The Calumet news. [volume] (Calumet, Mich.) 1907-1938, 1910-11-12
Four States Join in Paying Tri-
butte to Memory of Great
Soldier and Statesman
Today
HAD LONG And VARIED CAREER
Besides Brilliant Service in Mexican
and Civil Wars, Was Governor of
Oregon Territory and Mem
Der Of Senate.

Carrollton, Pa. Nov. 12.--IFour states
Joined in paying tribute here today to
the memory of Gen. James Shields.
when the monument erected by the
Federal government to mark the grave
of the noted soldier and statesman in
st. Mary's cemetery was unveiled with
impressive ceremonies.
The states represented by their
governors. or by distinguished citi-
zens appointed TO represent them. were
Illinois. Minnesota, Missouri and Ore
gon. In the course of his long and
varied career Gen. Shields represented
in the United States senate at different
times the states of Illinois. Minnesota
and Missouri. Oregon's interest in the
famous soldier arises from the fact
that he served as governor OF Oregon
territory.
Ceremony is Imposing.
The unveiling was made the occa-
sion of an imposing ceremony. A par
ade of United States troops and SOL
diers of the Missouri National Guard
preceded the unveiling exercises.
An immense crowd witnessed the
unveiling OF the memorial Governor
Hadley, Congressman Rucker and
other speakers of national prominence
eulogized the life and achievements of
General Shields, both as a soldier in
the Florida, Mexican and Civil wars
and as one of the foremost members
of the senate of the United states.
Especial interest WAS given the oc-
casion by the presence of the widow
of Gen Shields and her son. DIR. Dan
iel Shields of New York city.
Had Romantic Career.
General James Shields. whose MEM
ory was so signally honored today.
was one of the most romantic char
actors in American history. Born in
ireland just one hundred years ago.
he emigrated to the United States in
early youth and located in Illinois.
where ne studied law and was admit
ted TO the bar. He was sent to the leg
islatt&e In 1886 and elected state audi
tor in 1889. Subsequently he served
on the state supreme bench and as
commissioner of the general land Of
flee.
When the war with Mexico began he
was appointed brigadier general and
was assigned 10 the command of the
| Illinois regiments. He served with
distinction in that war. AT Cerro
Gordo he gained the brevet of major
general, and was shot through the
lung After his recovery he took part
in the operations in the valley of Mex
ico commanding a brigade composed
Of marines and New York and South
Carolina volunteers.
Governor Of Oregon.
Gen. Shields was mustered out Of
service in 1S4s and the same year re-
ceived the appointment of governor OF
Oregon territory. This office he re-
signed on being elected United States
senator from that state California
lured him, and he went to the coast
at the end of his second term as sena-
|
umors of the civil war began to reach
him. JIe hurried to Washington and
offered his services to his country. He
was appointed a brigadier general and
assigned 20 the command of the Army
of West Virginia. He was i'm a num-
Der OF the bloodiest battles, and is
credited with being the only man who
| ,.,0,,loaa Ctopon.an Torlxcso,
Died on Lecture Trip.
At the close of his military career
General Shields took up his home i'm
Missouri. In 1879 he was chosen to
fill out the unexpired term of United
states Senator L. V. Bogy. He took
his seat I'm the senate for the third and
last time i'm what proved to be the
last year of his life. While engaged on
a lecture trip he was taken i'll and
died at Ottumwa. Iowa, June 1, 1879.
His remains were brought back to
Carrolltown and buried i'm the ceme-
te.y not far from the old Shields
homestead here.
The memorial unveiled today was
erected with an appropriation made by
, the Federal government. The monu
ment was designed by Jerome Connor
OF Washington. IL is of white marble.
nine feet high and sumountcd by a
bronze bust of the old warrior and
statesman A copy OF the bust has
been presented by the sculptor to this
county and has been placed in the
courthsuse. on the four sides of the
barmhle base of the monument appear
the coats OF arms Of Illinois. Minne-
! sofa, Oregon and Missouri, the four
states which shared his services as n
lpublic servant.