JAMES SHIELDS, said son of Thomas Shields of Ireland, was born 13 April 1762 in Northern Ireland. He is given as having studied for the ministry in Scotland and having been educated at the University of Glasgow. He immigrated to the United States from Ireland abt. 1790-1791, perhaps disembarking at the Port of Baltimore in Maryland; probably sojourned there briefly or in Pennsylvania as was the custom for Irish immigrants in that time period. From there he is said to have gone to Virginia, and there he is given as having married possibly on 26 January 1804 in Berkeley County, Virginia to JANE WRIGHT, daughter of unknown parents, who was born say 1785. They moved to Butler County, Ohio where they settled permanently at Paddy's Run in Morgan Township, a Welsh community. This is probably where all or most of their children were born. Paddy's Run is now known as Shandon.

"In 1804 James Shields, a native of Ireland, educated at Glasgow, Scotland, emigrated with his family from Virginia, and purchased a half section of choice land on which his posterity still reside." [Source: Internet, Retrieved Nov. 2007: Paddy's Run by Rev. B. W. Chidlaw, Historical Sketch of Paddy's Run, Butler County, O., (mewn dwy ran), The Cambrian, Cyfrol I, Rhif 2 (Mawrth/Ebrill 1880), tt. 39-45; Cyfrol I, Rhif 3 (Mai/Mehefin 1880), tt.73 - 81 at http://ohio.llgc.org.uk/erth-prun2.php)]

"The first school in the township, says Prof. James A. Clark, was in a log school-house, built in 1807, on the land now owned by Thomas Shields, & taught by Miss Polly Willey." This was probably on the land owned initially by Hon. James Shields, father of Thomas J. Shields, his eldest son.
(Source: Internet, A History and Biographical Cyclopaedia of Butler County, Ohio..., Cincinnati Ohio, Western Biographical Publishing Company, 1882: Morgan Township: New London: pp. 426-431)

1820 U. S. Federal Census Butler County, Ohio Morgan Township James Shields Males: 4 (under 10) 1 (10- under 16) 1 (45 & up) Females: 3 (under 10) 2 (10- under 16) 1 (26-45) 1 (in agriculture) [Note: Also, a John Shields on the same image page. This John Shields appears to have been John, s/o Daniel Shields and Mary [--?--] from Ireland to Virginia and later to Ohio. ASH] (Internet, Heritage Quest: Series: M33 Roll: 87 Page: 64 Image: 5)

James Shields was a very well educated man, and as a local politician of Butler County, Ohio, he became known as Hon. James Shields. He served as a trustee for Miami University at Oxford, Butler County, Ohio in its early days.

"As early as 1825 there were township examiners to decide upon the qualifications of teachers. The Hon. James Shields was the first examiner. Excepting Prof. McGuffey [aka William Holmes McGuffey], he was perhaps the best educated man in the county, taking a leading part in alL educational enterprises. He was educated at Glasgow, Scotland. He examined Governor Bebb, Evan Davies, & other noted teachers." (Internet, 2003, A History and Biographical Cyclopaedia of Butler County, Ohio, 1882: Morgan Twp.: New London: Pages 426 - 431)

1830 U. S. Federal Census Butler County, Ohio Morgan Township James Shields Males: 2 (5-under 10) 2 (10-under 15) 2 (15-under 20) 1 (20-under 30) 1 (40-under 50) Females: 1 (under 5) 1 (10-under 15) 2 (15-under 20) 1 (20-under 30) 1 (40-under 50) (Internet, Heritage Quest: Series: M19 Roll: 127 Page: 161 Image: 3)

"William D. Jones settled near SHIELDS, and opened the first mercantile house in the township."
(Source: Internet, A History and Biographical Cyclopaedia of Butler County, Ohio..., Cincinnati Ohio, Western Biographical Publishing Company, 1882: Morgan Township: New London: pp. 426-431)

"There was a tan-yard one -fourth of a mile below the village at one time, owned by the SHIELDS brothers."
(Source: Internet, A History and Biographical Cyclopaedia of Butler County, Ohio..., Cincinnati Ohio, Western Biographical Publishing Company, 1882: Morgan Township: New London: pp. 426-431)

James was killed in a stagecoach accident near Venice, Ohio on 13 August 1831.

