Description
This collection contains a diary, expense ledger, and letterpress book of Joseph Aland Shepherd, a printer and Alonzo E. Horton’s
business manager operating in San Diego, CA in the 1870s.
Background
Joseph Aland Shepherd was born in England on June 19, 1827. He came to the United States when he was fifteen. At an early
age Shepherd learned the skills necessary to become a printer. For six years he worked in Auburn, New York at the office of
The Cayuga Chief. In 1848, the newspaper moved westward and Shepherd followed to Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. He spent 22 years
at Fort Atkinson working in the printing offices of The Wisconsin Chief. In 1861, he married Miss Fidelia Kinney. In 1870,
having suffered from health problems, Shepherd left Fort Atkinson and settled his family in San Diego. While in San Diego,
he immediately became associated with Alonzo E Horton and became his business manager. Shepherd held this position until his
death on March 24, 1877 at 51 years old.