John Shepard Was a Stranger In His Own Land

John Shepard spent a lifetime serving his country and his community, yet he died at ninety-two years of age, unknown among his neighbors.

Like many of his time, Shepard first achieved prominence through his activities in the militia. Sheer ability took Shepard through the ranks quickly. In 1741, his name was listed as Captain. Five years later it was Major Shepard, who commanded the regiment encamped near Boston, while the French fleet anchored just off our coast.

Prior to his military life Shepard was known as "Squire", a title more honored than that of "Senator" in the twentieth century. He had lived in Stoughton long before it became a township. Following its incorporation Shepard held every office to which he could be elected.

He was a member of the Board of Selectmen for seven years, and Chairman of the Board for four of those years. For another nine year period the distinguished gentleman served as Moderator of the Annual Town Meetings. At the same time he was both guardian of the Ponkapoag Indians and Justice of the Peace.

In 1753, Shepard was selected representative to the General Court, a position he was not destined to hold for long. In June of that same year, he was expelled from the House, much to the disgust of the constituents.

The dismissal came as the result of a visit by an investigatory committee of the General Court to Ponkapoag. The visit uncovered evidence leading to two charges against the local dignitary.

Shepard was first charged with having allowed friends to cut wood on the property of the Indians. In addition, he was accused of having kept his accounts in "chalks and memory" for five years.

His constituents, nonetheless, re-elected Shepard the following year, both as a rebuke to the Court for its earlier action, and as a testimonial of confidence, esteem and appreciation which they had for their fellow townsman.

The Court, however, was not to be so easily duped. Without another investigation Shepard was immediately expelled, based upon the report of the previous year. Moreover, to avoid another appearance of the banished representative within their chambers, the Court passed the following resolve.

"RESOLVED, That Major John Shepard, of Stoughton, has so behaved in his breach of trust as guardian of the Puncapoag Indians, and in his mall conduct as a Justice of the Peace, that he is unworthy of a seat in this house, and that the clerk of this house be directed to erase his name out of ye roll, and that Mr. Speaker issue a precept to ye town of stoughton for ye choice of a representative."