William Moroni Sheppard
Occupation: Teamster
• Born: 2 June 1851, Llanishen, Glamorgan, Wales
• Baptized: 29 December 1863
• Departure to America: 16 November 1870, Liverpool, England
• Arrival in America: 2 December 1870, New York City, New York
• Marriage: Margaret Thomas, 1872, Salt Lake City, Utah
• Died: 3 May 1900, Salt Lake City, Utah
• Buried: 6 May 1900, Salt Lake City, Utah
Just by studying his name, you start to see some of the history surrounding William "Moroni" Sheppard. William's father, 22-year-old Charles Sheppard, was baptized as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on Christmas Eve, 1846 (some 5 years before William Moroni was born). Charles Sheppard embraced and accepted the Book of Mormon; as is evidenced by the fact that his first-born son shares the name of the great Nephite Prophet--Moroni--who completed the Nephite records, known today as the Book of Mormon. At the time of his conversion, Charles Sheppard was still single; however, within a year of joining the church, he married a young lady, Mary Ann Batts (age 20) on the 31st of October, 1847 in Cardiff, Glamorganshire, Wales, where they also started their family.
William Moroni Sheppard was the first son, 2nd child, born to Charles and Mary Ann Sheppard, born on June 2, 1851 in Llanishen, Cardiff, Glamorgan, Wales. The hamlet of Llanishen is about 4 miles Northwest of the center of Cardiff. His older sister, Sarah Ann Sheppard, had passed away at the age of 15 months (d. February 13, 1851).
The remainder of William's siblings were all born on the outskirts of Cardiff, Wales as follows:
• Orson Charles Sheppard, born 19 March 1853 in Whitchurch, Cardiff, Glamorgan, Wales
• Sabina Ann Sheppard, born 20 December 1856 in Cardiff, Glamorgan, Wales
• Charles Franklin Sheppard, born 9 October 1858 in Whitchurch, Cardiff, Glamorgan Wales
• Mary Jane Sheppard, born 15 May 1862 in Cardiff, Glamorgan, Wales
• Joseph Hyrum Sheppard, born 5 May 1864 in Cardiff, Glamorgan, Wales
• Alice Lucy Sheppard, born 14 October 1867 in Cardiff, Glamorgan, Wales
On December 29, 1863, both William Moroni Sheppard and his brother Orson Charles Sheppard were baptized into the LDS church; William, age 12 and Orson Charles, age 10. Sabina and Charles Franklin were also baptized in Wales prior to the family's departure to America.
Emigration was often encouraged for LDS converts and in 1869, emigration efforts were still in full swing. Likely for economic reasons or to allow younger children to travel later, the family decided to split into two group and depart for America about one year apart. The first group to leave consisted of father Charles (age 44), with four of his children: Orson (age 16), Sabina (age 13), Charles Franklin (age 10), and Mary Jane (age 7). They came to America on a ship called "Manitoba," departing on 31 May 1869. On the date of their departure, William Moroni Sheppard was 18-years old and instantly became the "man of the family." This part of the family made a home for the family in South Cottonwood area (now Murray and Union), where Charles took to farming and his son (Charles Franklin) became a "stock herder."
On November 16, 1870, the rest of the family left Wales on the ship "Manhattan" to join the rest of the family in Utah. It's hard to imagine what their life was like for the 1 year and 1 month since the first part of the family left. The ship arrived in New York Harbor on 2 December 1870. This second group included: Mother Mary Ann (Batts) Sheppard (age 43), William Moroni (age 19), Joseph Hyrum (age 6), and Alice Lucy (age 3). Soon, they were with the family in South Cottonwood, Utah. Sadly, Sabina Sheppard (never married) died about 3 months after the family was back together again.
The older children in the family, including William Moroni Sheppard, soon left to establish their own families.
William Moroni Sheppard married Margaret Thomas in Salt Lake City, Utah Territory in 1872. Margaret Thomas was also born in Wales (Ely, Llandalf, Glamorgan, Wales...only about 5 miles from where William Moroni Sheppard was born). Margaret was baptized on March 4, 1864. It is unknown whether William and Margaret knew each other in Wales, although family history suggest she also emigrated to America in 1869 (the same time as the first part of the Sheppard family left). All we know is that their marriage took place in 1872. The marriage was later sealed in the Salt Lake Endowment house on September 6, 1883 (the same day they both took out their endowments).
