William SHEPARD Family of Olean. From: Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus County, N.Y. edited by William Adams, 1893. pp. 917 – 918

William Shepard was born April 7, 1773. He came to Olean with his brother—in—law, Willis Thrall, and the two purchased quite a tract of wild land on both sides of Olean creek. He married Elizabeth Hinman. Children: Olean the first white child born in the town, May 22, 1807; and William B., born Oct 21, 1808. Mr. Shepard died Sept.21, 1809. Mrs. Shepard married Jedediah Strong, who died June 25, 1828; Mrs. Strong died Oct. 4, 1830. Olean and William B. Shepard were married simultaneously in the old school house in their district Feb. 117 1833: Olean married Rev. William Butt, a Methodist clergyman, and William B. married Miss Sophia Rice, of Cortland county, and remained on the homestead, where he died Dec. 30, 1883. At an early age he was an Allegheny river pilot and made many trips to Pittsburgh. Mr. Shepard was a prominent citizen. He was early identified with the military interests of Olean and was commissioned captain. He was an active Methodist, of which church he was many years a member and trustee. He was a Whig and a Republican at the organization of that party. His children are Sarah, born Aug. 5, 1835, married Henry Hastings, Sept. 20, 1855; Ellen; Mary; and William E.