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The Shields Descendants
The Shields family in America took roots at the time of the War of Independence. In the year of 1777, Peter Shields arrived with British Recruits from England and landed somewhere near Montreal, Canada.
Peter was born in Lanchester, Durham County, England. He was christened in the Village Church, 26 January, 1756. His parents were Peter Shields and Elizabeth Roberts, natives of Ireland who were married in Ebchester, Durham County.
At about the age of twenty, Peter was inducted into military service and shipped to Quebec, where he would join his unit, the 62 Foot Regimen, under General John Burgoyne. At that time, Britain was at war in many parts of the world including the American Colonist
Burgoyne was stationed at St. Jean where he was collecting his Army together. His plan was to sail south through Lake Champlain and capture the Fort at Ticondergoa and then on to his primary goal, Albany. By doing so, he was to link up with another British Army, thereby taking the New England States out of the war.
Burgoyne set sail from St. Jean, 17 June, 1777 with some 8,500 British, Tories, Canadians, Indians, and German troops. The German troops were commanded by General Riedesel from the State of Bavaria.
As the British Fleet sailed south, they encountered little opposition from the Colonies, never-the- less, Patriots could be seen lurking behind nearly every tree.
Upon reaching sight of Fort Ticonderoga, the fleet opened fire and continued their siege for three days only to find the defenders had pulled out to the south. Burgoyne had loitered at the Fort too long giving the Patriots time to gather at or near Freeman’s Farm.
When Burgoyne began to move, he ordered General Riedesel to strike at Bennington while the British and Tories would drive toward Albany. Splitting his forces was a grave mistake as the Germans were defeated at Bennington and the British met their match at Freeman’s Farm. Two battles were fought at Freeman’s Farm, 19 September and 7 October, 1777, both ended with defeat for the British.
Licking his wounds, Burgoyne regrouped his Army and decided to make a full frontal attack on Saratoga. The women camp followers remained behind to care for the wounded and dying. Mrs. General Riedesel was there including many other German and British wives.
At Saratoga it was to late for Burgoyne to retreat toward Canada as his total Army was surrounded by an Army of some 17,000 Patriots. Burgoyne knew that his chances to escape would be futile and his supply lines had been cut in all directions. So, for the first time, Burgoyne called his Generals together for a parley.
As each General spoke, he agreed to accept surrender to whatever terms the Patriots had to offer. At the end, Burgoyne wanted to save face, and disliked the word, “surrender” and as always wound up the parley with his own terms.
He would beat General Horatio Gates to the offer of ceasing the conflict if Gates would agree to the major points. 1) There would be a surrender, but rather a “convention”: 2)His Army to be taken to a seaport and allowed to return to England.
General Gates had his own terms, unconditional surrender, but being too eager for the glory of defeating the British, he accepted Burgoyne’s terms without question, 17 October, 1777. The British and German troops bid down their arms and began their march to Cambridge, reaching there, 6 November, 1777.
The Convention troops were housed in quarters around Harvard University for a full year. The Continental Congress had recended the agreement reached at Saratoga to allow the prisoners to return to England. Congress feared the British would only return these troops to the colonies.
Because of a food shortage in the Cambridge area , it was decided to move the Convention troops to Virginia. On 15 November, 1778 the prisoners began theirlong march south, a journey that took them through Connecticut, New York,
Pennsylvania and the western part of Maryland before entering Virginia. Their destination, Charlottesville, and reaching there, 16 February, 1779. This was a distance of some 678 English miles and took them about 12 weeks. As the prisoners passed through Pennsylvania many of the German soldiers darted into the woods and found a welcome home with natives from their homeland. In Virginia the British deserted in great numbers and many became citizens. Peter Shields, was among these deserters, however Peter made his way to the Continental lines and enlisted. He was present at the surrender of Lord Cornwallace at Yorktown, 19 October, 1781.
Peter was issued a land grant in Hardy County, WV, 2 April, 1783. He married his wife, Elizabeth, perhaps in Hampshire County and they raised a family of eight children, four sons and four daughters, all of which later married.
In about 1807, Peter moved his family to Salt Lick Creek, now located in Braxton County, West Virginia. Peter died in 1832 and his wife died in 1837. Both are buried on their farm in the Old Shields Cemetery, Salt Lick Creek, Braxton County.
