"An Illustrated history of Baker, Grant, Malheur and Harney Counties : with a
brief outline of the early history of the state of Oregon." Chicago?: Western
Historical Pub. Co., 1902.  p. 507.  Grant Co.

JAMES M. SHIELDS

     Is deserving of mention in our volume, not only because he has fought the
battle of life with success and with the manifestation of vigor and sagacity and
is today one of the well-to-do citizens of Grant county, being a successful and
enterprising stockman and agriculturist, but also because in the time of trouble
when our glorious banner was suffering from the hands of unwise and treasonable
sons of the Republic, and dismemberment of the Union and destruction to our
beloved institutions of freedom seemed imminent, he stepped forward and offered
himself to assist in stemming the tide of destruction and in beating back the
champions of rebellion.  In 1863, he enlisted in Company A, Second Arkansas
Infantry, and the fortunes of war were his until the close of the memorable
strife that forever wiped out Rebellion's millions and left to us the legacy of
a country and a home.  He participated in the battle of Saline Crossing and in
many skirmishes, being in the western Division under General Steele.  When the
war closed, he was honorably discharged and returned to the old home place in
Johnson county, Arkansas, and followed successfully the pursuits of the
agriculturist until 1877, when he came across the plains with horse teams direct
to Grant county.  He located first where the village of Longcreek is now
situated and enjoyed the distinction of being the first settler.  Selling out
here, he went to handling sheep on shares, but after two years in this industry,
he sold out and took a homestead, which he also sold later and bought the farm
which he now owns.  It is situated eleven miles north of Longcreek post-office
and is well improved, being embellished with house and barn and other
necessaries for its successful culture.  In addition, he owns some cattle and
sheep.  At the present time Mr. Shields is living in Longcreek.
     Mr. Shields was first married in March, 1852, Sarah Martin, native of
Georgia, becoming his wife at that time.  One child, John Q., was born to them
and since he has died.  On August 6, 1856, death stole from the happy home the
wife and mother and her remains sleep in Arkansas.  Later he took to himself
another wife, as follows.  The marriage of Mr. Shields and Miss Sarah A.
McWhorter of Walker county was solemnized on December 10, 1856, and to them have
been born eleven children:  Samuel M., married to Sarah Morris and living near
Longcreek; Julia A., deceased: Martha A., wife of William H. Stirritt, a
stockman of Dayville; Lenora F., wife of C. W. Blackwell, of Walla Walla;
William, deceased; James A., deceased; Mary C., wife of Augustus Paine,
on Cottonwood creek; Florence E., wife of Lest Paine of Cottonwood creek;
Jullius M., married to Anna Blackwell of Longcreek; Elmer A.; Cora M.  the birth
of Mr. Shields occurred in Jackson county, Georgia, on January 21, 1831, being
the son of John S. and Charlotte Shields.  He was raised on a farm and in 1859
moved to Franklin county, Arkansas, and a little later to Johnson county, in
which place began his military career which has been outlined.  He is a member
of the G.A.R. post of Hamilton and is highly respected by all.

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Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in November 2005 by Diana Smith.
Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned
above.