An American Family History

Thanklord (Thanks, Thankes, Thankful, Thnkslord) Shepard was born about 1612 in England. 

She is not the daughter of Thomas and Dorothy Lord as many researchers believe. Their children are well documented.

She married Ralph Shepard on May 21, 1632. Her name in the marriage registry is Perkins. Their children and life together are described in detail in the section on Ralph and Thanklord Shepard.

In October 1651 she signed a petition to the General Court favoring the Reverend Mr. Mathews. The colonial church authorities did not approve of the town’s choice of Mr. Matthews as pastor. Thirty five women of Malden and Mystic Side signed a petition on behalf of their pastor asking that he be permitted to remain with them.

She died in 1681 or 1693.