The land grant was issued for seventy acres which was located on the side of North Mill Creek near Petersburg and the south branch of the Potomac River. Peter and Elizabeth made their home on the land and raised their family of eight children. They remained on the grant for about 24 years.
On the first day of October, 1805, Peter purchased another tract of land containing thirty-five acres of Saltpeter Caves and located a few miles south of his grant. This land was then located in Pendelton County. Virginia.
Ssltpeter in those days was used in the manufacture of black gun powder. It is believed that Peter and his sons worked these caves and sold the saltpeter or they might have manufactured their own gun powder on the same land. During the period of ownership another war was fought with England, the War of 1812. Gun powder was in demand, therefore, Peter had a thriving business for about ten years.
Renegade Indians were still a problem in the western region of Virginia and at various times it became necessary for the Army to enlist the services of local farmers and others to round them up. Enlistment’s were usually for a thirty-day period.
In 1807, Peter Shields, for some unknown reason enlisted in the Virginia Militia, 4 July, under the command of Captain Jordan’s Company. He received payment for thirty days in the amount of $5 and a clothing allowance of $2.47.
The two tracts of land were not sold until Peter had settled on Salt Lick Creek in part of Harrison County, Virginia. The land grant was sold to Jacob Judy for 70 English Pounds in 1811. The saltpeter caves were sold to Jesse Hinkle for $300 on 2 January, 1815. Peter and Elizabeth both signed their names in their own hand, indicating they both were literate.
From the last will of Peter Shields, it is learned that he owned 382 acres of land on Salt Lick Creek. How he came by this land is unknown, however, Harrison County records show that Adam Shields purchased a large tract of land from Thomas Wilson, 23 July, 1816. It is possible this purchase was for his father.
The old Shields Cemetery is located on the land once owned by Peter Shields on Slat Lick Creek, Braxton County, West Virginia. It is today owned by Eugene Singleton, born on the farm in May of 1895. The Shields heirs sold their land holdings on the creek in 1884. In the cemetery lies the remains of Peter Shields, his wife Elizabeth, their son John Shields, and his wife Eda Hefner, and many ot her members of the Shields family.
At on time there were slab markers at the graves, however, this cemetery had been desecrated by the present owner in a shameful manner. For personal reasons this man removed every stone and either buried them or hauled them away. The only marker today that may be found in this cemetery is a government bronze plate for Peter Shields, 1755-1832. Revolutionary War Soldier This marker was installed by Daughters of the American Revolution, Elk River Chapter of Sutton, WV, and dedicated Sunday, 24 May, 1981. A beautiful monument on the braxton County Court House lawn was also dedicated to five Revolutinary War soldiers who are buried in Braxton County the same day.
In the area of the old Shields farm is a high ridge which was named for some unknown reason, “The Peter Shields Knob”. Although this knob is not named on the geographic maps of the County of Braxton, many older folks in and around the area of Salt Lick Creek know the knob by that name.
Braxton County was created from three adjacent counties in 1836. The northern sector containing Salt Lick Creek, 1808-1832, he never moved but had lived in two counties. His children and his wife without moving had been a resident of three counties.
Some records of the Shields family can be found in the three named counties, but most records for Peter Shields will be found in Lewis County. Land records, tax records, marriages, and last will of Peter Shields are found in Lewis County, West Virginia.
The marriage record of Peter Shields and his wife Elizabeth have never been found. If they married in Hampshire County, Virginia, then their marriage document will never be found as these records in that county were burned during the Civil War.
Tradition has it that Elizabeth was a Singleton. This being true, her parents were perhaps, Tinus and Mary Singleton who gave birth to Elizabeth, 2 June, 1751 and christened in the Albermarle Parish of Surrey and Sussex Counties, Va, 26 January, 1752. Godparents were Thomas and Chappell and Elizabeth Partridge.
The last will of Peter Shields revealed much about
his education, his impartial concern and love for sons and daughters alike.
The concern for his wife’s maintenance for the rest of her life was explicit
to his four sons. The mention of his Lacy and Linsey indicated he was a
proud man and liked nice trappings. Truly, Peter Shields was a man of stature
in his society and also a man in American history.
Perhaps it will never be known exactly when Peter Shields moved his family from Hardy County to Salt Lick Creek, but a close period of time may be pin pointed, using the following facts.
1) His present farm of 70 acres was not large enough to accomidate the needs of his four sons who were then grown men; 2) Another war with England was pending.
