Elliott Shepard

Elliott Fitch Shepard Jr. (1876 – April 10, 1927) was an American racing driver, who competed in several early motor races. One of his sisters was Alice Vanderbilt Shepard.

Early life

Shepard was born in 1876 to Elliott Fitch Shepard, Sr. and Margaret Louisa Vanderbilt Shepard, eldest daughter of William Henry Vanderbilt and Maria Louisa Kissam. Shepard was educated at Yale University and was almost expelled in his freshman year for bringing three drunk women to his dormitory.[1] He stated that he didn't want to abandon the women, who became ill, and that they were allowed entrance to his dormitory based on that. He resigned from the school the following day.[2] He later studied at Harvard University.[3]

Shepard married Esther Potter, a 25-year-old widow, in a civic marriage in April 1897. A religious ceremony followed at the insistence of Shepard's mother, after which the newlyweds left for Europe. Shepard went into business in Paris, but was unsuccessful. He briefly returned to the USA with his wife, but they separated and in August 1902, she filed for absolute divorce.[4] Shepard again returned to Paris, and made several more attempts as opening businesses, all of which were again unsuccessful.

Shepard knocked down and killed a 12-year-old girl, Madeline Marduel, on April 27, 1905. A trial followed, and on October 26 the judge sentenced Shepard to three months imprisonment, a $120 fine and he was ordered to pay $4,000 in damages to the girl's parents.[5] Shepard appealed the decision, and the case was eventually settled in January 1907, with a reduced sentence of six weeks imprisonment. After nine days in Fresnes prison, Shepard was pardoned after paying a further $2,000.

Career

Racing

In the 1906 Vanderbilt Cup, a race started in 1904 by his cousin, William Kissam Vanderbilt II, Shepard lost control of his Hotchkiss HH car and hit two spectators who were killed in the incident.[6] Unaware of what had happened, Shepard continued until reaching the service area at East Norwich. Here he was informed by his mechanic that his car may have collided with someone, and a telephone call to the race organisers confirmed what had happened. Upon hearing this, Shepard withdrew from the event.

Shepard was injured in 1907 when he drove into a river in Monte Chiarl after a tire on his car became detached and sent the car bouncing over the bridge railing moving a further five yards into the river. He broke his collarbone with other slight injuries to his body.[7]

World War I

During World War I, Shepard worked in a hospital for American volunteers for the French army in Chantilly, France. His work helped him to receive the Knight of the Legion de Honneur, the Croix de Guerre and the American Field Service Medal.[3]

Death

Shepard died on April 10, 1927 at his Miami beach estate, after a long illness.[8]

References

  1. ↑ "Elliott Shepard Fired". The World. February 15, 1895. Retrieved October 30, 2016.
  2. ↑ "Too Gay Wa You. S".
  3. 1 2 "Eliott Shepard Jr.". Vanderbilt Cup Races. Retrieved October 7, 2012.
  4. ↑ "Elliott F. Shepard Sued For Divorce". The New York Times. August 13, 1902.
  5. ↑ "French Judge Sends E.F. Shepard To Jail". The New York Times. October 27, 1905. Retrieved October 27, 2012.
  6. ↑ Kurczewski, Nick (October 3, 2004). "When Gentlemen First Started Their Engines". The New York Times. Retrieved October 7, 2012.
  7. ↑ "Italian Captures Auto Road Race – American Driver Injured". Boston Evening Transcript. September 3, 1907. p. 12.
  8. ↑ "Sportsman Dies at Florida Estate". The Cincinnati Inquirer. 84 (101). April 11, 1927. p. 1. Retrieved October 30, 2016.
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