Jane Shepard

     Jane was born on Friday, 6 July 1810 in Greenville, Greene County, New York. She was the daughter of Nathaniel Shepard & Jemina Dutcher. Jane married Minor Townsend, son of Christopher Townsend and Bathia Rider, on 15 September 1830 in Greenville, Greene County, New York. The 1840 U.S. Federal Census enumerates at Stockbridge Township, Ingham County, Michigan, the family of Minor Townsend [020001:200001].¹ 30 July 1850, Jane listed on the U.S. Federal Census in Stockbridge Township, Ingham County, Michigan. Enumerated in this household were Minor Townsend [42 New York], his wife: Jane [40 New York], children: Elijah [18 New York], Charles [16 New York], Caroline M. [14 New York], Marietta [11 Michigan], Miranda [9 Michigan], Amanda [9 Michigan], Albert [6 Michigan], & Catherine [3 Michigan].² 2 June 1860, Jane and her husband Minor were listed on the U.S. Federal Census in Stockbridge Township, Ingham County, Michigan. Enumerated in this household were M. Townsend [53 New York], his wife: J. [50 New York], children: A. [19 Michigan], M. [19 Michigan], A. [15 Michigan], & C. [13 Michigan].³ 18 August 1870, Jane and her husband, Minor, were listed on the U.S. Federal Census in Blackman Township, Jackson County, Michigan. Enumerated in this household were Miner Townsend [62 New York], his wife: Jane [61 New York]. Miranda [29 Michigan-nurse], William Johnson [26 New York][farmer], & Kate Johnson [22 Michigan]. Miner is a retired farmer.⁴ Jane's husband, Minor, died on 11 March 1872 in Jackson, Jackson County, Michigan, leaving her a widow. Jane departed this life on Monday, 5 December 1881 in Jackson, Jackson County, Michigan. On 5 December 1881, Jane was buried at Greenwood Cemetery, Jackson, Jackson County, Michigan.