James E. Shepherd Jr. Papers, 1965-2015
Collection context
Summary
- Abstract:
- James E. Shepherd, Jr. was born on November 1, 1944 and grew up in the small town of Sanford, Florida. By his own admission, he got in trouble with local police department, resulting in his commitment to a mental institution. He had amassed financial problems, social problems, and educational deficiencies before he had reached maturity. Since that time, he has authored a book variously titled "Portrait of a Genius", "Portfolio of an Undiscovered Howard Hughes", and "Portrait of Genius: A Collage in the Key of Life". His collection also includes excerpts from "Insight on the Scriptures", an essay titled "The King James Version of the Holy Bible- The Only True Bible?", various letters addressed to world leaders, and his comprehensive resume.
- Extent:
- 1.75 Linear Feet 2 Boxes
- Language:
- English
- Preferred citation:
James E. Shepherd Jr. Papers, Special Collections and University Archives, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
Background
- Scope and content:
Series I: Personal Files, 1965-2015, includes several updated version of James E. Shepherd's major work "Portrait of a Genius", three scrolled timelines, copies of his cover letters addressed to various world leaders, their replies, CD-ROM and Web version of "Portrait of a Genius - A Collage in the Key of Life", Mr. Shepherd's essay on the "King James Version of The Bible", and authorized reprints of "Insights On the Scriptures" designated to be used with his timeline.
- Biographical / historical:
African American and a native of Sanford, Florida, James E. Shepherd Jr., created a "Portfolio of a Genius" or "Portfolio of an undiscovered Howard Hughes - A Collage in the Key of Life". This is the story of one man's struggle for self-realization, expression and recognition. A uniquely gifted young man grows up in a relatively small town. He has a very troubled childhood and early adulthood. He even gets in trouble with the local police department and spends time in a mental institution. He is classic "late bloomer". By the time he becomes emotionally mature and motivated enough to become a contributing member of society, he has already amassed seemingly insurmountable amount of financial societal problems, in addition to educational deficiencies. Through the use of a little known but higly controversial method, he sets out to prove his worth and try to change his and his family's circumstances for the better.
- Acquisition information:
- James E. Shepherd, Jr. donated these materials to the University of Central Florida Libraries, Special Collections and University Archives between 1993 (CFM1993_06) and 2015.
- Processing information:
Binders and clear sleeves were removed from the collection and the materials housed in acid free folders and boxes.
- Arrangement:
The materials are arranged in alphabetical order.
- Rules or conventions:
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Indexed terms
Access and use
- Restrictions:
Please contact Special Collections and University Archives Department for additional information.
- Terms of access:
Unpublished manuscripts are protected by copyright. Permission to publish, quote or reproduce must be secured from the repository and the copyright holder.
- Preferred citation:
James E. Shepherd Jr. Papers, Special Collections and University Archives, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
- Location of this collection:
-
John C. Hitt Library12701 Pegasus Drive, Building 2OrlandoFL32816-8030USA