William Moroni and Margaret Thomas Sheppard had 7 children:
• William Thomas Moroni Sheppard, born 25 October 1873 in Salt Lake City, Utah
• Ernest Charles Sheppard, born 5 February 1875 in Salt Lake City, Utah
• Early May Sheppard, born 8 January 1877 in Salt Lake City, Utah
• Alice Margaret Sheppard, born 19 July 1879 in Salt Lake City, Utah
• Rosella Maud Sheppard, born 25 December 1879 in Salt Lake City, Utah (died, age 7)
• Margaret M. Sheppard, born 5 February 1882 in Salt Lake City, Utah, (died, age 5)
• Ethel Irene Sheppard, born 17 April 1887 in Salt Lake City, Utah
The year 1887 was tragic for this family as they lost 2 family members in rapid succession and experienced a new life. On April 4th, Margaret M. died at the tender age of 5. The very next day (April 5), Rosetta Maud died at the age of 7. Just 10 days later, on April 17th, Ethel Irene was born. What a shocking and confusing time this must have been for this family.
Another tragedy struck just 2 years late. On November 17, 1889, mother Margaret Thomas Sheppard died, leaving a very young family to be raised by their father, including: William T.M. (age 16), Ernest (age 14), Early May (age 12), Alice (age 10), and young Ethel (only 2 years of age). Early May ("May") was the oldest girl and had to help her father out with her 2-year-old sister.
William's occupation (according to the 1880 Census) was as a "Teamster," where he worked with and developed a passion for horses. In fact, his son and namesake, William Thomas Moroni Sheppard drove horse-drawn hacks (taxis) and horse-drawn funeral coaches. He also owned and managed a stable in the early days of Salt Lake City. William's other son, Ernest, also became a hack driver, working with horses.
At the age of 48, William Moroni Sheppard died on the 3rd of May, 1900 in Salt Lake City, Utah. His death announcement appeared in the Salt Lake Herald the very next day (4 May 1900) and listed the cause of death as "cirrhosis of the liver." William's death occurred only 2 months after the marriage of Early May Sheppard to Alva Cooley. William T.M. was already married and on his own (married in 1894).
Alice Sheppard was married in 1899. Alice and her husband Benjamin Ashley, invited her brother, Ernest Sheppard to live with them for a time (he is listed as living in their home in the 1900 Census).
At the time of his death, the family was living at 456 West 600 North, Salt Lake City.
William Moroni Sheppard was buried at Salt Lake City Cemetery next to his wife Margaret Thomas Sheppard (plot# 23180 H-12-7-S1/2)
The youngest child in the family, Ethel Irene Sheppard, was only 13 at the time of her father's death. As executor of his father's Will, William Thomas Moroni Sheppard (oldest child, oldest son) was appointed by the Third District Court (Salt Lake County) as Ethel Irene Sheppard's guardian.
One of the most interesting parts of William Moroni Sheppard's Will is the allocation and specific descriptions of his horses and equipment to some of his children, as follows:
• To William T.M. Sheppard - "shall have one cutter, one single-top buggy, and one Shetland pony."
• To Ernest C. Sheppard - "the glass front hack, the black team of horses, and the double harnesses."
• To Alice M. Sheppard Ashley - "the leather head hack, the brown team of horses, and one double harness."
• To E. May Sheppard Cooley - [received cash compensation for horses and gear from Ernest and Alice]
• To Ethel I. Sheppard - "one organ and all household furniture."
William certainly wanted to make sure his horses had good homes. The Will also listed some outstanding charges for care of horses and equipment (e.g., $130.00 for repair of a hack, $1.00 for 'medicine for a pony,' $17.50 for hay, etc.).
William Moroni Sheppard left a legacy of love for horses shared by his children, grandchildren and beyond. We are certainly grateful for the life of William Moroni Sheppard.
