Edward C. Shepherd Collection 1851-1855

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Military Institute Archives
Preston Library
Virginia Military Institute
345 Letcher Ave.
Lexington, VA 24450-0304
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Jeffrey S. Kozak
Phone: (540) 464-7516
Phone: (540) 464-7566
Fax: (540) 464-7089

Summary

Language:
English

Background

Scope and content:

The collection contains three notebooks, two miscellaneous documents, and an annotated analytical geometry text that belonged to Virginia Military Institute Cadet Edward C. Shepherd during his years as a VMI student, 1851-1855. The first notebook contains approximately 50 pen and ink, hand-tinted drawings by Shepherd; these were completed as assignments for VMI courses and some bear the signature of Superintendent Francis H. Smith (" Examined correct, F.H. Smith"). This book also includes a pencil sketch of VMI Barracks room number 14, depicting roommates playing cards. The second notebook includes VMI class notes for mathematics; it also includes poetry, roommate lists, and misc. notes. The third notebook is a VMI Cadet account book listing school expenses, 1851-1855. Miscellaneous documents consist of a letter of appointment to VMI (1851) and a guard report (1853).

Biographical / historical:

Edward Clarence Shepherd was born 24 July 1835 at Shepherdstown, West Virginia. He matriculated at the Virginia Military Institute on 4 August 1851 and graduated 4 July 1855, standing 8th of 16. After completing his education he became a teacher.

During the Civil War Shepherd enlisted 22 October 1861 at Centreville, Virginia as a Private, Company B, 2nd Virginia Infantry Regiment. He married Amelia Adelaid Shock of Baltimore, Maryland on 17 August 1870 and they had four children--Anna Isabelle (b. 1871 d. 1877), Edward Clarence, Jr. (b. 1876), Clinton Webb (b. 1880), and George Randolph (b. 1883 d. 1903). He continued his career as an educator and was Professor of Math, Frederick College (Maryland). Shepherd died 19 August 1907 at Frederick, Maryland.

Physical description:
The collection consists of six items.