Shepard's, Mason's, Kinsey's and Vernon's: Mattie Frances Vernon Shepard, let's start with Grandma

Mattie was born 27 Jul 1909 in Norcatur, Decatur County, Kansas. 66 years later on the same day her first great grandson was born. Kansas State Census of 1925 has Mattie age 15 living in the home of her father A C Vernon 57, and Clara Emma her mother, age 54. Along with her sister Grace Vernon 13, her brother Glenn 11 and sister Nellie Vernon age 19.

In the 1920 US Census, Mattie 9, lived in Olive Township, Decatur, Kansas, United States. Living in the family home with Amos 52 and Clara E Vernon 49. Children living in the home were sister Iva Vernon 17, Nellie B 14, sister Grace 7 and brother Glen E Vernon 6.

On May 17, 1929 Mattie graduated from Norcatur Rural High School.

"The marriage of Floyd D Shepard and Miss Mattie F Vernon took place at Norton on Saturday, August 10th. Judge Palmer officiating. Mr. Shepard is a son of Mrs. Aden Wickham well known here And the bride a daughter of AC Vernon of northeast Norcatur, a resent graduate of Norcatur High School. Their many friends are delighted to offer congratulations"

In the 1930 US Census Mattie Shepard 20, and Floyd 27 Shepard were married and living in the household of Aden Wickham. and wife Cora Shepard Wickham. In the 1930 Census they have misspelled his first name of Floyd, as Folyd.

In the 1940 US Census Mattie 30, and Floyd 36, are living in Fruitvale, Mesa, Colorado, United States. Their living with now widowed, Floyd a mother, Cora Wickham. Also in the household is Dorothy Ellen 6 and Shirley Frances is now 4. Aden was married on October 15, 1925 to Mrs. Cora Shepard and died March 4th 1930. More on him later.

From 1929 to 1940, Mattie, as a newly wed married on the 10th of August 1929 she worked as a Packer in Palisade Colo., She was a housewife from 1929 to 1942, then she lived near Palisade, CO. John David Shepard was born August 5th 1930, he died a few hours later. Each summer she would pack fruit and vegetables and also worked around the peaches. She would work behind the Graders that sorted the fruit, she also made some boxes and nailed boxes up to send to the packing sheds. Glen Roy Shepard was born August 8th 1932, he sadly died the next day. Dorothy Ellen Shepard was born September 10th, 1933. Two years later Shirley Frances Shepard was born May 17, 1935. Before She left that type of work behind when Charles Clinton Shepard was born May 25th 1941. Floyd went to Washington state before Mattie, to work in the Puget Sound Shipyard. She moved to Bremerton, Washington in 1941 after Charles was born. Mattie sent a Wester Union to Floyd in Bremerton announcing his birth at home a healthy 10 1/4 pound boy born at home.

From March 1942 to June 1942, Mattie worked for City Hand Laundry in Bremerton Washington. She left this position because she received a call to go to work for PSNS.

From June 23, 1942 to Feb. 5, 1947, Mattie was a War Appointee at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard as a Helper General, Classification E. She was sent into the paint shop of Shop 70 for a few days, and the was sent up to Building 466, known as the Radio Lab., there she worked under FBI investigation and was allowed to stay for a long time. She cleaned offices on swing-shift for about 2 1/2 years. Asking for day work, she was sent down to the Naval Dispensary, where she cleaned offices, hallways and restrooms. Then when they started laying off the women, she was sent up to the Officers club and worked there about six months. Then she was sent to the Riggers shop, then she was advised of a medical discharge. She was a War appointee and wasn't needed any longer.

From Sept. 1951 to Feb. 1953, Mattie held the position of head Mangle, in the PSNS laundry Service. It was there she worked on the shake tables and , also was head mangle girl for some time. Her reason for leaving this position was due to poor working conditions and low pay.

Mattie F Vernon married Floyd David Shepard on 10 Aug 1929 in Norton, Norton County, Kansas, just months after graduating High School. Decatur and Norton Counties are on the northern border to Nebraska.