Occupation: Teamster
• Born: 2 June 1851, Llanishen, Glamorgan, Wales
• Baptized: 29 December 1863
• Departure to America: 16 November 1870, Liverpool, England
• Arrival in America: 2 December 1870, New York City, New York
• Marriage: Margaret Thomas, 1872, Salt Lake City, Utah
• Died: 3 May 1900, Salt Lake City, Utah
• Buried: 6 May 1900, Salt Lake City, Utah
Just by studying his name, you start to see some of the history surrounding William "Moroni" Sheppard. William's father, 22-year-old Charles Sheppard, was baptized as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on Christmas Eve, 1846 (some 5 years before William Moroni was born). Charles Sheppard embraced and accepted the Book of Mormon; as is evidenced by the fact that his first-born son shares the name of the great Nephite Prophet--Moroni--who completed the Nephite records, known today as the Book of Mormon. At the time of his conversion, Charles Sheppard was still single; however, within a year of joining the church, he married a young lady, Mary Ann Batts (age 20) on the 31st of October, 1847 in Cardiff, Glamorganshire, Wales, where they also started their family.
William Moroni Sheppard was the first son, 2nd child, born to Charles and Mary Ann Sheppard, born on June 2, 1851 in Llanishen, Cardiff, Glamorgan, Wales. The hamlet of Llanishen is about 4 miles Northwest of the center of Cardiff. His older sister, Sarah Ann Sheppard, had passed away at the age of 15 months (d. February 13, 1851).
The remainder of William's siblings were all born on the outskirts of Cardiff, Wales as follows:
• Orson Charles Sheppard, born 19 March 1853 in Whitchurch, Cardiff, Glamorgan, Wales
• Sabina Ann Sheppard, born 20 December 1856 in Cardiff, Glamorgan, Wales
• Charles Franklin Sheppard, born 9 October 1858 in Whitchurch, Cardiff, Glamorgan Wales
• Mary Jane Sheppard, born 15 May 1862 in Cardiff, Glamorgan, Wales
• Joseph Hyrum Sheppard, born 5 May 1864 in Cardiff, Glamorgan, Wales
• Alice Lucy Sheppard, born 14 October 1867 in Cardiff, Glamorgan, Wales
On December 29, 1863, both William Moroni Sheppard and his brother Orson Charles Sheppard were baptized into the LDS church; William, age 12 and Orson Charles, age 10. Sabina and Charles Franklin were also baptized in Wales prior to the family's departure to America.
Emigration was often encouraged for LDS converts and in 1869, emigration efforts were still in full swing. Likely for economic reasons or to allow younger children to travel later, the family decided to split into two group and depart for America about one year apart. The first group to leave consisted of father Charles (age 44), with four of his children: Orson (age 16), Sabina (age 13), Charles Franklin (age 10), and Mary Jane (age 7). They came to America on a ship called "Manitoba," departing on 31 May 1869. On the date of their departure, William Moroni Sheppard was 18-years old and instantly became the "man of the family." This part of the family made a home for the family in South Cottonwood area (now Murray and Union), where Charles took to farming and his son (Charles Franklin) became a "stock herder."
On November 16, 1870, the rest of the family left Wales on the ship "Manhattan" to join the rest of the family in Utah. It's hard to imagine what their life was like for the 1 year and 1 month since the first part of the family left. The ship arrived in New York Harbor on 2 December 1870. This second group included: Mother Mary Ann (Batts) Sheppard (age 43), William Moroni (age 19), Joseph Hyrum (age 6), and Alice Lucy (age 3). Soon, they were with the family in South Cottonwood, Utah. Sadly, Sabina Sheppard (never married) died about 3 months after the family was back together again.
The older children in the family, including William Moroni Sheppard, soon left to establish their own families.
William Moroni Sheppard married Margaret Thomas in Salt Lake City, Utah Territory in 1872. Margaret Thomas was also born in Wales (Ely, Llandalf, Glamorgan, Wales...only about 5 miles from where William Moroni Sheppard was born). Margaret was baptized on March 4, 1864. It is unknown whether William and Margaret knew each other in Wales, although family history suggest she also emigrated to America in 1869 (the same time as the first part of the Sheppard family left). All we know is that their marriage took place in 1872. The marriage was later sealed in the Salt Lake Endowment house on September 6, 1883 (the same day they both took out their endowments).
