New-York tribune., 1879-06-03
OBITUARY.
GENERAL JAMES SHIELDS.

GENERAL JAMES SHIELDS
0TTUNwA, Iowa, June 2.-General James
Shields iate Uuitca from Missouri, died
suddenly In this city at halpast 10 o'clock last night
lie had appeared his usual health Sunday and took
ahearty supper at O'clock after which he wtoe several
letters. Just before retiring be complained OF pain In
his chest and shortly afterward said TO hi niece that
he dying. Within thirty minutes he expired while
sitting in his chair remaining conscious 70 tho last He
leetured IN this city on Wednesday evening lss and
remained here visiting relatives. HIS remains VIII be
sent to his home, Carrollton, No. at O'Clock this
evening.
General James Shields was born at Altmore.
near DungannoD. County Tyrone, Ireland. in 1910 He
the United States when about sixteen years old
leaving his fathers property to MS mother and two
younger brothers. On arriving in this country he
learned that uncle he expected TO and dead. lie
at entered upon the study Of law. In which he was
rapidly advancing when the Seminole broke out. lie
AZ joined volunteer company and served through
out the lieutenant. In 1882 he went TO Illinois,
beginning the practice of law at Kaskaskis. - Demo-
crat lie elected In 1896 TO the state Legislature
in 1889 he appointed state Auditor and IN 1913
Judge Of the State Supreme Court In 1915 he was ap-
pointed Commissioner of the United States General
Land Office, but In the Spring OF 1916 lie was honored
with the command of Illinois brigade OF infantry,
President Polk having commissioned him AS brigadier
general OF volunteers HIS brigade sailed for Mexico,
Shields after assigned 10 another
command, and was for some time military gov
ern0r Of Tampco He rejOlned his brigade
at Vera Cruz in 1Si7. when he assisted
in the reduction OF city His brigade then consisting
OF and Illinois volunteers. took active part
in the battle of Cerro G0rdO compelling the haty re-
treat OF Santa Anna. Upon this occasion General
Shields severely wounded by copper grspe-shot.
which passed through his lungs When some of his
men about to remove him from the field, General
Shields said: am OF no further use to my country
You are Lay me down and let d!e might well die
here as be taken off TO die You all strong ablebodied
men-ablc 10 do your country service. For Gods
sake, lay down and go to your duty" Fortunately
his fears verified for by the aid OF captured
Mexican surgeon the General eventually recovered
from his fearful wound. For gallant and mertoSous
conduct at Cerro Gordo General Shields was made
major-general by brevet. Four months after he was
again in the field. taking part in the battles
of Conreras and CherubuscO In the latter he led tie
charge OF the volunteers OF New-York and
South Carolina. At Chapultepec he was again
severely wounded, but refused TO leave the neid On
the same night the Cy o. Mexico was evacuated S py
Palmetto" regiment OF shiedas brigade leading tue
AT the close OF the war General Shields returned to
Illinois. In 1913 he was appointed Governor o,
in 1s49 he elected to tue United states
Senate from Illinois, holding his seat until lsoo;
when it became State be elected UEited States
Senator serving from May II, 1888 10 March 3, 1853
subsequently, removed 10 California, but tine rebel
lion breaking out, offered his services TO the Govern
menr, was commissioned "A Dr1gader-generll OF vol
uueers SOL and was IN command OF a DIVISION ol
Bluks's army in the Shenandoah valley He defeated
General StOnewall Jackson at Winchester, where ne
L was wounded. but remained the held. issuing hls
commands from litter He also cOmnEtn1ed at Fort
Republic IN 1863 1S63 having suffered severely from
hs wounds ne resigned his commission ana removed
to Wisconsin. President lincoln bad nominated hlm
for major general but the appointment was not con
fiPmed la 1865 he president OF the WISCONSIN
Democratic Convention lie subsequently, remover 10
Missouri and was AdjurautGcncrai of that state IN
1877 In June 1877, General Shields visited Aubnrn
NJ " on the occasion Of the tweuyfitb anniversary Oh
The shields Guard" and most euthnslgsflcdlly
received He wore upon this visit the magpitcent
sword WITH gold scabDard and belt stUd0ed Win pre-
cous stones presented him by the state OF sOuth
Carolina IN 1877 Governor Hampton, OF South caro-
Ina, was also present at these festivities.
In April 1873 The Democrats I'm tie House or Repre-
sentatiyes having nominated for DOOrSeeper OF the
House General CBares ". Field, the Republicans
supported for the place General Shieids, u
good Union soldier, although lifelong Democrat ~
was an. occasion OF sharp debate, but re-
suited, OF course, in the election OF Gcrerai
Field. 4 subsequent attempt TO place General
shields upon the retired list failed, but his services
were nj tately recognized by increasing his pension 10
800 ger month. In 1879 be sat for few weeks as
United States Senator for Missouri, to I'LL vacancy
until successor could be elected During the last two
years General Shields had ccured In many parts OF the
country generally telling his audiences OF his expert
enees IN The Mexican