SHEPPARD, James (c.1681-1730), of Watton Court, nr. Honiton, Devon.

The Sheppards, a Honiton family, held several properties in southern Devonshire, including the manor of Watton, near Honiton, which they acquired in 1632.Trans. Devon Assoc. lxiv. 54. A Tory and member of the October Club, Sheppard sat for Honiton in Anne’s last two Parliaments, but was defeated for it in 1715 and 1722. In 1727 he was returned after a contest, apparently as a government supporter, since he voted with the Administration on the civil list in 1729 and the Hessians in 1730. In the debate of 25 Feb. 1730 on the application of the surplus of the sinking fund, he spoke in favour of lessening the duty on soap to relieve the woollen industry.HMC Egmont Diary, i. 62. After his death from gaol fever, 10 Apr. 1730, aged 49,Devon and Cornw. N. Q. xi. 316; Pol. State, xxxix. 448. he was declared by the House of Commons to have been not duly elected, 15 Mar. 1731.CJ, xxi. 671.