William Shepherd (Massachusetts politician)


William Shepherd was a Massachusetts politician who served in the Massachusetts House of Representatives and as the 29th Mayor of Lynn, Massachusetts.

Early life and education

Shepherd was born in Red Hill, County Cavan, Ireland on September 17, 1837. Shepherd moved to the United States when he was 9 years old. He was educated in the Boston Public Schools, graduating from the Mayhew grammar school.

Business career

Shepherd moved to Lynn in 1857 where he learned the trade of shoe making. Shepherd went into the business of shoe manufacturing with his brother Alan G. Shepherd. Shepherd later worked for other manufactures as a foreman.

Community involvement

Shepherd was a member of the Fire Department and a member of he represented Ward 3 on the Lynn Common Council.

Massachusetts House of Representatives

Shepherd was elected to serve in the Massachusetts House of Representatives of 1895 and 1896, representing the 20th Essex district, which was made up out of Wards 6 and 7 of Lynn and the Town of Saugus. In the House Shepherd served on the Committee on Public and Charitable Institutions.

Mayor of Lynn

Shepherd served as the Mayor of Lynn, Massachusetts from 1899 to 1902.