Justin Shepard

Justin Shepard was born Jan 4, 1831 in Denmark, New York to Isaac Monroe and Sarah Lackore Shepard. Justin is a Founder of Richmond. Justin is a veteran of the Indian Wars. Justin is the father of James I. Shepard.

History

At a young age, the Shepard family joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and Justin was baptized on March 12, 1843.3 Justin journeyed with his family across plains and rivers to meet with the other Saints in Utah. While on their journey, his mother died in 1847. They pressed on and entered Salt Lake City, Utah in 1848. The family moved to Farmington, Utah, soon after their arrival.

In 1854, Justin was called to Sanpete County, Utah to assist in defending settlers against Native Americans. On March 18, 1855, Justin Shepard was ordained a member of the Quorum of the Seventy for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by John W. Hess.

On May 1, 1855, Justin married Eliza Maria Allred in Farmington, Utah. 

Justin originally moved to Richmond to bail wild hay. They lived in the "Old Fort" and had one of the four original log homes in the fort. The home was large and had a wooden floor, which they could use as a meeting place.

While in Richmond, he was one of the city's Minute Men to defend in times of attack. He had a fine horse with a saddle, and always carried a pistol with him at all times. He was also an advocate to help the sick and afflicted.

Justin was a mountain man. He helped many times to bring wood to the settlement of Richmond, used traps to get food and fur, and hunted bears to keep settlers safe.

Indian Wars Service

"On February 25, 1858, Bannock Chief Le Grand Coquin led 250 Bannock and Shoshone warriors in a surprise attack on Fort Lemhi[, Idaho], possibly with John Powell. They killed two Mormon settlers, wounded five, and forced the remaining 69 colonists to retreat to the log fort. They also captured over 200 cattle and 30 horses."1

In response to the attack, President Brigham Young called 150 men to march to Fort Lemhi to rescue the settlers. On March 11, 1858, Justin was enrolled under the command of Captain Christian Layton. He was released from active duty on April 11, 1858.2

Epilogue