William Moroni and Margaret Thomas Sheppard had 7 children:
• William Thomas Moroni Sheppard, born 25 October 1873 in Salt Lake City, Utah
• Ernest Charles Sheppard, born 5 February 1875 in Salt Lake City, Utah
• Early May Sheppard, born 8 January 1877 in Salt Lake City, Utah
• Alice Margaret Sheppard, born 19 July 1879 in Salt Lake City, Utah
• Rosella Maud Sheppard, born 25 December 1879 in Salt Lake City, Utah (died, age 7)
• Margaret M. Sheppard, born 5 February 1882 in Salt Lake City, Utah, (died, age 5)
• Ethel Irene Sheppard, born 17 April 1887 in Salt Lake City, Utah
The year 1887 was tragic for this family as they lost 2 family members in rapid succession and experienced a new life. On April 4th, Margaret M. died at the tender age of 5. The very next day (April 5), Rosetta Maud died at the age of 7. Just 10 days later, on April 17th, Ethel Irene was born. What a shocking and confusing time this must have been for this family.
Another tragedy struck just 2 years late. On November 17, 1889, mother Margaret Thomas Sheppard died, leaving a very young family to be raised by their father, including: William T.M. (age 16), Ernest (age 14), Early May (age 12), Alice (age 10), and young Ethel (only 2 years of age). Early May ("May") was the oldest girl and had to help her father out with her 2-year-old sister.
William's occupation (according to the 1880 Census) was as a "Teamster," where he worked with and developed a passion for horses. In fact, his son and namesake, William Thomas Moroni Sheppard drove horse-drawn hacks (taxis) and horse-drawn funeral coaches. He also owned and managed a stable in the early days of Salt Lake City. William's other son, Ernest, also became a hack driver, working with horses.
At the age of 48, William Moroni Sheppard died on the 3rd of May, 1900 in Salt Lake City, Utah. His death announcement appeared in the Salt Lake Herald the very next day (4 May 1900) and listed the cause of death as "cirrhosis of the liver." William's death occurred only 2 months after the marriage of Early May Sheppard to Alva Cooley. William T.M. was already married and on his own (married in 1894).
Alice Sheppard was married in 1899. Alice and her husband Benjamin Ashley, invited her brother, Ernest Sheppard to live with them for a time (he is listed as living in their home in the 1900 Census).
At the time of his death, the family was living at 456 West 600 North, Salt Lake City.
William Moroni Sheppard was buried at Salt Lake City Cemetery next to his wife Margaret Thomas Sheppard (plot# 23180 H-12-7-S1/2)
The youngest child in the family, Ethel Irene Sheppard, was only 13 at the time of her father's death. As executor of his father's Will, William Thomas Moroni Sheppard (oldest child, oldest son) was appointed by the Third District Court (Salt Lake County) as Ethel Irene Sheppard's guardian.
One of the most interesting parts of William Moroni Sheppard's Will is the allocation and specific descriptions of his horses and equipment to some of his children, as follows:
• To William T.M. Sheppard - "shall have one cutter, one single-top buggy, and one Shetland pony."
• To Ernest C. Sheppard - "the glass front hack, the black team of horses, and the double harnesses."
• To Alice M. Sheppard Ashley - "the leather head hack, the brown team of horses, and one double harness."
• To E. May Sheppard Cooley - [received cash compensation for horses and gear from Ernest and Alice]
• To Ethel I. Sheppard - "one organ and all household furniture."
William certainly wanted to make sure his horses had good homes. The Will also listed some outstanding charges for care of horses and equipment (e.g., $130.00 for repair of a hack, $1.00 for 'medicine for a pony,' $17.50 for hay, etc.).
William Moroni Sheppard left a legacy of love for horses shared by his children, grandchildren and beyond. We are certainly grateful for the life of William Moroni Sheppard.