Mattie kept a scrapbook and pasted on one page are several small newspaper clippings of her marriage and of their babies that died. There is no reference of where or what papers they were clipped from. The scrapbook is held by a family member.

"No Title"

The marriage of Floyd D. Shepherd and Miss Mattie F. Vernon took place at Norton, on Saturday, August 10th, (1929) Judge palmer officiating. Mr. Shepherd is a son of Mrs. Aden Wickham, well known here, and the bride a daughter of Mr. A. C. Vernon, of northwest of Norcatur, a recent graduate from Norcatur High School. Their many friends are delighted to offer congratulations.

"No Title"

Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Shepard drove to Colorado on a honeymoon outing trip last week.

Floyd David Shepard, son of Cora Dell Mason and John David Shepard. Floyd was a twin, his twin died at birth. Another child was stillborn. No record of date yet. Floyd has one brother, Carl who is three years older. Floyd went to the doctor in Denver, Colorado in about 1937. The doctor told him he had signs of syphilis. When he came to Washington State in 1941 he went to work in Navy yard. He went to Dr. Jackson and Dr. Bramwell for a spinal tap. Then he was told he had Huntington's Chorea. Way back in 1928 he had trouble - He could not see in the dark. None what so ever. He would have to have help if he walked in dark. Floyd entered the hospital 1948.

Hospital Records:

WESTERN STATE HOSPITAL, FORT STEILACOOM, WASHINGTON

CLINICAL RECORD

No.34183 Age 49 Name SHEPARD, Floyd L.

Date admitted 7/16/52

County Kitsap

Civil Condition Divorced Religion Prot,. Occupation Laborer Nativity Indiana Time in State 12 Years Service Connection None. Correspondent MOTHER: Cora Shepard Wickham, 2110 Trenton Avenue, Bremerton Wa.

Guardian

INFORMATION FROM PAPERS:

PRESENT ILLNESS: The present illness started in 1937, and came on gradually. The mother claims patient is harmless, but previous commitment records mention his striking her. Patient will occasionally undress without regard for others. There is no history of patient being suicidal.

PHYSICAL EXAMINATION: Physical findings: "Continuous choreoform mots ." No information on neurological and laboratory findings.

MEDICAL AND SURGICAL HISTORY: Previous illness: onset of Huntington's chorea at age 34. No history of surgical operations or epilepsy. This patient hospitalized at Northern State Hospital Aug 27, 1947 to Nov. 20, 1948 according to commitment papers.

MENTAL EXAMINATION: Patient soothes over all accusations as though his actions were logical and the nurses and patients pick on him. Mrs. Pelky, Mrs. Coen, and a letter written by Rita Karvonen, R.N. of Stonehall Nursing Home says patient has fits of temper and swears at people. Becomes upset when tobacco is refused. Unmanageable, terrifies other patients and the nurses. Cannot be refused tobacco or have him turn off the radio at night without terrific scenes. Characteristic of behavior: continual grimacing. Smokes with difficulty but assiduously, dropping lighted cigarettes constantly, does not mind being burned. Patient speaks conversationally and answers questions. He is very highly emotional. Fits of temper and strike at people. At present he is quite nervous but shows no temper. Delusions: none, other than he believes the nurses are constantly picking on him. No hallucinations. his memory is normal, judgement is poor. Patient is uncontrollable by others and can't control himself. May set fire to clothes or to fixtures accidentally. Patient has been in a nursing home for more than a year and had to quit. Stone Hall cared for him for only one day and night and refused further care. Apparent cause of the illness is Huntington's Chorea. Impression as to thee mental diagnosis; "Huntington's Chorea with the usual mental deterioration. Psychosis-paranoid".

STATISTICAL AND SOCIAL DATA: This is a 49 year-old , divorced , white, Protestant laborer, male, with three children. The youngest child is 11. Patient was born 2/13/03 in Indiana. The father John D Shepard was born in Indiana: and the mother, Cora Shepard Wickham , also was born in that state. Patient has resided in Washington state 12 years. Previously has lived in Colorado and Arkansas. Patient has one brother who has Huntington's Chorea. Patient went to the 6th grade in school. There is history of patient being in Northern State Hospital from 8/27/47 to 11/20/48. No history of excessive use of drugs or alcohol.

