62 years ago. The ceremony was performed in Bristol. In 1856. Mir. Shepard engaged in the patent soliciting business. Two years later he opened an office in this city but retained his residence in Bris- toI. In 1876. Mir. and Mrs. Shepard removed 10 this city. taking up their residence in the home which they had built on Lake street. the same house in which they now live. -
 The town at that time was quite a different place than the present city of New Britain, Mrs. Shepard recalls. It's growth had been started but had not advanced. comparatively. to a great de- gree. Mir. Shepard recalls not single house standing at that time which is still owned by the one who owned it when the Shcpards moved to this city.
 An Episcopalan all her life, Mrs. shepard at once identified herself with the congregation of St. Marks Episco- pal church. She was an active church worker for many years until her ad- vancing age made it imperative that she take less active part in the doings of the congregation. As far as k known. she Is at present the oldest member of the congregation. both in respect to years and membership in the church.
 MT. shepard. who is a writer of prom thence, published IO0-paEc book some years ago on the history and progress Of St. Marks church. This volume he dedicated to his wife. The edition was widely distributed. being q most com plete treatise on the subject.
 Numerous friends Of Mrs. Shepard, who were aware of the significance of the day. called upon her today to eX- tend her their congratulations and best wishes for many more years of life.