After inheriting a box of memorabilia from his father, Graham Sheppard decided to piece together the remarkable life of his great grandfather. “I grew up listening to family stories about John Sheppard,” Graham explains. “Apparently, he played for Arsenal, stood for Parliament and won cycling competitions.
“I didn’t believe some of these stories at first. After reading old newspaper cuttings among the memorabilia, I discovered that it was all true.
“I have also got an impression of John’s character. He was a man of determination, who wouldn’t be defeated by setbacks.”
John Thomas Sheppard was born in 1867 in Bingham, Nottinghamshire. His father was a cow-keeper and his mother died when he was 10 years old. John had to leave formal education and find work to help the family.
“Five years on, he gained an apprenticeship at a lacemaking-machine factory in the county. Unfortunately, the firm hit hard times and closed.
“Not to be deterred, John went off in search of work and walked all the way from Nottingham to Chatham in Kent where he believed there were engineering opportunities. On arrival, footsore and weary, he discovered that he was out of luck. Despite this, he turned around and walked to London only to face further disappointment. Finally, he returned to Nottingham after completing a round trip of some 300 miles on foot.”
In the late 1880s, John heard of opportunities for skilled machinery-makers at the Royal Arsenal in Woolwich, South-East London. So, he took to the road again on foot. This time he was employed as an engineer in the Carriage Department. “It was here that he met the trainers of Arsenal Football Club, and was invited to join the Reserves.”
After a lot of research Graham found John’s name on the Arsenal first-team list in 1889, playing in midfield. Sadly, he twisted his knee in a match and had to retire from first-class football.
With indomitable spirit, John decided to take up cycling and soon rose to the top of the sport. In 1898, he won the Round-Kent Challenge, setting a record by completing the 100-mile route in 5 hours and 58 minutes.
In 1890, John married Blanche Castles. They had four children, including Graham’s grandfather Arthur. He continued working as an engineer and foreman at the Royal Arsenal until 1919.
During his time there, John got involved in politics and unionism. He helped to present a successful inquiry to the Government on working conditions at the arsenal, and was vocal in his opposition to proposed staff cuts.
In his spare time, John studied at the London Polytechnic to gain a degree in politics and become a lecturer in socialism and the unions. He also served on Greenwich Borough Council, and became its leader.
This passionate man attracted the interest of the Labour Party, and was invited to stand as a parliamentary candidate in two general elections: Islington West in 1918 and Woolwich West in 1922. However, both times he was beaten in the polls.
“Not to be deterred, John became chairman of the Royal Arsenal Co-operative Society (RACS) in 1932, where he remained until retirement. This vast organisation pioneered hundreds of social and political activities that benefited the community. Its membership doubled during John’s tenure.”
John passed away in 1949, at his home in Woolwich. He came from humble origins, and worked hard to enjoy a meteoric rise in life. “I admire his resilience and achievements so much,” Graham says. “People lined the streets for John’s funeral, in honour of a man who had contributed so much to the community.”
Do you have a family story to share with Who Do You Think You Are? Magazine? Email us on wdytyaeditorial@ourmedia.co.uk for your chance to appear in print!