John Shepard

     John was born on Wednesday, 22 January 1653 in Cambridge, Middlesex County, Massachusetts. He was christened there in the "Shepard's & Mitchell's Church". John married Hannah Peck on 12 May 1680 in Hartford, Hartford County, Connecticut. John & Hannah had children: John [11/01/1681-1719] [m. 10/09/1707 Abigail Allen], Samuel [2/02/1683-6/05/1750] [m. 5/17/1709 Bethia Steele & 2nd Eunice], Hannah [1/29/1685] [m. 5/22/1712 Charles Buckland], Joseph [4/29/1689-1762] [m. 1/19/1711 Elizaeth Flowers], Rebecca [5/20/1696-d.y.], Timothy [6/07/1697-4/21/1716] & Rebecca [5/20/1698-10/29/1706]. John's wife, Hannah, died before 19 March 1713 in Hartford, Hartford County, Connecticut, leaving him a widower. He married 2nd 19 March 1713 Mary Benton, widow of John Bigelow [Rebecca, brother of John was his first wife] & who survived him. John made his will on 1 August 1728 at Hartford, Hartford County, Connecticut.

He describes himself as of Hartford and a cooper. He makes reference to a jointure he gave his wife at marriage. He gives £10 to his grandson John, oldest son of his son John and to each of the other children of John, Rebecca, Abigail, Timothy and Hannah, £5. To his son, Samuel, a wood lot, half his tools, and the residue of his moveable estate. To his grandson, eldest son of Samuel, the dwelling house, shop, barn and orchard, he to pay his father £80. To his son Joseph, specified lands and £30. To the children of his daughter Hannah, besides what she had formerly received; £5 to each of them, Jane, Charles and Hannah. Also to Mehitable £5. Samuel Shephard and Thomas Richards named as executors.

John departed this life before 6 April 1736 in Hartford, Hartford County, Connecticut. His will was probated on 6 April 1736.