Throughout an active business career John R. Sheffield has maintained a reputation that has won for him a place among the honored as well as the prosperous citizens of Greene county. For thirty-four years he has been engaged in the banking business and he enjoys the unqualified confidence and respect of his fellowmen not only because of the success which he has achieved but also because of the straightforward business policy he has ever followed. He was born in Greenfield, November 4, 1846, and is a son of George T. W. Sheffield, whose sketch is given elsewhere in this work.

John R. Sheffield is an only son in a family of seven children. Three of his sisters are still living. He was reared and educated in Greenfield, attending the public schools here. When he attained a sufficient age he entered his father's store, spending three or four years there and thus receiving a thorough business training. Upon the organization of the bank in 1870 he became one of its stockholders and, in fact, was one of its founders. He was also the first cashier, which position he held up to the time of his father's death. The present owners of the bank are John R. Sheffield, Ralph Metcalf and the M. A. Hutchison estate. The bank is a strong financial institution, receiving a good patronage and conducting a general banking business.

John R. Sheffield was married in Greene county in 1872 to Miss Mary A. Robards, who was born and reared near Carrollton and is a daughter of Jesse Robards, one of the leading business men of that place. They now have two sons: Clyde R., who occupies a position in the bank and is a graduate of a business college; and George H., who is a teacher in St. Louis. Both sons are married.

Politically Mr. Sheffield is an earnest Republican, deeply interested in the welfare and success of his party, yet never seeking office. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and are deeply interested and active in its work, contributing generously to its support. Mr. Sheffield is always to be counted upon in matters relating to the welfare of his community and as a citizen he has exerted a strong influence in behalf of public progress.