William Moroni Sheppard
Occupation: Teamster
• Born: 2 June 1851, Llanishen, Glamorgan, Wales
• Baptized: 29 December 1863
• Departure to America: 16 November 1870, Liverpool, England
• Arrival in America: 2 December 1870, New York City, New York
• Marriage: Margaret Thomas, 1872, Salt Lake City, Utah
• Died: 3 May 1900, Salt Lake City, Utah
• Buried: 6 May 1900, Salt Lake City, Utah
Just by studying his name, you start to see some of the history surrounding William "Moroni" Sheppard. William's father, 22-year-old Charles Sheppard, was baptized as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on Christmas Eve, 1846 (some 5 years before William Moroni was born). Charles Sheppard embraced and accepted the Book of Mormon; as is evidenced by the fact that his first-born son shares the name of the great Nephite Prophet--Moroni--who completed the Nephite records, known today as the Book of Mormon. At the time of his conversion, Charles Sheppard was still single; however, within a year of joining the church, he married a young lady, Mary Ann Batts (age 20) on the 31st of October, 1847 in Cardiff, Glamorganshire, Wales, where they also started their family.
William Moroni Sheppard was the first son, 2nd child, born to Charles and Mary Ann Sheppard, born on June 2, 1851 in Llanishen, Cardiff, Glamorgan, Wales. The hamlet of Llanishen is about 4 miles Northwest of the center of Cardiff. His older sister, Sarah Ann Sheppard, had passed away at the age of 15 months (d. February 13, 1851).
The remainder of William's siblings were all born on the outskirts of Cardiff, Wales as follows:
• Orson Charles Sheppard, born 19 March 1853 in Whitchurch, Cardiff, Glamorgan, Wales
• Sabina Ann Sheppard, born 20 December 1856 in Cardiff, Glamorgan, Wales
• Charles Franklin Sheppard, born 9 October 1858 in Whitchurch, Cardiff, Glamorgan Wales
• Mary Jane Sheppard, born 15 May 1862 in Cardiff, Glamorgan, Wales
• Joseph Hyrum Sheppard, born 5 May 1864 in Cardiff, Glamorgan, Wales
• Alice Lucy Sheppard, born 14 October 1867 in Cardiff, Glamorgan, Wales
On December 29, 1863, both William Moroni Sheppard and his brother Orson Charles Sheppard were baptized into the LDS church; William, age 12 and Orson Charles, age 10. Sabina and Charles Franklin were also baptized in Wales prior to the family's departure to America.
Emigration was often encouraged for LDS converts and in 1869, emigration efforts were still in full swing. Likely for economic reasons or to allow younger children to travel later, the family decided to split into two group and depart for America about one year apart. The first group to leave consisted of father Charles (age 44), with four of his children: Orson (age 16), Sabina (age 13), Charles Franklin (age 10), and Mary Jane (age 7). They came to America on a ship called "Manitoba," departing on 31 May 1869. On the date of their departure, William Moroni Sheppard was 18-years old and instantly became the "man of the family." This part of the family made a home for the family in South Cottonwood area (now Murray and Union), where Charles took to farming and his son (Charles Franklin) became a "stock herder."
On November 16, 1870, the rest of the family left Wales on the ship "Manhattan" to join the rest of the family in Utah. It's hard to imagine what their life was like for the 1 year and 1 month since the first part of the family left. The ship arrived in New York Harbor on 2 December 1870. This second group included: Mother Mary Ann (Batts) Sheppard (age 43), William Moroni (age 19), Joseph Hyrum (age 6), and Alice Lucy (age 3). Soon, they were with the family in South Cottonwood, Utah. Sadly, Sabina Sheppard (never married) died about 3 months after the family was back together again.
The older children in the family, including William Moroni Sheppard, soon left to establish their own families.
William Moroni Sheppard married Margaret Thomas in Salt Lake City, Utah Territory in 1872. Margaret Thomas was also born in Wales (Ely, Llandalf, Glamorgan, Wales...only about 5 miles from where William Moroni Sheppard was born). Margaret was baptized on March 4, 1864. It is unknown whether William and Margaret knew each other in Wales, although family history suggest she also emigrated to America in 1869 (the same time as the first part of the Sheppard family left). All we know is that their marriage took place in 1872. The marriage was later sealed in the Salt Lake Endowment house on September 6, 1883 (the same day they both took out their endowments).
