Joseph Shepard

Background

Shepard was the son of Lewis Shepard and Mary Ann Huffman.

Career

Shepard owned a thousand-acre (4 km²) ranch in the Collin County area. Shepard became well known for this and also for breeding registered horses and jacks. He shipped his mules throughout the United States, and to Mexico and Honduras.

In 1890, Shepard opened a general store on his ranch, and the farming town of Shepton developed in the vicinity of the store.

In addition to the town of Shepton, Texas, Shepard Elementary School was also named in his honor.

Achievements

• The Plano area became famous in the late 19th century for mule breeding.