The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1910-11-17
FOUR STATES TAKE PART
MEMORIAL TO GENERAL JAMES
SHIELDS UNVEILED AT
CARROLLTON, MO.

Born In ireland, He Game to Ameri-
ca to Study Law, Was Admitted to
Bar In Illinois, Served In Mexican
and Civil Wars, and In United States
Senate.
Carrollton, Mo-, Nov. 13.-Four
States Joined in paying tribute here
yesterday to the memory of General
James Shields, when the monument
erected by the Federal Government to
mark the grave of the noted soldier
and statesman in st. Marys cemetery
was unveiled with impressive cere-
monies.
The States represented by their Gov
ernors, or by distinguished citizens
appointed to represent them, were IL
linois, Minnesota, Missouri and Ore
gon. In the course of his long and
varied career Gen. Shields represent
ed in the United States Senate at diff
ferent times the States of Illinois, Min
nesota and Missouri. Oregon's inter-
est in the famous soldier arises from
the fact that he served as Governor
of Oregon territory.
The unwilling was made the occas-
ion of an imposing ceremony. A par
ade of United States troops and SOL
diers of the Missouri National Guard
preceded the unwilling exercises.
An immense crowd witnessed the
Iunveiling of the memorial. Governor
Hadley, Congressman Rucker and
other speakers of national prominence
eulogzed 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, DR.. DAN
iel Shields of New York City
General James Shields, whose mem
Dry was so signally honored. was one
of the most romantic characters in
American history. Born in Ireland
just 100 years ago. he emigrated to
the United States in early youth and
located in Illinois. where he studied
law and was admitted to the bar. He
was sent to the Legislature in 1896
and elected State auditor in 1889
Subsequently he served on the State
Supreme bench and as commissioner
of the general land office.
When the war with Mexico began
he was appointed brigadier general
and was assigned to the command of
~ L. wit
distinction in that war. At Cerro
Cordo 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
Mexico, commanding brigade COM
posed of marines and New York and
South Carolina volunteers.
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
resigned on being elected United
United States Senator from that State.
California lured him, and he went to
the coast at the end of his second term
as Senator. He was in the far West
when the rumors of the civil war be-
gan to reach him. He hurried to
Washington and offered his services
to his country. He was appointed
brigadier general and assigned to the
command of the army of West Virgin
ia He was in number of the blood
lest battles, and is credited with be-
ing the only man who ever repulsed
Stonewall Jackson.
At the close of his military career
General Shields made his home in
Missouri. In 1879 he was chosen to
fill out the unexpected term of United
States Senator l.. V. Bogy. He took
his seat in the Senate for the third
and last time in what proved to be
the last year of his life. While en-
gagged on lecture trip he was taken
i'll and died at Ottumwa, Iowa, June 1,
1879 His remains were brought back
to Carrollton and buried in the ceme-
terry not far from the old Shields home
stead here.
The memorial was erected with an
appropriation made by the Federal
government. The monument was de-
signed by Jerome Conner of Washing
ton 1t is OF white marble. nine feet
high and surmounted by bronze
bust of the old warrior and states
man. A copy of the bust has been
presented by the sculptor to this
county and has been placed in the
courthouse. On the four sides of the
base of the monument appear the
coats of arms of Illinois. Minnesota,
Oregon and Missouri, the four States
which shared his services as public
servant.