Note: William came to Australia with his parents sailing on the "Ascendant" arriving in Port Adelaide in 1849. The family settled in Gawler.
William moved to Wellington, New Zealand where he married Louisa Croucher. The couple lived with with Louisa's parents in New Zealand and had their elder children, Fred, Flo and Ella, there. They returned to Gawler, South Australia, some time before 1876, when Ernest was born. Ernest died at five months and then Norman, May and Lillian were born. Lillian died at 6 months. There is a record of another stillborn Shepherd child buried at Willaston Cemetery on 28 May 1883 who may well have been Lillian's twin.
The family moved to Broken Hill before 1890 where Fred married his sweet-heart from Gawler. Flo married in Broken Hill in 1896. Norman went to the Boer War from Broken Hill in 1898. Norman went back to New Zealand. Fred was forbidden by his mother from joining up for WW1 but that didn't stop Ella and May who travelled overseas with the troops as nurses. Both met and married American servicemen and went off to live in the USA.
Louisa died in Adelaide in 1915 and William died in Broken Hill in 1924.
Biographical Notes
Note: William was a miller and labourer. On his New South Wales death registration, we find the following information:
William Shepherd , labourer, male, 83 yrs, died 21 Aug 1924 at home, 608 Argent St, Broken Hill. He had been born in Steep, Hants, England, 48 yrs in South Australia, 10 years in New Zealand, 10 years in Victoria, 1 year in Western Australia, 7 years in New South Wales. He was married in Wellington, New Zealand when he was 24 years to Louisa Croucher. Their children: Frederick W. 56 years, Florence E. 52, Harriett E. 51, Norman H. 47, Norma M. 43. Living 2 males and 3 females deceased.
Other information on the death record was as follows:
The minister was Rev. A. Dyer. The funeral was at 2 pm August 22, 1924. The coffin was polished fair. Conveyances were a hearse coach and two cabs. Advertisements were place in the Miner and the Truth. The amount was £16/10/- (paid). The person giving the order was Mr. F. Shepherd, son. Orchestra paid and Wreath 10/6.