"Mr. Shields was a man of intelligence and sterling integrity. He served the public as a Representative in the Legislature for nineteen years. These Assemblies of which he was a member met at Chillicothe, Zanesville and Columbus; In 1828 he was elected to Congress, and served his country with fidelity, and returned to his constituents a faithful and honoured public servant. Mr. Shields travelled from his home on Paddy's Run to our State Capitols, and to the Federal City, on horseback, and doubtless enjoyed the long and sometimes tedious rides. The evening of his life was spent in the quiet and comfort of his home, in the bosom of a loving family, when in 1831 he died, aged over 70 years, leaving a good name and inheritance to his twelve children, and the example of his life for coming generations." (Source: Internet, Retrieved Nov. 2007: Paddy's Run by Rev. B. W. Chidlaw, 'Historical Sketch of Paddy's Run, Butler County, O.', (mewn dwy ran), The Cambrian, Cyfrol I, Rhif 2 (Mawrth/Ebrill 1880), tt. 39-45; Cyfrol I, Rhif 3 (Mai/Mehefin 1880), tt.73 - 81 at http://ohio.llgc.org.uk/erth-prun2.php)

Hon. James Shields is buried at the Venice Cemetery in Venice, Butler County, Ohio.

"Venice Cemetery Venice, Butler County, Ohio Politicians buried here: James Shields (1762-1831); Uncle of James Shields (1810-1879). Born in Ireland, April 13, 1762. Member of Ohio state house of representatives, 1806-1808; U.S. Representative from Ohio 2nd District, 1829-31. Killed in the accidental overturning of a stagecoach, near Venice, Butler County, Ohio, August 13, 1831. Interment at Venice Cemetery." Note: In this sketch and in other biographical sketches and accountings of Hon. James Shields probably copied from a erroneous common source, it is stated that Hon. James was uncle of the famous Civil War General (later Senator) James Shields (born 1810 (sic-1806); died 1879), but no documentation is given or cited to prove such a relationship. Research by this researcher (ASH) in Ireland and elsewhere at this time indicates that this relationship is incorrect. However, General James (later Senator James) Shields did have an uncle named James Shields born in Ireland who resided in Charleston, South Carolina, believed to have never married, and died without issue. Further, the SHIELDS DNA PROJECT at this time has not found a match to the descendant said to have been of the same lineal descendancy as was General (later Senator) James Shields. No descendant of Hon. James Shields has participated in the project as of April 2010. (Source: Internet, Jul 2003: The Political Graveyard at http://politicalgraveyard.com/geo/OH/BU.html)

In 1840 Jane (nee Wright) Shields was still residing in Butler County, Ohio with some of her children and other children living nearby.

1840 U. S. Federal Census Butler County, Ohio Morgan Township New London (aka Paddy's Run) Line 4: Thomas J. Shields Line 5: Isaac & Jane D. (nee Shields) McClelland Line 6: Evan James family of unknown relationship, if any Line 7: John W. Shields Line 8: Jane Shields Males: 1 (10-under 15) 2 (15-under 20) 2 (20-under 30) 1 (40-under 50) Females: 1 (10-under 15) 1 (15-under 20) 1 (50-under 60) (Internet, Ancestry.com: Image 1 of 1)

Jane (nee Wright) Shields was not found found enumerated in the 1850 United States Federal Census of Morgan Township, Butler County, Ohio. A few of her children are there as heads of households with other brothers residing with the married Shields men. Had Jane died or moved elsewhere to live with other children.

