The Rev. Dr. William H. Sheppard
N 38° 03.181 W 079° 46.848
17S E 606967 N 4212398
This historical marker stands as a tribute to Virginia Native and Presbyterian Missionary William H. Sheppard
Waymark Code: WMX7V
Location: Virginia, United States
Date Posted: 11/02/2006
Views: 75
THE REV. DR. WILLIAM H. SHEPPARD
28 MAY 1865 - 25 NOV. 1927
"Born in Waynesboro to former slaves, William H. Sheppard became a Presbyterian missionary to the Belgian colony of Congo Free State in 1890. He and others opposed King Leopold II of Belgium, who encouraged such atrocities as the amputation of children's hands to intimidate Congolese rubber workers. On 21 Aug. 1904, while visiting his mother here, Sheppard spoke out at Warm Springs Presbyterian Church; reportedly, the Belgian ambassador attended. Later, in Africa, Sheppard published his charges, and the Belgian rubber monopoly sued for libel. After a judge dismissed the suit in Sept. 1909, an investigation verified Sheppard's claims and compelled improvements. Sheppard returned permanently to America in 1910."
Marker Number: D-38
Marker Title: The Rev. Dr. William H. Sheppard
Marker Location: Near the intersection of Route 220 and Route 39
County or Independent City: Bath County
Web Site: [Web Link]
Marker Program Sponsor: Department of Historic Resources - 1998
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