Oscar Sheppard

Oscar Sheppard was born in Muskingum County, Ohio on July 15, 1845, son of Lenox Sheppard, a native of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, and Ellen McLain Sheppard, originally from Muskingum County.[1] At age sixteen, he enlisted as a private in Company C of the 27th Ohio Infantry early in the American Civil War.[2][3] He participated in all the battles of the Army of the Tennessee,[3] was severely wounded at the Battle of Atlanta on July 22, 1864,[1][3] and was present at the surrender of Johnston at the close of the war.[3] He participated in the Grand Review of the Armies,[4] and was mustered out as sergeant-major of his regiment in July 1865 at Louisville, Kentucky.[2][4]

From 1866 to 1868, Sheppard attended Newark High School during winters while working for contractors and bridge-builders during the summer. He entered National Normal University at Lebanon, Ohio in 1868, and taught and attended university until 1872.[1] He was elected principal of West Alexandria, Ohio school in 1872, and continued as such until 1879.[1] He studied law, and was admitted to the bar in May, 1877. He began practice of law in 1879.[1]

In 1881 and 1883, Sheppard was elected to the Ohio House of Representatives from Preble County.[1][4] From 1884 to 1887, he was interested in the building of the Cincinnati, Jackson and Mackinaw Railroad, and was a member of the board of directors for several years. He was also a member of the Board of Trustees of the Dayton State Hospital from 1891 to 1897.[1]

In 1897, Sheppard was elected as a Republican to the Ohio State Senate from the third district. He was re-elected in 1899, and with his party in the majority, was chosen as president pro tempore for the 1900-1901 session. He also served on several committees.[1]

Oscar Sheppard was married in 1878 to Alice Cary Gale, and had one son and two daughters.[1][4] He died at West Alexandria on October 24, 1922, and was buried at Fairview Cemetery.[5]

• The Ohio Manual of Legislative Practice of the 74th General Assembly. State of Ohio. 1900.
• Manual of Legislative Practice in the General Assembly of the State of Ohio. Columbus: F J Heer. 1898.