Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1909-02-16
FAMOUS STATESMAN, LAWYER
AND SOLDIER THE SUBJECT
OF EXCELLENT ADDRESS
THAT DUEL EPISODE
In Evening Devoted by Knights of
Columbus of Ottumwa to Abraham
Lincoln Tribute Also Paid
Gen. Shields.

martyred president, Abraham Lincoln,
singing his many praises in speech,
recitation, memorial exercises and au-
logies, the members of General Shields
council, knights of Columbus were
the audience to an address that in its
reference to the "duel'' of Abraham
Lincoln and General James Shields
had more local interest than any word
spoken in the many celebrations. This
city was the host Of General Shields
during the last days of his life, and
1t WIS here while visiting his niece,
Mary Shields, who was then residing
with the Sisters of the Humility of
Mary, that the hero of three wars,
bosom friend Of the great emancipa-
tor and renowned statesman died OF
tumwa members of the G. A. R., some
now deceased and others living, were
his pall-bearers. j. ]. Smith, distant
relative of the deceased general, de-
livered the address, which was pre-
coded by paper by Laurence M. Nor
rissey, in which the life of Lincoln
was pictured from his early infancy
to his tragic death by the assassin's
hand. Mr.. Smiths address of Gen
eral Shields, the patron of the local
council was most eloquently deliver
ed and teemed with interest through
out. History so often distorted by
the prejudices of the historian" said
Mr.. Smith, has not done justice to
this great ier-jurist-statesman and
the feet that he arose from friend
less and penniless lad of sixteen (tha
age of his landing at Boston) strang-
q IN cfr 70
that was his later in life, bespeaks OF
the marvellous qualities he possessed
Lincoln Colleague.
James Shields was born on May G..
1906 at Altomore in the County Ty-
rome, Ireland" said Mr.. Smith. AS
boy, amid the despotic laws of his
native land, he saw but poor recon-
pense for honest endeavor, since even
his faith debarred him from reaching
any exalted position in life. While
the green hills and valleys of the
emerald isle were dear to his heart
and the melting notes Of the linner
sweet to his ear, yet he resolved like
millions Of his countrymen to seek in
another land a freeman's home. At
the age Of 16 years he bid farewell 10
the home of his childhood and embark
ed for America He landed at the city
of Boston, penSiless and with no
friend but his talents and no sup
port but a brave and upright purpose.
After dwelling there short time he
worked his way westward until he
reached the state of Illinois, then
known as the prairie state. He locat-
ed at Kaskaskia, which was then the
i,, e,ir 49,
There began the career of this remark
able mana career so marvellous that
1t seems almost like dream of fancy
or a romance of Imagination. His first
work was teaching school, but during
the time he was so engaged, he alsa
employed himself in the study of law.
In course Of time he was admitted to
the bar and entered upon the practice
of his chosen profession in which ne
achieved much success. He was soon
called into the field of politics and ut
the age of 20 years he was elected n
member of the Illinois legislature In
the legislative assembly he had as col
leagues such distinguished men as Alb
raham Lincoln and Stephen A. Doug
lass. Lincoln was then the undisp,I.
ed leader of the whig party willis
Douglass was the recognized leader o,
the Democratic party.
Political Success.
Shields at that time is described as
a man of medium height, slight in
build, witty, bright, intelligent reso-
Lutte and energetic. In dress he was
scrupulously neat-in manner, cour-
teous frank and manly. In politics he
was strong and firm advocate of
Democratic principles. In speaking
he was lucid, forcible and fearless, al
ways master of his subject and well
equipped for attack and defense. Be-
sides he was a well read lawyer, thor
oughly versed in the principles Of law
and equity. At the close Of his term
as a member Of the legislature he was
elected state auditor which office he
faithfully and efficiently filled for two
terms.
Made Brigadier General.
He was then elected Judge Of the
supreme court of the state. which
might well be regarded as the summit
of a lawyers ambition That he rank
ed high as judge, that he was indus
trious, painstaking, impartial and
strictly honest has never been doubt
ed. He discharged the duties of this
high Office with ability and absolute
fairness and when he resigned this
high position to accept one of ma
tional Importance it was amid the re-
grets of his associates on the bench
and the great lawyers of the state.
The usefulness of this great man was
no longer to be hemmed in by state
lines, and he was called by President
Polk into the nations service, receiv-
ing the appointment of commissioner
of the general land office at Washing
ton. While he was filling this Office
war with Mexico broke out and as
Shields had never been in the public
service-state or nation-for revenue
only, he promptly resigned in order to
serve in the Mexican war On July
l, 1886, he was commissioned a briga-
der general and assigned to the com
mand of the Illinois regiments. 1t is
well now to pause and consider how
great must be the public confidence
in the ability of man thus entrusted
with the leadership OF regiments OF
soldiers, at time when he had 70