Recollections of Henry Clay Shapard (1843-1913) of Shelbyville, Bedford County, Tennessee

HENRY CLAY SHAPARD

 Henry Clay Shapard (1843-1913) was the youngest of six children born to Lewis Shapard II (1806-1848) and Thursa (Burdett) Shapard (1813-1883). He was born in 1843 and was raised throughout his youth in Shelbyville, Bedford County, Tennessee. The counsel, security and guidance of his father's influence upon their family was tragically cut short upon his sudden death in 1848, and Henry was left fatherless at the tender age of only 5 years old. His widowed mother never remarried, yet worked tirelessly to provide for her children and instill them with Christian values, industry and quality principles for living. His older brother William Rainey Shapard (1831-1886) assumed the role of 'man of the family,' at 17 years of age, helping to look after his mother and younger siblings. Interestingly, William pursued medicine, moving to Kentucky circa 1853, where he met, courted and married Miss Mary Mulligan in December of that year. Henry's other brother, Charles Ready Shapard (1841-1888) also became a physician, establishing his practice in Callahan County, Texas after the Civil War.

At 15 years of age, Henry C. Shapard began to learn the art and mastery of the Physician's trade in Shelbyville, Tennessee, under the tutelage of Mr. R. D. Decry. Shortly thereafter, war came to Tennessee and, in 1861, Henry C. Shapard, at 18 years of age, joined the Confederacy in defense of his homeland and to aid his countrymen. He joined the Hospital Department of the Confederacy and due to his experience was placed in a pharmacy tent, likely for the 41st Infantry. 

After the war, Henry returned to Shelbyville, Tennessee, and resumed working for his former mentor as a pharmacist in the town square. A few years later, Henry went into business for himself, forming a partnership with Mr. Nathan P. Evans (1836-1930) under the firm name of 'Evans and Shapard.' Their drugstore not only sold pharmaceuticals, but also beverages, paints, and other sundries. Henry's granddaughter, Dorris (Shapard) Sanders recalled in an interview, "From time to time Henry Shapard would display his Confederate uniform in the window of his drugstore."

'Evans & Shapard' became the bedrock pharmacy and drugstore for Shelbyville, Tennessee, serving the residents for nearly 40 years! Circa 1908, Henry C. Shapard became the full owner of the business, buying out Mr. Evans upon his retirement. Henry partnered with two of his sons to aid him in running the store, changing the firm name to 'H. C. Shapard & Sons.'     

Cassandra (Streeter) Shapard

In 1874, Henry married Miss Cassandra Streeter (1851-1916) and they would have nine children. In 1877, Henry and his bride purchased 40 acres of land on Fishingford Pike just beyond the Shelbyville city limits, where they constructed a beautiful antebellum-styled home. Shortly after its completion, Henry welcomed his mother to come live with his family at their new house, stating that she had cared for him when he could not care for himself and that it was his honor to now care for her.  The home remained the focal point of the Shapard family for many years. Dorris Sanders recalled, that during her youth, aunts, uncles and cousins would often visit on Sunday afternoons. The Shapard family of Bedford County were a very close family. 

Henry C. Shapard died at his home in 1913, at 70 years of age. It was noted in his obituary that, "he was a big-hearted, noble Christian gentleman, and no one knew but to love him...He was the oldest druggest in Shelbyville and was known throughout the county and was universally beloved by all classes of citizens for his noble traits and character. He possessed a gentle, happy disposition and scattered happiness and sunshine in his everyday dealing. He was spirited, generous, charitable and sympathetic...No one in distress was ever turned away by him."