William Moroni and Margaret Thomas Sheppard had 7 children:
• William Thomas Moroni Sheppard, born 25 October 1873 in Salt Lake City, Utah
• Ernest Charles Sheppard, born 5 February 1875 in Salt Lake City, Utah
• Early May Sheppard, born 8 January 1877 in Salt Lake City, Utah
• Alice Margaret Sheppard, born 19 July 1879 in Salt Lake City, Utah
• Rosella Maud Sheppard, born 25 December 1879 in Salt Lake City, Utah (died, age 7)
• Margaret M. Sheppard, born 5 February 1882 in Salt Lake City, Utah, (died, age 5)
• Ethel Irene Sheppard, born 17 April 1887 in Salt Lake City, Utah
The year 1887 was tragic for this family as they lost 2 family members in rapid succession and experienced a new life. On April 4th, Margaret M. died at the tender age of 5. The very next day (April 5), Rosetta Maud died at the age of 7. Just 10 days later, on April 17th, Ethel Irene was born. What a shocking and confusing time this must have been for this family.
Another tragedy struck just 2 years late. On November 17, 1889, mother Margaret Thomas Sheppard died, leaving a very young family to be raised by their father, including: William T.M. (age 16), Ernest (age 14), Early May (age 12), Alice (age 10), and young Ethel (only 2 years of age). Early May ("May") was the oldest girl and had to help her father out with her 2-year-old sister.
William's occupation (according to the 1880 Census) was as a "Teamster," where he worked with and developed a passion for horses. In fact, his son and namesake, William Thomas Moroni Sheppard drove horse-drawn hacks (taxis) and horse-drawn funeral coaches. He also owned and managed a stable in the early days of Salt Lake City. William's other son, Ernest, also became a hack driver, working with horses.
At the age of 48, William Moroni Sheppard died on the 3rd of May, 1900 in Salt Lake City, Utah. His death announcement appeared in the Salt Lake Herald the very next day (4 May 1900) and listed the cause of death as "cirrhosis of the liver." William's death occurred only 2 months after the marriage of Early May Sheppard to Alva Cooley. William T.M. was already married and on his own (married in 1894).
Alice Sheppard was married in 1899. Alice and her husband Benjamin Ashley, invited her brother, Ernest Sheppard to live with them for a time (he is listed as living in their home in the 1900 Census).
At the time of his death, the family was living at 456 West 600 North, Salt Lake City.
William Moroni Sheppard was buried at Salt Lake City Cemetery next to his wife Margaret Thomas Sheppard (plot# 23180 H-12-7-S1/2)
The youngest child in the family, Ethel Irene Sheppard, was only 13 at the time of her father's death. As executor of his father's Will, William Thomas Moroni Sheppard (oldest child, oldest son) was appointed by the Third District Court (Salt Lake County) as Ethel Irene Sheppard's guardian.
One of the most interesting parts of William Moroni Sheppard's Will is the allocation and specific descriptions of his horses and equipment to some of his children, as follows:
• To William T.M. Sheppard - "shall have one cutter, one single-top buggy, and one Shetland pony."
• To Ernest C. Sheppard - "the glass front hack, the black team of horses, and the double harnesses."
• To Alice M. Sheppard Ashley - "the leather head hack, the brown team of horses, and one double harness."
• To E. May Sheppard Cooley - [received cash compensation for horses and gear from Ernest and Alice]
• To Ethel I. Sheppard - "one organ and all household furniture."
William certainly wanted to make sure his horses had good homes. The Will also listed some outstanding charges for care of horses and equipment (e.g., $130.00 for repair of a hack, $1.00 for 'medicine for a pony,' $17.50 for hay, etc.).
William Moroni Sheppard left a legacy of love for horses shared by his children, grandchildren and beyond. We are certainly grateful for the life of William Moroni Sheppard.