ADMISSSION NOTE:

Patient admitted 3:15 P.M., July 16, 1952 via state car from Kitsap County on a regular court commitment. In no restraint. This man is a very cooperative person who can't keep his body still. His speech is very slurred and hard to understand. He was able to tell us about his brother who also has a similar affliction- his brother was operated on in Seattle (apparently for his chorea) and is now paralyzed on one side. He also said his father had the same thing. He seemed to be quite rational and it wasn't possible to tell how much mental deterioration there was.

Impression: Huntington's Chorea with some mental deterioration.

FAMILY HISTORY

Father John N. Shepard, dead, by pneumonia. He also was afflicted with Huntington's Chorea

Mother Cora Shepard Wickham, living, in Bremerton, Wash.

Siblings Brother, Carl, living, was a patient at N.S.H . from Aug 27, 1947 to August 11, 1949. Diagnosis was psychosis with Huntington's Chorea. Floyd Shepard's twin brother was stillborn. One brother died at birth.

The paternal grandfather died at the age of 70 years in a mental hospital.

PERSONAL HISTORY

Patient was born February 13, 1903 in Indiana. He started school at 6 years of age and reached the 9th grade. After the school he started to work as a laborer and did it until 1941.

Religion Protestant

Military None

Habits Used alcoholic liquors moderately. Smokes. Denies the use of drugs.

Social None

Arrests Denied

Sex-Marital Divorced. Has three children, 19, 17, and 11.

Medical Common childhood diseases. Has been hospitalized at N.S.H. from August 27, 1947 and was paroled November 20, 1948 and discharged from parole as recovered from his Psychosis February 16, 1950. Diagnosis: Psychosis with Huntington's Chorea.

LABORATORY TESTS

Blood Negative

Spinal Fluid

Appearance

Cell Count 0

Pressure 16.

Total Protein 43.0

Globulin No increase

Kahn Negative

Gold Negative

PHYSICAL EXAMINATION

Age 49; height 5'7" weight 131#; pulse 90; resp.24; development, poor; nourishment, poor; gait hesitant and wide stance. Writhing movements of whole upper body.

HEAD Skull: Symmetrical, hair black

Eyes: Symmetrical, equal and react to L&A

Ears:

Nose: Normal

Mouth: Teeth, plates, tongue normal

NECK Lymph glands normal, thyroid normal, scars none

CHEST Heart Size normal, sounds good: arteries normal. BP 118/75.

Lungs Permission normal; Aueseuletion not possible.

ABDOMEN X-ray 7-11-52, chest plate normal. Rigos per Brown:ds:pk Palpation normal; hernia none. Anal not done

EXTREMETIES Chorea-athetoid movements of upper extremities, head and neck. Faull range of passive movement of legs.

REFLEXES Gramasteric absent; Petellar H-H; Flanter present: Abdominal absent: Rhomberg - : Babinski Questionable on left. Touch present.

SUMMARY: Choreo-athetoid movements characteristic of Huntington's Chorea.

ANAMNESIS: This 49 year old, white, divorced male enters WSH July 16, 1952 by regular court commitment from Kitsap County. The following information from paper is noted. The present illness started in 1937 and came gradually. Patient will occasionally undress without regard to others. Patient has fits of temper and swears at people. Becomes upset when tobacco is refused. Unmanageable, terrifies other patients and the nurses. Smokes with difficulty, but assiduously, dropping lighted cigarettes constantly, doesn't mind being burned!

MENTAL EXAMINATION

ATTITUDE AND GENERAL BEHAVIOR: Patient is quite (sic) and cooperative. He shows facial grimacing. Saluting movements of the arms and irregular movements of various types. Movements of the arms are more active than those of the legs. The gait is clumsy because of the incessant choreiform movements. The movements disappear during sleep.

STREAM OF MENTAL ACTIVITY: Patient responds to questioning logically but speech is indistinct and dysarthria.

