Egbert Haywood Shepard's birth occurred in Wilson County, Tenn., October 12, 1825. He is one of eight children, three now living, born to William and Jane (Britewell) Shepard, who were born and married in the Old Dominion, and came to Perry County, Tenn., in 1829 and located on Cane Creek, where they farmed until their respective deaths. At the early age of eighteen our subject was united in marriage to Naomi Wilburn, of Perry County, who died November 17, 1879, having borne six children, five of whom are still living. November 17, 1881, Mr. Shepard wedded Mary Jane Smith, and one child, Samuel Clinton, has blessed their union. In November, 1862, Mr. Shepard enlisted in the Tenth Tennessee Confederate Cavalry, and remained on duty until his capture, while raising a battalion for his regiment. He has since farmed, and has followed merchandising since February, 1882, at Beardstown. In 1849 Mr. Shepard located on his present farm of 1,100 acres, near the junction of Buffalo River and Cane Creek. He was formerly an old line Whig, but since the death of that party has given his support to the Democratic party. In a cave on his farm saltpeter was formerly made.