Occupation: Teamster
• Born: 2 June 1851, Llanishen, Glamorgan, Wales
• Baptized: 29 December 1863
• Departure to America: 16 November 1870, Liverpool, England
• Arrival in America: 2 December 1870, New York City, New York
• Marriage: Margaret Thomas, 1872, Salt Lake City, Utah
• Died: 3 May 1900, Salt Lake City, Utah
• Buried: 6 May 1900, Salt Lake City, Utah
Just by studying his name, you start to see some of the history surrounding William "Moroni" Sheppard. William's father, 22-year-old Charles Sheppard, was baptized as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on Christmas Eve, 1846 (some 5 years before William Moroni was born). Charles Sheppard embraced and accepted the Book of Mormon; as is evidenced by the fact that his first-born son shares the name of the great Nephite Prophet--Moroni--who completed the Nephite records, known today as the Book of Mormon. At the time of his conversion, Charles Sheppard was still single; however, within a year of joining the church, he married a young lady, Mary Ann Batts (age 20) on the 31st of October, 1847 in Cardiff, Glamorganshire, Wales, where they also started their family.
William Moroni Sheppard was the first son, 2nd child, born to Charles and Mary Ann Sheppard, born on June 2, 1851 in Llanishen, Cardiff, Glamorgan, Wales. The hamlet of Llanishen is about 4 miles Northwest of the center of Cardiff. His older sister, Sarah Ann Sheppard, had passed away at the age of 15 months (d. February 13, 1851).
The remainder of William's siblings were all born on the outskirts of Cardiff, Wales as follows:
• Orson Charles Sheppard, born 19 March 1853 in Whitchurch, Cardiff, Glamorgan, Wales
• Sabina Ann Sheppard, born 20 December 1856 in Cardiff, Glamorgan, Wales
• Charles Franklin Sheppard, born 9 October 1858 in Whitchurch, Cardiff, Glamorgan Wales
• Mary Jane Sheppard, born 15 May 1862 in Cardiff, Glamorgan, Wales
• Joseph Hyrum Sheppard, born 5 May 1864 in Cardiff, Glamorgan, Wales
• Alice Lucy Sheppard, born 14 October 1867 in Cardiff, Glamorgan, Wales
On December 29, 1863, both William Moroni Sheppard and his brother Orson Charles Sheppard were baptized into the LDS church; William, age 12 and Orson Charles, age 10. Sabina and Charles Franklin were also baptized in Wales prior to the family's departure to America.
Emigration was often encouraged for LDS converts and in 1869, emigration efforts were still in full swing. Likely for economic reasons or to allow younger children to travel later, the family decided to split into two group and depart for America about one year apart. The first group to leave consisted of father Charles (age 44), with four of his children: Orson (age 16), Sabina (age 13), Charles Franklin (age 10), and Mary Jane (age 7). They came to America on a ship called "Manitoba," departing on 31 May 1869. On the date of their departure, William Moroni Sheppard was 18-years old and instantly became the "man of the family." This part of the family made a home for the family in South Cottonwood area (now Murray and Union), where Charles took to farming and his son (Charles Franklin) became a "stock herder."
On November 16, 1870, the rest of the family left Wales on the ship "Manhattan" to join the rest of the family in Utah. It's hard to imagine what their life was like for the 1 year and 1 month since the first part of the family left. The ship arrived in New York Harbor on 2 December 1870. This second group included: Mother Mary Ann (Batts) Sheppard (age 43), William Moroni (age 19), Joseph Hyrum (age 6), and Alice Lucy (age 3). Soon, they were with the family in South Cottonwood, Utah. Sadly, Sabina Sheppard (never married) died about 3 months after the family was back together again.
The older children in the family, including William Moroni Sheppard, soon left to establish their own families.
William Moroni Sheppard married Margaret Thomas in Salt Lake City, Utah Territory in 1872. Margaret Thomas was also born in Wales (Ely, Llandalf, Glamorgan, Wales...only about 5 miles from where William Moroni Sheppard was born). Margaret was baptized on March 4, 1864. It is unknown whether William and Margaret knew each other in Wales, although family history suggest she also emigrated to America in 1869 (the same time as the first part of the Sheppard family left). All we know is that their marriage took place in 1872. The marriage was later sealed in the Salt Lake Endowment house on September 6, 1883 (the same day they both took out their endowments).
