Mr. Henry Shields passed away at his home in this city on Saturday, September 19th. The cause of death was a complication of stomach and kidney troubles.
The news of Mr. Shield's death was a shock to the community, for though he had been ailing for some time and had been gradually failing in health, the end came suddenly, he having been confined to the house only a few days.
Mr. Shields was one of the pioneer residents of Centralia and had witnessed, and assisted in, the growth of the city from a little cross-road settlement to its present proportions. He was always a loyal citizen, taking an active interest in all that affected the welfare of the community. His well-known figure, always soldierly, on the streets will be greatly missed; he had a friendly word of greeting for all, and there is not a man in Centralia who can conscientiously say that Henry Shields was his enemy or bore resentment for little differences that must occasionally occur between citizens of any community. He was a conversationalist of more than ordinary ability, and had a fund of reminiscences at his command from which he delighted to draw for the edification of his listeners.
Henry Shields was born at Woodland, Fulton county, Illinois, May 17th, 1841, so that he was a comparatively young man at the time of his death. His parents were Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Shields. He was a young man when the civil war broke out, but he enlisted in Company "H," 85th Illinois infantry, in 1861 and served during the entire war, participating in all the principal engagements with his regiment, including the battles of Kenesaw Mountain add Chigamouga. In this last engagement his brother, Eli, was killed while fighting at his side. Mr. Shields was also with Sherman in his famous march to the sea. He rendered invaluable services as scout during that memorable march. He was mustered out of his regiment at Washington, D. C., at the close of the war.
After receiving his honorable discharge from the army Mr. Shields returned to his home in Illinois and engaged in the peaceful occupation of farming. In 1886 he was married to Miss Tabitha Whealdon, and continued to reside in Illinois until 1873 when his family moved to Washington. Mr. Shields first located in the Willapa River country, residing there several months before coming to Lewis county and locating on a homestead on Lincoln Creek. Later, the family moved to the Hanaford Valley, remaining there until 1891, when Mr. Shields sold his ranch and moved to Centralia, engaging in the furniture business in partnership with Mr. C. M. Pierce. He continued in the business until 1893, when he sold his interest to his partner. He was at that time appointed city marshal, and from then until the time of his death he served the city either as marshal, deputy marshal or constable. He died in harnees. During the territorial days he served one term as county commissioner.
Mr. Shields leaves a widow, one son, Mr. E. E. Shields, a well-known attorney of Aberdeen, and four daughters, Mrs. Irvin Stephens of Menlo, Mrs. H. J. Miller, Mrs. S. C. Davis and Mrs. E. A. Cournyer. His grandchildren are Gene, Reid and Earl Miller and Florence and Kenneth Cournyer. He leaves a brother who lives in Illinois.
The funeral was held on Monday from the family residence at 416 East Pine Street, and was largely attended by those who wished to pay their last respects to their old friend and comrade. Rev. H. W. Thompson was assisted in the funeral services by the members of the G.A.R. The members of the local Eagle lodge were out in great numbers. The interment was made in the Mountain View cemetery. The pall bearers were selected from the G.A.R. comrades, namely, M. D. Wood, E. A. Selleck, H. H. Hamer, R. A. Krees, George A. Slack and J. M. Benedict.
Source: The Centralia News-Examiner, 25 Sep 1908, p. 1.
Transcribed by Diana Smith. She has no further information on this individual.