The remarkable life of David Shepherd began in Frederick County, Virginia (now Jefferson County, WV), where he was born in January, 1734 to Thomas Shepherd, an estate owner, and his wife Elizabeth (Van Meter) Shepherd. In about 1752 he married Rachel Teague and to this union were born five children.

In 1770 David Shepherd and his family relocated to present day Ohio County, West Virginia, and the beginning of a long career of service to his nation. My patriot ancestor has a history of military, civil, and patriotic service to his state of Virginia and the new republic. His patriotic service includes paying the 1783 supply and land tax, as well as taking the Oath of fidelity in 1777.

The military service of David Shepherd is extensive, for he assumed the following military positions. On September 4, 1776 he was appointed by Governor Patrick Henry as a county lieutenant for the newly created Ohio County. On June 2, 1777, he was promoted to rank of Colonel in the Virginia militia. Also in 1777, he was ordered by General Hand to assuming command of Fort Henry, and led the defense of that fort during the first seige on September 1, 1777. He was also in command of the Cochocton expedition in 1781.

Besides an impressive list of military accomplishments, Col. Shepherd performed many duties in a civil capacity beginning with his appointment to the Committee of Public Safety in 1775. His other civil positions included magistrate and justice of the peace, a position he held until his death in 1795, as well as fulfilled the unexpired term as High Sheriff of Ohio in 1778, due to the sudden death of John McColloch. Finally, he was a representative of the peace talks held at Fort Pitt with the Delaware Indians.

During the last several years of his life, he assumed the role of gentleman estate owner, and continued many roles of civil service in Ohio county. He died on February 2, 1795 at his estate near present day Wheeling, West Virginia.