This is a transcription of the Martha (Dana) Shepard biography from New Hampshire Women: A Collection of Portraits and Biographical Sketches of Daughters and Residents of the Granite State, Who are Worthy Representatives of their Sex in the Various Walks and Conditions of Life, The New Hampshire Publishing Co., Concord, NH, 1895, page 19.
Martha (Dana) Shepard
THE giver of all good, very wisely and justly, bestows upon some of his children especial powers and gifts, that the world shall be made better, and the arts developed for the improvement and entertainment of mankind. Such a child was born in New Hampton, N. H., in 1842, daughter of Dr. John A. and Sarah J. Dana. From earliest childhood it was evident her life would be devoted to music, her preference being the piano. Her father and mother were both musical, the latter being her first instructor. When eleven years old she went to Boston for instruction from eminent teachers. At the age of fifteen Martha Dana made her debut as a soloist. From that time until now her life has been one of unbroken triumph, appearing at more festivals and concerts throughout the Union than any other living pianist. Her ambition and efforts were always of the highest character, having early in life mastered the oratorio scores of the great composers. In 1864 she was married to Allan B. Shepard of Holderness, now Ashland, residing there until 1881, when they removed to Boston. Two sons were born by this happy union—Frank Edward and John Dana, in whom a mother’s fondest hopes are realized. Martha Dana Shepard was New Hampshire’s first great pianist. She has done more to improve the art than ail others. She is a noble woman, whose name is held in respect throughout the Union, an honor to her native state, and a blessing to the legion who call her ” friend.” Her name and career, when fully written, will be referred to by coming generations as one of the bright stars, shedding its light to the glory and for the example of others, in the musical firmament of the old Granite state.