It has been stated by one researcher, that Peter Shields entered the area of Salt Lick Creek in 1807. This could have been, but, it does not prove he brought his family with him at that time. From the following facts, one might draw their own conclusion.
1) Margaret Shields,daughter of Peter, married Daniel Conrad in Pendelton County, western Virginia, April 14, 1806. The marriage bond shows Peter Shields gave his consent, he calls his daughter (Pakey). This might indicate Peter spoke with an English accent. On the marriage ocument it states, after the marriage,
Daniel an Margaret Conrad left for Salt Lick Creek.
2) In 1807, it is found, Peter Shields enlists with Capt. Jordan’s Company (Va. Malitia to chase Indians in western Virginia). This service commenced July 4. 1807, experation of service August 3, 1807. Peter received $5 pay and a clothing allowance of $2.47.
3) Peter and Elizabeth, sold the 70 acres to Jake Judy in 1811. Receiving 79 English pounds in currency. The deed was signed by Peter and Elizabeth in Hardy County, then western Virginia.
4) The 35 acres of Saltpeter Caves in the Smoke Hole area in the big gap below Cunningham lands was sold by Peter and Elizabeth to a Jessie Hinkle, January 2, 1815. The deed was signed by both Peter and Elizabeth in Harrison County, Va. They received a $300 (note), Salt Lick Creek area was then part of Harrison County. It became Lewis County in 1816, then changed to Braxton County in 1836.
5) In the last will of Peter, he states he owns 382 acres of land on Salt Lick Creek. In the deed book of Harrison County, it shows 382 acres of land was purchased by Adam Shields from Thomas and Polly Wilson, at $1.25 per acre. The wilson’s guaranteed that if Adam was evicted from any part of the property for title deficiency, they would reimburse Adam at the rate of $1.25 each acre Adam lost.
Peter Shields must have known Adam’s abilities as a clever and sharp dealer in land transactions. The guarantee which was written into a land deed proves that Adam did not take chances when dealing in land or horses.
The bulk of the original property on Salt Lick Creek remained in the Shields family until 1884 when the children of Daniel Shields sold it.
From the above facts in tracing the Peter Shields
families movements, it would appear that the family settled on Salt lick
Creek between 1811 and 1814. (Items 3 and 4 documentation’s).
Peter and Elizabeth’s children were:
~1~ Margaret (Peggy)Shields
Born: 1783 Died: November 14, 1862
Married: Daniel Conrad
~2~ Peter Shields, Jr.
Born: 1784 Died: ca 1850
Married: Rachel ______?
~3~ Elizabeth Shields
Born: 1787 Died: July 11, 1855
Married: William Bosley
~4~ Adam Shields
Born: 1788 Died: August 16, 1878
Married: Martha Mills
~5~ John Shields
Born: 1789 Died: May 28, 1878
Married: Eda Hefner
~6~ Daniel Shields
Born: 1796 Died: March 29, 1871
Married: Elizabeth Mills
Ruhana Miers
~7~ Nancy Shields
Born: 1798 Died: October 23, 1858
Married: Hirum Mills
~8~ Ann Shields
Born: 1801 Died: March 23, 1858
Married: Samuel Mills
All of these children of Peter and Elizabeth were
married in western Virginia, all settled n farms around the area of their
parents’ farm on Salt Lick Creek. In this area, each and every one had
children born on this creek. Margaret, Peter, Jr. Elizabeth, and John remained
in the area after their parents had died. The other four migrated to Ohiop
and then Adam and Ann with their families moved on to Blackford County,
Indiana.
~Margaret (Peggy) Shields ~
1783~1862
There is a some question about the exact year Margaret was born, her tombstone says that she died in her 80th year, showing this date as November 14, 1862. If so making her born in the year of 1782. In that year tax records state, Peter Shields was not living in western Virginia. Where were Peter and Elizabeth married and where did they live in 1782. Peter, was in Yorktown in 1781, resided on his land grant in 1783. No record of 1782.
Never-the-less, Margaret was raised on the grant
in Hardy County, (w) Virginia. On April 14, 1806 she married Daniel Conrad,
son of Jacob Conrad who resided in Pendelton County. Peter Shields gave
his consent as did Jacob Conrad. The witnesses to the marriage were Margaret’s
brother, Peter , Jr., who signed the document with an X. A brother of Daniel,
Jacob Conrad, Jr. was his witness. On the marriage document it stated that
the couple would reside in (now Braxton County)(w) Virginia.