William Moroni and Margaret Thomas Sheppard had 7 children:
• William Thomas Moroni Sheppard, born 25 October 1873 in Salt Lake City, Utah
• Ernest Charles Sheppard, born 5 February 1875 in Salt Lake City, Utah
• Early May Sheppard, born 8 January 1877 in Salt Lake City, Utah
• Alice Margaret Sheppard, born 19 July 1879 in Salt Lake City, Utah
• Rosella Maud Sheppard, born 25 December 1879 in Salt Lake City, Utah (died, age 7)
• Margaret M. Sheppard, born 5 February 1882 in Salt Lake City, Utah, (died, age 5)
• Ethel Irene Sheppard, born 17 April 1887 in Salt Lake City, Utah
The year 1887 was tragic for this family as they lost 2 family members in rapid succession and experienced a new life. On April 4th, Margaret M. died at the tender age of 5. The very next day (April 5), Rosetta Maud died at the age of 7. Just 10 days later, on April 17th, Ethel Irene was born. What a shocking and confusing time this must have been for this family.
Another tragedy struck just 2 years late. On November 17, 1889, mother Margaret Thomas Sheppard died, leaving a very young family to be raised by their father, including: William T.M. (age 16), Ernest (age 14), Early May (age 12), Alice (age 10), and young Ethel (only 2 years of age). Early May ("May") was the oldest girl and had to help her father out with her 2-year-old sister.
William's occupation (according to the 1880 Census) was as a "Teamster," where he worked with and developed a passion for horses. In fact, his son and namesake, William Thomas Moroni Sheppard drove horse-drawn hacks (taxis) and horse-drawn funeral coaches. He also owned and managed a stable in the early days of Salt Lake City. William's other son, Ernest, also became a hack driver, working with horses.
At the age of 48, William Moroni Sheppard died on the 3rd of May, 1900 in Salt Lake City, Utah. His death announcement appeared in the Salt Lake Herald the very next day (4 May 1900) and listed the cause of death as "cirrhosis of the liver." William's death occurred only 2 months after the marriage of Early May Sheppard to Alva Cooley. William T.M. was already married and on his own (married in 1894).
Alice Sheppard was married in 1899. Alice and her husband Benjamin Ashley, invited her brother, Ernest Sheppard to live with them for a time (he is listed as living in their home in the 1900 Census).
At the time of his death, the family was living at 456 West 600 North, Salt Lake City.
William Moroni Sheppard was buried at Salt Lake City Cemetery next to his wife Margaret Thomas Sheppard (plot# 23180 H-12-7-S1/2)
The youngest child in the family, Ethel Irene Sheppard, was only 13 at the time of her father's death. As executor of his father's Will, William Thomas Moroni Sheppard (oldest child, oldest son) was appointed by the Third District Court (Salt Lake County) as Ethel Irene Sheppard's guardian.
One of the most interesting parts of William Moroni Sheppard's Will is the allocation and specific descriptions of his horses and equipment to some of his children, as follows:
• To William T.M. Sheppard - "shall have one cutter, one single-top buggy, and one Shetland pony."
• To Ernest C. Sheppard - "the glass front hack, the black team of horses, and the double harnesses."
• To Alice M. Sheppard Ashley - "the leather head hack, the brown team of horses, and one double harness."
• To E. May Sheppard Cooley - [received cash compensation for horses and gear from Ernest and Alice]
• To Ethel I. Sheppard - "one organ and all household furniture."
William certainly wanted to make sure his horses had good homes. The Will also listed some outstanding charges for care of horses and equipment (e.g., $130.00 for repair of a hack, $1.00 for 'medicine for a pony,' $17.50 for hay, etc.).
William Moroni Sheppard left a legacy of love for horses shared by his children, grandchildren and beyond. We are certainly grateful for the life of William Moroni Sheppard.
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