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Seth Shepherd (1864-1900)

Seth Shepherd was born in Warborough to Henry and Ann Shepherd in 1864.  By the 1871 census he was living on Warborough Common with his parents, two older brothers and a younger sister.  He first enlisted in the Royal Berkshire Regiment, later discharging himself by purchase, before re-enlisting in 1885, aged 21 and a baker by trade.  This second enlistment was to the Commissariat and Transport Corps.

In 1897, Seth, then a Private A.S.C. in Woolwich, married Eliza Mary Carter.  The marriage took place in Southampton.  In 1899, barely two years after his marriage, Seth was dispatched to South Africa. 

Seth served in Mooi River (Afrikaans for pretty river), KwaZulu Natal.  He would have been involved in the Second Boer War which lasted from 11 October 1899 until 31 May 1902.

Sadly, while still serving his country, Seth Shepherd died in Mooi River from enteric fever on 16 February 1900.  He was 36 years old and had served fourteen years in the Military.  He is remembered on his brother, Gad’s, grave, next to that of his parents in St Laurence Churchyard.

Image from:  https://www.angloboerwar.com/

Researched by Sandy West 2025