~Margaret Shields and Daniel Conrad ~
United in marriage April 14, 1806
Children of Daniel and Margaret (Shields) Conrad.
(1). Chrisman
b.c. 1812
m.Elizabeth Wine 1839
(2). John B.
b.c. 1814 d.
1893
m.Mary "Polly" Mace
(3). Phoebe
b.c. 1816 d.
1886
m.Alexander Skinner
(4). Lemuel
b.c. 1820
m.Ingry Shields 1843
~Peter Shields, Jr. ~
~1784~_____~
Peter was the first son of Peter and Elizabeth Shields. He was born on his father’s land grant on the banks of North Mill Creek and the Potomac in Hardy County, (w) Virginia. During his formative years it is unlikely that he had little or so public schooling as was learned form various documents that he signed with his mark --X. In those days the three R’s were not as important as learning the art of farming and how to handle a musket. Wild meat was plentiful in the hills and was necessary for the boy to hunt them for the family table. The place of his marriage to Rachel --?--, is unknown but we know that they had at least eight children.
In a history of Braxton County, West Virginia,
states that Peter Shields arrived on Salt Lick Creek in company of John
F. Singleton in the year 1814. His father it is said, arrived with
Asa Squires on the creek in 1807. Peter Jr. may or may not have owned land
on the creek until after his father’s death in 1831. However, it appears
that in 1840 he owned 64 acres which he devised from the estate of his
father. In that year, Peter Jr. for some reason became indebted to a Sutton
firm by the name of Beime and Duffy. The amount of $29.48 in which they
demanded security forth-with. Desiring to secure his debt, Peter Jr. gave
an indenture to Beime and Duffy using his home and land as security. The
indenture stated that if the debt was not paid by September 14, 1842 the
farm would be sold to the highest bidder on that day. Peter was unable
to meet his obligation on that date, and on the front steps of the Braxton
County Court House the property was sold. Beime and Duffy was the only
bidder and their bid was for a meager $17. They acquired 64 acres of land
with buildings for about 261/2 cents per acre. Not having a home or any
means to make a living, Peter at age 66 startedwestward with his wife Rachel
and three unmarried children. In 1850 they were found in Mason County but
their whereabouts thereafter is lost perhaps forever.
~Peter Shields, Jr. and Rachel-?-~
United in Marriage ca 1819
Peter Shields Jr., and Rachel’s children:
Children of Peter Jr. and Rachel Shields.
14. (1). Sarah
b. 1820 d.
1914
m.Lindsay B. Shields
15. (2). Nancy
16. (3). Eleanor
m.John High
17. (4). b.c. 1827
Follow
The Link To
m. Asa Brown Singleton
18. (5). William
19. (6). Matilda
m.Washington Pierce
20. (7). Salathiel
m.Amanda ------
21. (8). Margaret
b. 1839
~Elizabeth “Betsy” Shields ~
{Daughter of Peter and Rachel Shields }
Born March 14,1824 ~ Died October 4,1911
Married January 23, 1850
Born April 2, 1820 ~ Died February 19, 1893
Children
Mary Jane Singleton ~ 1850/1926
Matilda Ellen Singleton ~ 1851/1937
Ann Eliza Singleton ~ 1854/1931
Virginia Francis Singleton ~ 1856/1933
Mary Evaline Singleton ~ 1858/
John Stanley Singleton ~ 1860/
Omac Charles Singleton ~ 1864/1952
William Samuel Singleton ~ 1867/1886
Asa Rush Singleton ~ 1869/1949
Samuel Clayton “Sambo”Singleton ~ 1871/1936
Elizabeth (Shields) and Asa B. Singleton, lived near Rolyson, in Braxton Coounty, West Virginia. Asa B. willed the home in Rolyson to the three un- married daughters, Mary Jane, Matilda Ellen, “Tid” and Ann Eliza “Lide”.
Virginia F.”Ginny” Singleton, married Robert J. Loyd “Bob”, born in 1860, died January 24, 1920.Their children were 1) William Theodore, 2) Minnie, 3) Annie Lee, 4) Myrtle June, 5) George Stanley, 6) Ophia Willis.
