The Sheppard Accident

By Scott Parsons

A shocking calamity for the Sheppard family, February 1869

Sheppard and his son, cutting fence rails in the woods
sent home with a full load, the boy did not return
Sheppard searched and found, tipped over on the ground
The horse had fallen a short distance from the house

Returning to the scene, Sheppard shocked by what he saw
The dead boys feet stuck out from underneath the horse
Sheppard crawled on hands and knees, threatened friends and family
Taken to the Georgetown jail by the law

A lunatic they said, caused by the accident
The unfortunate man was brought to town
To the asylum he was sent, by the local government
to live out, the rest of his life

The bereavement of the family, a shocking calamity February 1869