EMOTIONAL REACTION: He shows emotional instability

MENTAL TREND AND CONTENT OF THOUGHT: He offers no evidence of hallucinations and no delusions of any kind can be elicited at the present time.

SENSORIUM AND MENTAL GRASP AND CAPACITY: Patient's sensorium is clear and he is well oriented as to time, place and person. His memory is intact. Mental grasp and capacity can't be checked because of indistinct speech.

INSIGHT AND JUDGEMENT: He shows a good insight but judgement is defective.

SUMMARY:

A 49 year old, white, divorced male, admitted to WSH July 16, 1952, by regular court commitment from Kitsap County. He is suffering from Huntington's Chorea and he was hospitalized at NSH August 27, 1947 and discharged February 16, 1950. His father also was afflicted with Huntington's Chorea and his brother Carl is suffering from Psychosis with Huntington's Chorea. After discharge from NSH he was placed in a nursing home. He became unmanageable there, had fits of temper, swore at people, became upset when tobacco was refused etc. He was admitted here quiet and cooperative, shows facial grimacing, and irregular movements of various types. His gait is clumsy and the movements disappear during sleep. Speech is logical but indistinct and dysarthria. He shows emotional instability but offers no evidence of hallucination and no delusions of any kind can be elicited at the present time. He is well oriented in all three spheres and memory is intact. He shows good insight judgement is defective.

Impression: Chronic brain syndrome associated with Huntington's Chorea.

DIAGNOSIS:

PHYSICAL 908-992 Hereditary chronic progressive chorea with mental deterioration

MENTAL By conference:

Provisional: 009-900.x1 Chronic brain syndrome associated with Huntington's Chorea with psychotic reaction.

FINAL 009-900.x1 Chronic brain syndrome associated with Huntington's Chorea, with psychotic reaction.

PROGRESS NOTES

Floyd Shepard

August 15, 1952 Transferred from Ward 1 to Ward 11. A deteriorated Huntington's Chorea, pleasant and cooperative. A bed patient most of the time, usually quiet and tidy. September 17, 1952 Patient placed on Scopolamine 0.3 mg t.i.d. He is very cooperative and pleasant. November 5, 1952 Ward 11. This patient has been consistently pleasant, cooperative and tidy since his admission to ward 11. He had been receiving Scopolamine 0.3 mg t.i.d. with subjective improvement but no objective changes. His mother expresses a great deal of insight into her son's illness and has written a request that her son may have visits at home during the holidays. The case was discussed with Dr. Brown and his approval was obtained. November 23,1952 Regular Parole ds

November 30 1952 Return Parole ds

November 21 1952 Patient was attacked by Walter Heinig about 4:00 PM on 11-21-52. Walter was found pushing Floyd's head against the wall of the men's room. Floyd received superficial abrasion/ ecchymosis about right ear and on forehead. Also a small laceration over occiput. This was a totally unprovoked and vicious attack by Walter on the helpless Floyd.

December 2, 1953 Ward 11. Received a phone call from Mr. Robert Brown, R. N. of 1727 Trenton Avenue, Bremerton Wash. today stating that Floyd's mother had passed away yesterday. Mr. Brown requested that we inform Floyd of the death and also stated while Floyd was home he complained that the food he received here at the hospital was not chopped up enough so that he could eat it. Therefore, he would often skip meals. Mr. Brown was quite upset with the handling Floyd had received from Walter Heinig, another patient. Mr. Brown has been appointed executor of Floyd's mother's estate and it was in her will that she would like Mr. Brown to look after Floyd. He would like to be notified of any change in Floyd's condition or any legal correspondence that had to be handled. Floyd was informed of his mothers death, and took it quite well. He did not cry or show any display of emotions and said only. "that's too bad." Floyd has never complained about the food. He says that he gets enough here and he is happy, However, he has lost weight. He now only weighs 112 lbs. A close watch will be kept on Floyd and his door will be locked to prevent any intruders from harming him. Also, extra precautions will be put on him to see that he eats a goodly amount of food.