William Theodore Loyd, married Bessie Furby
Minnie Loyd, never married
Annie Lee Loyd, married James “Creed” Ball
MyrtleJune Loyd, married 1st., Junior Richerson
~ 2nd., Paul Lonzo Wilson
George Stanley Loyd
Ophia Willis Loyd
Mary Evaline Singleton, married Darius Kelly,
born May 1872. Their children
were; 1) Ivan, 2) Lou Ellen.
Ivan Kelly, married Naomi Wine
Lou Ellen Kelly, married Ezra Ratliff
John Stanley Singleton, married Mary Victoria Crislip, their children were; 1) John Edward ‘Buck’, 2) Zona Elizabeth, 3) Charles Harris, 4) Emmanuel, 5) Dessie M., 6) Arthur M., 7) Orpha F., 8) troy, 9) Oval.
John Edward, “Buck” Singleton, married Lennie
J. Wilson
Jona E. Singleton, married James L. Taylor
Charles Harris Singleton, never married
Emmanuel Singleton, died the same year of his
birth in 1892.
Dessie M. Singleton, died when their home burned
at the age of 13 years in 1906.
Orpha Singleton, died when their home burned
at the age of 8 years in 1906.
Troy Singleton, died at the age of 3 months in
1901
Oval Singleton, died shortly after birth in 1902
James Minter, married for his 2nd. wife, Lovie
(Fisher) Brown. Their child
Murriel Genevieve.
Mintie Jane Singleton, never married.
.
Matthew Singleton, married Anna Mae “Toots” Wilson.
Goldie Singleton, married Isaac Brown.
Harry Singleton, married Alberta Harris.
Sylvia Singleton, married Frank Emmerson Singleton.
Pauline Singleton, married Alonzo “Lon” Singleton.
Basil Newton Singleton, married Grace Qualini.
Isaac Newton Singleton, never married. He was working on a bridge construction in Ohio. He fell to his death from the bridge.
Arthur Martin Singleton, married Ruth O. Nulter, Their childre: 1) Arthur Elwood, 2) Maxwell Glenwood, 3) Vernon Frances.
Arthur Elwood Singleton, married Wanda Williams.
Maxwell Glenwood Singleton, married Marjorie
E. Groff.
Vernon Frances Singleton, Betty Sue Evans.
Mary Lizabeth Singleton,married Charles Samuel
Rucks. Their children; 1)
Rondall Lee, 2) Russell Owen, 3) Pauline Bell,
4) Monalee Dale, 5) Charles
Edward, 6) Lena Annabell.
Laura Bell Singleton, married Noah W. “Tucker” Tyler. No children.
James Minter and Lovie (Brown) Singleton, had
one daughter: Murrel
Genevieve.
Murrel Genevieve Singleton, married Ernest Luther
Prince. Their children; 1)
Lemonta Faren “Billie”, 2) Fonda Sue “Chip”,
3) Ernest Raine “Rainey”, 4)
Sandra Bethel “Sandy”.
Omar C. “Ome” Singleton, married Sarah Lettie
Chrislip, Their children; 1)
Clara Jane, 2) Willie O., 3) Omar Newton, 4)
Ivy Myrtle, 5) Thaddias Frank,
6) Leo Dora, 7) Clarance Odell, 8) Ora Alice,
9) Eula Marquerite.
Clara Jane Singleton, married Max C. Berry
Willie O. Singleton, never married.
Omar Newton Singleton, married Zura Cutlip
Ivy Murtle Singleton, married E.M. Ramsgurg
Thaddias Frank Singleton, married Amanda Willims
Leo Dora Singleton,never married.
Clarence Odell Singleton, married Myrtle E. Dennison
Ora Alice Singleton, never married
Eula Marquerite Singleton, married James Lewis
Wines.
William Stanley Singleton, died at the age of 18 years and 9 months.
Asa Rush Singleton, married Dora T. Williams.
Their children; 1) Ethel M.,
2) Orvile B. “Tom”, 3) Eva G., 4) Fronia E.,
5) Forrest B., 6) Glen B., 7)
Ruby Ann.
Ethel M. Singleton, married Oscar Wine
Orville B. “Tom” Singleton, never married
Eva G. Singleton, married _____ Williams.
Fronia E. Singleton, married _____ Heater
Forrest B. Singleton, never married
Glen B. Singleton, never married
Ruby Ann Singleton, married Eugene Victor “Debbs”
Singleton
Samuel Clayton “Sambo” Singleton, married Rella
Conrad. Their children; 1)
Bertha, 2) William “Guy”, 3) infant not named.
