West Seneca in Erie County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

"Old Shep"

— Legends & Lore —

Photographed By James Pace, December 9, 2017

1. Old Shep Marker

Inscription. Hermit of Leydecker Road William Sheppard CA. 1840-1933. Was thought to be an outlaw of Jesse James' Gang. Roamed town as a scissors grinder.

Erected 2017 by New York Folklore Society & William G. Pomeroy Foundation. (Marker Number 27.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the Jesse James, and the William G. Pomeroy Foundation Legends & Lore Series series lists.

Location. 42° 49.974′ N, 78° 42.967′ W. Marker is in West Seneca, New York, in Erie County. Marker is on Leydecker Road just south of Seneca Street, on the right when traveling north. Just south of Leydecker Road bridge over Cazenovia Creek. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Buffalo NY 14224, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Red Jacket (approx. 1.4 miles away); Kau-Qua-Tau (approx. 1.6 miles away); Community of True Inspiration Residence (approx. 1.7 miles away); Ebenezer House (approx. 1.7 miles away); Ebenezer School (approx. 1.8 miles away); Lewis Northrup (approx. 1.8 miles away); Dedicated to the Honor (approx. 1.9 miles away); Beef on Weck (approx. 1.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in West Seneca.

Regarding "Old Shep". Old Shep (William Sheppard) was born in Missouri

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in mid 1800's, fought in Civil War, reputedly rode with Jesse James' gang, and headed east after a failed bank hold-up. He settled on the banks of Cazenovia Creek, living at various times in a cave, a tent, and a shack made of scrap wood. Known as the "Hermit of Leydecker Road", he lived off the land, traveling through town as an itinerant scissors and knife sharpener. He died on March 31st, 1933 and is buried in St. Matthew's Cemetery in West Seneca, NY.

Photographed By James Pace, December 9, 2017

2. Old Shep Marker

Photographed By Anton Schwarzmueller, April 7, 2019

3. "Old Shep" Marker

View is southward.

Photographed By Anton Schwarzmueller, April 7, 2019

4. "Old Shep" Marker

View is northward. The bridge is over Cazenovia Creek and has a weight restriction.

Old Shep with his tent and grindstone. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Pace, circa 1920

5. Old Shep with his tent and grindstone.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 27, 2021. It was originally submitted on December 13, 2017, by James Pace of West Seneca, New York, USA. This page has been viewed 1,037 times since then and 65 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 13, 2017, by James Pace of West Seneca, New York, USA. 3, 4. submitted on April 7, 2019, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York. 5. submitted on January 28, 2018, by James Pace of West Seneca, New York, USA. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.