December 5, 1952 Ward11 Patient fell this morning and received a 3" abrasion and superficial laceration over right upper arm and a slight superficial laceration over parietal area. He has shown little, if any improvement. His chorea is unaffected by medication. His skin is atrophic and dry and susceptible to irritation and especially to bed clothing. He has developed a papular rash over right flank. He remains quite cheerful in spite of his disability and his mother's recent death. He has been eating very well, but fails to gain weight. His therapeutic regime includes multivitamins b.i.d. and Scopolamine t.i.d. His diet is carefully watched. Treatment of his skin lesions is quite difficult as the involuntary movement against bed clothing add insult.

December 8, 1952 Mr. Brown again called and informed me that patients' three children, two girls and one boy, Shirley 17, Dorothy 19, and Charles 12, did not even come to visit him while patient was at home; that the children were ashamed of their father. Wife is divorced. Grandmother deeded everything to Floyd in Mr. Brown's trust, even burial plot for Floyd. Mr. Brown wishes to be notified if he dies, so that he can make funeral arrangements, also he expresses his opinion that Floyd should not be paroled to children or ex-wife.

December 15, 1952 Ward 12 Notice letter from Mr. Robert Brown, RN who is executor of Cora Shepard's estate (Floyd's mother)

January 5, 1953 Ward 12. Patient was examined Friday by Doctor Dietrich who prescribed Penicillin 6000,000 units IM every other day for (?) and a lotion consisting of calamine loth 1% phenol and zinc stearate powder. Today the skin is much softer and lesions abating. April 17,1953 Ward 11. This patient is becoming progressively weaker since 3 weeks ago. Unable to walk and continues to lose weight gradually. BP is 80/40. Pulse 80, weak and regular. Heart sounds distant.

May 9, 1953 DIED. Ward 11 Causes: Huntington's Chorea. Huntington's Chorea with psychosis.

Obituaries - Floyd L. Shepard

A former Bremerton resident. Floyd L. Shepard, 50, died in a Tacoma hospital yesterday. He was born in Spurgeon, IN., Feb. 13, 1903, and is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Shirley Castile[sic] and Mrs. Dorothy White; a son, Charles Shepard, and a grandson, David White, all of Bremerton. Funeral services will be conducted at Lewis Chapel Tuesday at 3 p.m., with the Rev. Phil Graf officiating. Burial will be in Forest Lawn cemetery. (source: The Bremerton, newspaper)

In the 1920 Census Floyd Shepard is living in Drew Arkansas, he is 16 years old and living with his grandparents David and Ellen Mason.

Second story no title: Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Shepherd are mourning the death of their first born, a ten pound boy born to them Tuesday morning. A caesarean operation was necessary to save the life of the mother, and she is reported as quite likely to recover. The young couple have the sympathy of all.

This a great family picture with Mattie, Floyd and their two daughters,

Dorothy and Shirley. If you look close, Mattie is pregnant with Charlie. Taken in Colorado

The 1930 us Census listed Floyd D Shepard as Folyd Shepherd. Floyd age 27, is now living with his mother, Cora age 55, and her new husband Aden Wickham 55, in Norcatur, Kansas, with his bride Mattie F Sheppard age 20. You'll find multiple ways of spelling Shepard through the years. Floyd is working as a cook in a restaurant.

In the 1940 Census we have the family now in Mesa Colorado. Cora Wickham is now 66. Floyd 36 and Mattie Shepard 30, now they have two children, Dorothy is 6 years old and Shirley is 4. Floyd is working road construction.

In 1950 Mattie is 41 and now located in Indianola, Kitsap County, Washington, with son Charles C, 9 years old, Dorothy 16 and Shirley, spelled Sherly A Shepard is 15. All born in Colorado.

Below on the scrapbook page written in ink, in Mattie's handwriting it says: No operation a mistake.

On the same page as the stories is pasted a baby picture of John David, on the back of the picture written by Mattie, it says, " Our little Darling born Aug 5, 1930 John David Shepard Doesn't it look like a large healthy baby."