Three children by Dora Bragg, 1) Laura Jane, 2)
Avis, 3) Samuel Arden
“Bud”.
~Elizabeth Shields~
1787 ~ 1855
She was the third child born to Peter and Rachel Shields in Hardy County, (w) Virginia. Elizabeth was about twent years of age when she arrived with her parents on Salt Lick Creek. At the age of thirty-one, Elizabeth became involved with a man by the name of William Casto. On July 29, 1818 Elizabeth agve birth to a son, she named him John Milton Shields. The following year, April 25, 1819, Elizabeth married in Lewis County, William Bosley. William had arrived on the creek from Washington City about two years earlier. The Bosleys settled on a farm adjoining the land of their father, Peter Shields. Here they raised a family of a least four known children. Peter Losson Bosley*, was their forst known child. peter Losson, was born October 25, 1824.
Elizabeth’s children were;
(1). John M.
b.c. 1816
m.Catherine -----
Known children of William H. and Elizabeth (Shields)
Bosley.
(1). Peter Losson
b. 1824
m.Malinda Shields
(2). William
b. 1825
m.Julianna -------
(3). James H.
b. 1827
Peter Shields cont
m.Caroline ------
(4). Carolyn
b. 1829
There must have been other children before 1824.
William Bosley proceded his wife in death, however, the date of his death in unknown. Elizabeth died at her home on Salt Lick, July 11, 1855, death resulting from an ulcer. The Bosleys are buried in the ld Bosley Cemetery across the creek from the Shields Cemetery in Braxton County. Peter Losson Bosley* married his first cousin, Melinda Shields. They lived throughout their lives in the Otter District of that county. They had a large family born to them in that area. Peter Losson was in the Confederate Army during the Civil War. John Milton Shields*, married Catherine Hefner in Braxton County, March 7, 1839. He was a prosperous farmer on Salt Lick Creek and also in the Otter District of that county. John and Catherine had a family of six children.
John Milton and Catherine’s children;
(1). Adam G.
b.c. 1840
(2). Martha A.
b.c. 1842
m.
Mr. Stout
(3). Elizabeth Jane
b.c. 1844
m. Mr. Riffle
(4). Jemima Flint
b.c. 1846
(5). James W.illiam
b.c. 1848
m. Mary L. Cutlip
(6). Samuel Stevenson
b.c. 1850
~John Shields~
1789 ~ 1878
The third son to Peter and Elizabeth Shield on their land grant in Hardy County, Virginia, John married Eda Hefner, who was born in 1792, perhaps in Harrison County, Virginia. They married about 1823 or 1824 in Lewis County, Virginia. Their first child, a son, was named Peter. It appears he was a favorite grandson of Peter Shields. In the last will of Peter Shields, he gives his grandson a horse and saddle. John and Eda Shields had eleven children born to them and all were born on Salt Lick Creek in Braxton County, Virginia. John Shields and his family lived on his father’s large farm on Salt Lick Creek andthey remained on this farm throughout their lifetime. Eda Shields died about 1862, however, John Shields, lived to a very old age, dying at age 89, May 28, 1878. Both Eda and John are buried in the old Shields Cemetery on Salt Lick Creek, Braxton County, (w) Virginia.
~Daniel Shields~
1796 ~ 1871
Daniel was the youngest son born to Peter and Elizabeth Shields at the junction of North Mill Creek and the south branch of the Potomac river in then Hardy County, Virginia. He was born in the year 1796, no complete date is known. Daniel was about sixteen years old when his father brought him to Salt Lick Creek inn now Braxton Country, Wv. At the age of twenty-one he married into the mills family as did his brother, Adam and his two younger sisters, Nancy and Ann. On August 7, 1820, Daniel married Elizabeth Mills in Lewis County, (w) Virginia. Elizabeth, was born about 1798 to John Mills and Agnus Graden who had come to Salt Lick from South Carolina. In 1824, Nancy Shields who had married Hirum Mills and owned one hundred acres of land which adjoined the land of Peter Shields, moved to Morgan County, Ohio. They deeded their land to daniel before leaving. From 1820 to 1832 Daniel and Elizabeth had given birth to seven children before the death of Daniel’s father. Their last child was born in 1835 making eight children born to Elizabeth before she died about 1836.
