Among the newly established business enterprises of Racine is that of the Shephard Plating Company, which vas organized December 26, 1913, succeeding to the business of South, Barrell & Shephard, electro platers, which firm was organized in 1910. This business is located at No. 136 Main street and is one of the last growing, successful enterprises of the city. Actively connected with its development is William H. Shephard, who was born in Chicago, Illinois, on the 6th of April, 1873. After obtaining a public school education there he learned the polishing, plating and buffing trade, starting in the work in 1886. Gradually he acquainted himself with the business, in which he attained marked proficiency, winning promotion from time to time until in 1898 he was given charge of the Western Wheel Works in Chicago. He resigned that position in 1899 to become manager of the Bagley Plating Works, in which connection he remained until 1901. He then had charge of the Howell factory at Harvard. Illinois, for six months and afterward occupied other positions before coming to Racine in 1910, in which year he became a partner and organizer of the firm of South, Barre11 & Shephard, electro platers. Business was conducted under that style until December 26, 1913, when the Shephard Plating Company was organized. They do every class of electric plating and polishing and furnish employment to eight people who are skilled workmen. Their business is located at No. 136 Main Street and they have gained a liberal patronage, making the undertaking a profitable one. They do work for many large factories and also considerable job work.
In 1897 Mr. Shephard was united in marriage to Miss Rose Van Wie, of Racine, Wisconsin, her father being David Van Wie, an early settler of this city. Mr. and Mrs. Shephard have two children: Floyd, a high school student, and Juanita. In his fraternal relations Mr. Shephard is an Odd Fellow and has many friends among the representatives of that organization, to the teachings of which he is most loyal. In politics he maintains an independent course, but is interested in all matters of citizenship and co-operates in many movements which are matters of civic worth and pride.