"JAMES SHIELDS. This gentleman was a native of the north of Ireland. His parents were in moderate circumstances. He was born in the year 1763. He received the rudiments of the Latin and Greek languages at a classical school in his native land, and completed his education at the University of Glasgow. He had a quick and retentive memory, a sound, discriminating judgment, and a heart formed for friendship and benevolence. Possessing a mind so capable of receiving and retaining instruction, and enjoying the advantage of well-qualified tutors, it need not be wondered at that he laid a deep and solid foundation for future improvement. He had an extensive acquaintance with every branch of useful knowledge. With natural, civil, and ecclesiastical history, and with law, physic, and divinity, he obtained a very general acquaintance. Few men possessing knowledge so various and extensive made so little display of their attainments or so reluctantly acknowledged the extent of their acquisitions. Having early imbibed an ardent love of liberty, with an unconquerable aversion to priestly and royal domination, he resolved to leave the land of his birth, and to cast in his lot with the sons of freedom in the United States. He landed in this country in 1791 He spent a short time in the State of Pennsylvania, after which he removed to Virginia. In this State he spent thirteen years in cultivating his own mind, and in the useful and honorable employment of instructing youth. In 1804 he married Miss Jane WRIGHT, daughter of Mr. James WRIGHT, of Berkeley County, Virginia. In 1805 he removed to Morgan Township, in this county, where he had previously purchased land. He began farming in the midst of a dense forest, surrounded by few settlers, and these entire strangers. It must be confessed that from the natural disposition and former habits of Mr. SHIELDS, he was little qualified for this course of life. But while he was reasonably successful in his undertaking, he speedily rose to a commanding influence among his fellow-citizens, that must have recompensed him for the failure to reap great pecuniary success. His immediate neighbors soon discovered that they were blessed with a friend of superior acquirements, and they uniformly looked up to him for counsel, but never in vain. He was successful in political life. He never took a step, wrote a line, or dropped an expression to obtain preferment, yet the public demonstrated their conviction of his superior worth by sending him to the State Legislature for a period of nineteen years. He was chosen a presidential elector, and for the last two years of his life was a member of Congress. Each and all of the duties incumbent upon these stations were discharged with the utmost punctuality and regularity, and although, when Congress assembled for its second term, the disease had begun which finally carried him off, he would not allow himself to be absent from any session. His duty was to be there, and he was there. Mr. Shields was a man of the highest moral character. During his long residence in Morgan Township all with whom he had any intercourse knew that he would never approach a dishonorable action. His word was, in all cases, his bond, and his declaration in regard to facts which he had witnessed was never disputed. In pecuniary transactions he would rather suffer loss than contend with a neighbor. His conduct was uniform. He was never seen at any convivial party, without a special call on important business; and wherever he was, in his family, on his farm, in a party of friends, or in public company, his conduct strictly conformed to the rules of moral rectitude He was an enlightened and firm believer in revealed religion. Few men have studied on the subject more diligently. He had read, not only those brief and ephemeral attacks on Christianity which are at all times to be found, but also those more learned and elaborate works of Herbert, Hobbes, Bolingbroke, Hume, Gibbon, Voltaire, Volney, and Rousseau. He was a man who made up his opinion on evidence, and consequently read the answers to infidel publications written by Ireland, Halyburton, Leslie, Watson, Paley, Beattie, Campbell, Chalmers, Dick, and others. His religious opinions were strictly evangelical and orthodox. He was warmly attached to the Bible Society, Sabbath-schools, missionary societies, the American Colonization Society, and every other institution which had for its object the illumination, liberty, and happiness of men. To establish a Sunday-school in his immediate neighborhood he exerted all his influence; and while he refused the superintendence of the school he most cheerfully became a teacher, and the diligent, profitable, and agreeable manner in which he taught was not soon forgotten by those who had the privilege of being his scholars. He was never absent, never late in attendance. He attended public worship regularly. James SHIELDS died on the 13th of August 1831, after a lingering sickness. He had returned home from Washington, with extreme difficulty, and from the day of his arrival was generally confined in bed. He did not lose his cheerfulness, although his sufferings were great. He left an affectionate wife and twelve children to lament their loss. " (Source: Internet, A History and Biographical Cyclopaedia of Butler County, Ohio..., Cincinnati Ohio, Western Biographical Publishing Company, 1882: Pioneers and Soldiers: pp. 90-93)

