Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Shepherd Sesquicentennial
1857-2007
Contents
4 Welcome
5 Featured Graves
James Campbell (1837-1875), and James Wilsey (1811-1882)
I. N. Shepherd (1840-1920)
Esther Mullet Kelley (1897- 1970), George Kelley (1897-1975) and Andrew
Mullet (1864-1939)
Cemetery Etiquette:
Cemetery Trivia
Mission Statement
Meetings
Special Events
Become a Member
Thanks to…
Tour Guides: Presenters: Supporters:
Jenna Sandel John Wilberding Shepherd Public Schools
Cady Sandel Ben Stacy Winding Brook Golf Course
Patti Sandel Julie Salisbury Shepherd Historical Society
Deb McLoughlin Neil Nelson
Lisa Starry Heather Wolf Taps performed by Claude Lemmer
Joyce Noyes Louis Holliday
Larry Noyes Anita Nartker
Gordon Curtiss
Production: Cindy Vautrin
Arnie Hammel Ron and Kaylie Rhynard
Merrie Hammel Bill Kelley and Nancy Adams
Jon Morgan Frank Vautrin
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Welcome
The Shepherd Area Historical Society is proud to present a
unique opportunity to learn more about our community’s
rich past. As you stroll through the Salt River Cemetery,
you will encounter the spirits of Isacc N. Shepherd, “Spike-
horn” John Meyer, Katherine Mullinax, James (Joker) Coon,
and other notable leaders from Shepherd’s past. These ap-
paritions will be joined by the living descendents of famous
former Shepherd residents like Lyle Rhynard and George
Kelley. You will hear about what life was like back in the
mid-1800’s and early 1900’s as well as these individuals’
personal trials and accomplishments.
The Cemetery Walk is intended to serve as both a memorial
for the individuals buried in the Salt River Cemetery and a
lesson about Shepherd’s past. We hope that you will leave
the cemetery with a richer understanding of your commu-
nity’s past and an appreciation for the part you play in your
community.
But your Journey Through Time does not need to end af-
ter you’ve left the cemetery. Museums like the Little Red
Schoolhouse, Powerhouse, and the Train Depot exist to pro-
vide more glimpses into Shepherd’s history. Be sure to stop
by either of these buildings for a tour.
I. N.
Shepherd
(1840-1920)
Early businessman for
whom the Post Office
and depot were original-
ly named in the 1880’s.
Portrayed by Ben
James Campbell (1837- Stacy
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James (Joker) Coon
(1872-1931)
Most remembered as Isabella County
Katherine Mullinax Sheriff from 1917 to 1921.
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Facts & Information
Salt River Cemetery History
The Salt River Cemetery was surveyed in 1861 and established February 5, 1862 when 1.7 acres of land
was sold to Coe Township by William R. Robbins and his wife. It was deeded to the township for the sum
of $5.00, and was to be used for a cemetery. It was called the Salt River Burying Grounds
Since then it has been enlarged to approximately 12.83 acres with approximately 6408 burial sites with
4420 occupied with an additional 1784 sold but not yet occupied and another 204 available for sale.
There is additional unimproved land, which could be used for approximately 1260 burials.
The first burial was believed to be Oliva Holland Born October 3, 1847 and buried April 22, 1851 eleven
years before it became a formal cemetery.
Cemetery Etiquette:
• It is the custom for visitors to walk in front of the grave of a loved one, the front of the marker is the
side that the persons name and dates are written on, that way you are not walking on the grave of
your loved one.
• When visiting a cemetery be quiet and respectful if a funeral is going on.
Cemetery Trivia
Have you ever heard the term “saved by the bell” well here is one situation where you may have heard
it?
From approximately 1800 until about 1875 people were worried about being buried alive.
This was due to stories of scratch marks on coffin lids when graves were opened for various reasons.
One remedy and there were several, was to attach a pipe to the coffin with a piece of rope run down the
pipe and into the hands of the deceased and a bell was on the other end. Then if the deceased woke up
he could pull the rope and ring the bell for help, and he would be quickly dug up and saved. Of course
you had to have someone sit watch and listen for the bell all day and all night usually for three days.
There is no evidence that any of the above was practiced but you see references to it in history from
time to time. Today this could not happen because the doctors have better methods of examining
people and embalming,
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About the Historical Society
The Historical Society Story
The Shepherd Area Historical Society was organized May 15, 1978. One of the high priority projects was the
preservation of the original Power House on Maple Avenue and its conversion to a museum as well as a meeting
place for the Society.
Mission Statement
Time has a way of getting away from us. Before we know it, we all grow up, marry, have children and grow old.
People and events pass almost into oblivion as though a certain time period never existed.
One of the historical society’s goals is to reacquaint our surrounding community with their roots and to remem-
ber and preserve all of the accomplishments and events of the past and make them a living reality for the gen-
eration of children yet to come.
Meetings
Monthly meetings are held at the Power House Museum on the second Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m. The
society does not meet in January, February, or March. Varied and interesting programs are held.
The public is welcome to attend our meetings. The Powerhouse and the Little Red Schoolhouses are your muse-
ums, so please support them. New memberships are always welcome.
Special Events
A band concert and ice cream social, featuring the Area Community Band, is held at the park in July. In August
we host a picnic.
Become a Member
Membership Level Cost
Annual Membership $5.00
Contributing Membership $10.00
Life Membership $100.00