It is assumed that Daniel’s mother also died about the same time as his wife. After these two deaths. daniel became restless for new surroundings and perhaps also seeking a wife, Daniel set out for Ohio. Daniel left the six older children on the farm and took with him the two youngest sons (1840 Athens County, Ohio). These two sons would later serve in the Civil War (Union). The youngest of the two (Edward) would die at Chattanooga. The other son (Payton) would become a Union scout and spy. He was captured several times but found an escape. His last capture was at Vicksburg, but was freed by the Union forces. He and others were put on board the steam boat, Sultanna, to return them to the north. This steam boat met with disaster nearMemphis when its boilers exploded killing many men. Payton managed to survive.
Children of Daniel and Elizabeth (Mills) Shields.
(1). Lindsay B.
b. 1820 d.
1906
m.Sarah Shields
(2). William
b. 1822 d.
1882
m.Mary Ann Dolly
(3). Cassandra
b. 1825
m.William Arnold
(4). Rachel
b. 1827 d.
1858
m.Boon Dolly
(5). John
b. 1828 d.
1887
m.Cynthia Duval
(6). Allen
b. 1830 d.
1909
(7). Payton B.
b. 1832 d.
1908
m.Edith Myers
(8). Edward
b. 1835 d.
1864
(1). Lewis Daniel
b. 1849 d.
1927
m.Mary Jane Saffell
(2). Martha
b. 1851 d.
1907
m.Marion F. Nutter
~Lindsey B. Shields ~
1820 ~ 1906
Lindsey B. Shields was born in his father’s log home which was located at the junction of Grass Run and Salt Lick Creek, then in Lewis County, Virginia, May 16, 1820. When Lindsey was 25 years old, he married his first cousin Sahar Shields, who was the daughter of Peter Shields, Jr. and his wife Rachel. Lidsey and Sarah were married on November 5, 1845 in Braxton County. Sarah was born March 2, 1820. Lindsey B. Shields died July 20, 1906. He is burried in the Singleton Cemetery on Grass Run, Braxton County, West Virginia. Sarah Shields died April 28,1914. Sarah is burried in the Old Shields Cemetery on Grass on Salt Lick Creek.
Children of Lindsay and Sarah (Shields) Shields.
(1). Cassandra
b.c. 1846
(2). Payton
b.c. 1847
(3). Matilda
b.c. 1849
(4). Albert D.
b. 1870
(5). Elizabeth
b.c. 1852
(6). Lucy M.
b.c. 1856
(7). Rachel
b.c. 1848
(8). Amanda R.
b.c. 1859
(9). Martha A.
b.c. 1861
{Note:} Two of Lindsey and Sarah’s children will be mentioned. Little is known about the other children. It is known two of the children died by the year of 1900.
Payton Larwood Shields, second of Lindsey and Sarah, was born at the log house on Grass Run. He was born April 1, 1947. As he grew older, he learned the art of throwing his voice, known as ventriloquism. Payton followed his art throughout his lifetime. He always walked where ever he went carrying his dolls that he used to stage shows throughout West Virginia and Ohio.
Payton traveled to Hocking County, Ohio and resided there sence January 18, 1865. There he met and amrried Sarah A. Williamson, December 25, 1867. Payton was married three times, and by one of these, he had a son. Henry, born March 11, 1884. He married, and he and his wife Dora had several children. They lived on Sand Ridge in Athens County, Ohio. Payton, traveled back to West Virginia, about 1930. He died somewhere around Clarksburg, West Virginia about 1932 or 1933. Rachel Shields, was the eighth child born to Lindsey B. and Sarah on Grass Run. Rachel was born December 1, 1857. She married John W. Singleton, a widower. The first wife of John was Jemima Bosley, who died March 9, 1876. Rachel and John spent their lives on Grass Run, where 14 children were born.
Children of Rachel and John Singleton:
(1).Lindsey D.
b. March 19, 1878
(2) John Louis
b. September 18, 1880
(3) Etta M.
b. April 13, 1882
(4) Clara B.
b. September 24, 1884
(5) Charles
b. December 10, 1886
(6) Lilly
b. april 4, 1888
(7) Bertha
b. January 18, 1890
(8) Grover
b. June 17, 1891
(9) Ernie
b. January 18, 1893
(10) Burley
b. May 18, 1894
(11) Della
b. December 17, 1995
(12) Effa
b. June 15, 1897
(13) Lona
b. December 13, 1899
(14) Wade P.
b. June 17, 1901
Rachel died January 3, 1925, John died March 3,
1902.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~Daniel Shields~
{Remarries }
In the year of 1850, Daniel’s other children except the oldest son Lindsey B. Shields, was found living together in Ward Township, Hocking County, Ohio. Daniel had remarried and was linving next door to them. In Athens, Ohio, Daniel had remarried Ruhama Miers, December 9, 1847. Ruhama was born in 1812, Fairfield County, Ohio to John and Sarah (Nixon) Miers.
