Driver Andrew Sheppard
| Date of Birth | c. 1883 |
|---|---|
| Age at Death | 31 |
| Date of Death | 24 January 1915 |
| Service Number | 26259 |
| Military Service | 4th Divisional Ammunition Column Royal Field Artillery |
| Merton Address | |
| Local Memorial | Morden Cemetery |
Additional Information
Andrew Sheppard was born in Bristol c. April-June 1883 to parents John and Annie Sheppard. His father worked at the docks in Bristol as a Lighterman/Bargeman.
In 1891 Andrew and his elder sister Ada were living with their aunt and uncle John and Marie Bailey. By 1901 Andrew was living with his parents at 5 Rosemary Street, Bristol.
Andrew married Elizabeth Henley (a widow) on 2nd January 1907 at St. Jude in Bristol. His sister Ada was a witness to the marriage.
The couple’s first child named Samuel Andrew was baptised on 25th August 1907 in Bristol followed by a second child, Elizabeth who was born on 3rd July 1909 and baptised on 30th July 1909. At this time the family were living at 23 Philadelphia Street in Bristol and Andrew’s occupation was listed as a labourer.
In the census of 1911 Andrew and his wife Elizabeth were still living in Philadelphia Street with their two children Samuel aged 2 and Elizabeth aged 4. Also living with them was Andrew’s stepchild Rosie Henley aged 12. Andrew’s occupation was listed as a labourer for an oil and colour manufacturer.
Tragedy then struck the family with the couple’s two young children both dying a couple of months later. However, the couple did go on to have two more children: Stanley Howard born on 22nd February 1912 and John Thomas born on 15th March 1914.
With the outbreak of war, Andrew enlisted with the Royal Field Artillery 4th Section as a Driver with the service number of 26259. (No trace of his service record could be found)
Andrew died at The Downs Sanatorium, in Belmont Surrey on 24th June 1915 aged 31. (Most likely from tuberculosis)
He was buried in Morden Cemetery, Garth Road and his name also appears on a stone memorial in the churchyard.