Shepherd was born in Red Hill, County Cavan, Ireland on September 17, 1837.

[2] Shepherd moved to Lynn in 1857 where he learned the trade of shoe making.

[2] Shepherd went into the business of shoe manufacturing with his brother Alan G.

[2] Shepherd was elected to serve in the Massachusetts House of Representatives of 1895 and 1896, representing the 20th Essex district, which was made up out of Wards 6 and 7 of Lynn and the Town of Saugus.

[2] In the House Shepherd served on the Committee on Public and Charitable Institutions.