James and Jane had the following children:

1. Maria Shields born about 1804; married James Jenkins.

2. Thomas James Shields born 1806 probably Paddy's Run, Morgan Township, Butler County, Ohio; d 1883; married 13 Dec 1831 Millville, Butler County, Ohio to (1) Susan M. Dick, daughter of Samuel and Martha (???) Dick. Susan (Dick) Shields bore three known children. Susan died 4 May 1843 at 36 years 2 months 9 days and is buried at the Paddy's Run Old Welsh Cemetery in Shandon, Butler County, Ohio.
.....1. Martha Shields, born 1835 probably Paddy's Run, Morgan Township, Butler County, Ohio.
.....2. Jane Shields, born 18340 probably Paddy's Run, Morgan Township, Butler County, Ohio.
.....3. Samuel Dick Shields, born 26 February 1843 probably Paddy's Run, Morgan Township, Butler County, Ohio

Thomas then married 8 January 1845 to Susan Smith who bore two children. Thomas J. and family resided in Morgan Township, Butler County, Ohio at the time of the 1850 United States Federal Census.
.....4. John Shields, born 9 July 1845 probably Paddy's Run, Morgan Township, Butler County, Ohio; died 19 October 1847 probably Paddy's Run, Morgan Township, Butler County, Ohio; buried Paddy's Run Old Welsh Cemetery in Shandon, Butler County, Ohio.
.....5. David Smith Shields, born 10 Nov 1847 probably Paddy's Run, Morgan Township, Butler County, Ohio & died 1 Oct 1912.
.....6. Thomas James Shields Jr., who died 15 Jun 1914.
.....7. Joseph R. Shields, born 1851; died 3 September 1852 at 1 year 6 months 1 day; buried Paddy's Run Old Welsh Cemetery in Shandon, Butler County, Ohio.

An eighth child (son) was born to Thomas James Shields and Susan, but it is not know whether the mother was Susan Dick or Susan Smith. The gravestone readings merely indicates that the child was the "infant son of Susan and Thomas." That son is buried north of son Joseph R. Shields at Paddy's Run Old Welsh Cemetery in Shandon, Butler County, Ohio. There may have been unknown other children lost to time.
.....8. [--?--] (infant son) Shields

3. Sarah Shields married James B. King.

4. Eliza Shields married 6 Mar 1834 Hamilton, Butler Co., OH to Daniel Wilkins. They resided in Hamilton Co., OH.

5. James Madison Shields b 1812 (twin); married Emma Miller; went to Iowa.

6. Jane D. Shields b 1812 (twin); married Isaac McClelland

7. John Wright Shields

8. Samuel D. Shields resided in Butler County, Ohio at the time of the 1850 United States Federal Census. David D. Shields and a person given as C. R. Keeler Shields resided with Samuel's family.

9. Martha Shields married Thomas Burke.

10. Joseph W. Shields resided in Morgan Township, Butler County, Ohio at the time of the 1850 United States Federal Census.

11. M. Russell Shields resided in Morgan Township, Butler County, Ohio with brother, Joseph W. Shields at the time of the 1850 United States Federal Census. He may have been the M. R. Shields residing in Mt. Carmel, Springfield Township, Franklin County, Indiana at the time of the 1860 United States Federal Census.

12. David D. Shields resided in Morgan Township, Butler County, Ohio with brother, Samuel D. Shields, at the time of the 1850 United States Federal Census.