Today in Wheeling History: November 11--Moses Shepherd, a prominent pioneer and builder known for constructing Shepherd Hall, contributing to the development of the National Road, and building several bridges over Wheeling Creek, was born (1763).
Moses Shepherd was born on November 11, 1763, in Shepherdstown, Jefferson County, Virginia (now West Virginia). He was the son of Colonel David Shepherd and Rachel Teague Shepherd. The Shepherd family moved to the Wheeling area around 1771, where they established a large plantation and grist mill on the banks of Wheeling Creek. Moses Shepherd inherited this land upon his father's death in 1795 and continued to operate the plantation.
In 1798, Moses Shepherd built Shepherd Hall, also known as Monument Place, on the site of the former Fort Shepherd. The house, constructed in the Federal style, became a significant landmark in the region. Shepherd married Lydia Boggs in 1783, and although they had no children, they became influential figures in the community. Lydia was known for her social gatherings and hospitality at Shepherd Hall.
Moses Shepherd played a crucial role in the development of the National Road, ensuring that it passed through Wheeling. His friendship with Henry Clay, a prominent American statesman, helped secure the route and brought economic growth to the area. Shepherd also constructed several bridges over Wheeling Creek, including the Elm Grove Stone Arch Bridge, which still stands today.
Moses Shepherd passed away on April 29, 1832, in Wheeling, Ohio County, Virginia (now West Virginia). He is buried in Stone Church Cemetery in Wheeling. His contributions to the development of Wheeling and the surrounding area are remembered through the continued presence of Shepherd Hall and the Elm Grove Stone Arch Bridge.
To learn more: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV (https://shorturl.at/HDHJQ); Wikipedia (https://shorturl.at/9PSYH) Find a Grave (https://shorturl.at/d61FH)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; Wikimedia Commons, Find a Grave, Google Maps
Moses Shepherd was born on November 11, 1763, in Shepherdstown, Jefferson County, Virginia (now West Virginia). He was the son of Colonel David Shepherd and Rachel Teague Shepherd. The Shepherd family moved to the Wheeling area around 1771, where they established a large plantation and grist mill on the banks of Wheeling Creek. Moses Shepherd inherited this land upon his father's death in 1795 and continued to operate the plantation.
In 1798, Moses Shepherd built Shepherd Hall, also known as Monument Place, on the site of the former Fort Shepherd. The house, constructed in the Federal style, became a significant landmark in the region. Shepherd married Lydia Boggs in 1783, and although they had no children, they became influential figures in the community. Lydia was known for her social gatherings and hospitality at Shepherd Hall.
Moses Shepherd played a crucial role in the development of the National Road, ensuring that it passed through Wheeling. His friendship with Henry Clay, a prominent American statesman, helped secure the route and brought economic growth to the area. Shepherd also constructed several bridges over Wheeling Creek, including the Elm Grove Stone Arch Bridge, which still stands today.
Moses Shepherd passed away on April 29, 1832, in Wheeling, Ohio County, Virginia (now West Virginia). He is buried in Stone Church Cemetery in Wheeling. His contributions to the development of Wheeling and the surrounding area are remembered through the continued presence of Shepherd Hall and the Elm Grove Stone Arch Bridge.
To learn more: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV (https://shorturl.at/HDHJQ); Wikipedia (https://shorturl.at/9PSYH) Find a Grave (https://shorturl.at/d61FH)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; Wikimedia Commons, Find a Grave, Google Maps
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