Daniel and Ruhama’s children were;
(1). Lewis Daniel
b. 1849 d.
1927
m.Mary Jane Saffell
(2). Martha
b. 1851 d.
1907
m.Marion F. Nutter
Daniel Shields died on his 157 acre farm inHocking
County, Ohio, on March 29, 1871. Rhuama died April 13, 1887. Both are burried
in the Shields/Miers family plot in New Straightsville, Ohio.
~Nancy Shields ~
1798 ~ 1874
Nancy was born to Peter and Elizabeth Shields, February 25, 1798 in Hardy County, (w) Virginia, She was about the age of 14 when her family moved to Salt Lick Creek in now Braxton County, West Virginia. Although there in no date for her marriage, she was married to Hirum Mills, born on 1784, perhaps in the state of South Carolina. About 1824, Nancy and Hirum left Salt Lick Creek for Morgan County, Ohio. Their farm was located in Union Township of that county where Hirum was a successful farmer. There was one child born before leaving Salt Lick Creek. A daughter named Elizabeth, born in 1821. However, they had several children, only four are definately found:
(1). Elizabeth
b. 1821 d.
1916
m.Thomas Barron
(2). William B.
b. 1823 d.
1905
(3). Cornelius
b. 1838 d.
1913
m.Savilla ------
(4). Rebecca
b. 1844 d.
1917
m.------- Stoneburner
Nancy died October 25, 1874, Hirum died June 25,
1865. Both are buried in the Christian Union Churchyard Cemetery, Portsmouth,
Ohio. Some of their children are also buried in this cemetery.
Nancy’s tombstone reads; she was aged 76yrs.,9
months, 3 days.
~Ann Shields ~
1801 ~ 1858
Ann was the last of eight children born to Peter and Elizabeth Shields. She was born in Hardy County, Virginia on her father’s land grant. The Mills family and the Shields family connection appears for the fourth time with the marriage of Ann Shields to Samuel Mills, September 22, 1817. Ann was then age 16 years old being born August 3, 1801. Samuel Mills was born January 1, 1792 being at that time age 25. Ann and Samuel had eleven children, three of which were corn on Salt Lick Creek, Braxton County, Virginia. About 1834 or 1824 Samuel and Ann joined Hirum and Nancy Mills on their migration to Ohio. Ann and Samuel did not remain in Morgan County as did Hirum and Nancy, however, they later moved into Hocking County, Ohio and remained in this county where several children were born. A short time after Adam Shields moved to Blackford County, Indiana in 1845, Samuel and Ann Mills followed Adam to this newly settled area of Indiana. They settled on a beautiful farmland in Washington Township of Blackford County. This land is now owned by the Townsend family. Ann Shields died March 23, 1858. Samuel Mills died February 28, 1863 Both Ann and Samuel are buried in the family plot located on the land they made their home.
Children of Samuel I. and Ann (Shields) Mills.
(1). Marvel
b. 1818 d.
1866
(2). John J.
b. 1822
(3). Thomas G.
b. 1823 d.
1877
m.Nancy Ann Lillibridge
(4). Mahala
b. 1825
(5). Elizabeth
b. 1827
(6). Allen
b. 1829
(7). Shepard
b. 1830 d.
1841
(8). Mary
b. 1832
(9). Blewford
b. 1833
(10). Agnes
b. 1835 d.
1840
(11). Samuel
b. 1837
~Adam Shields ~
1788 ~ 1878
Adam Shields, a son of Peter and Elizabeth (Singleton) Shields, was born in 1788 and died August 16, 1878. He married Martha Mills.
Children of Adam and Martha (Mills) Shields.
(1). Nancy
b. 1820
(2). Weeden H.
b. 1823 d.
1910
(3). Elzarah
b. 1825 d.
1913
m.Alvah Townsend
(3). Draper
b. 1827
m.Margaret Emily Lyon
(4). Larwood
b. 1828
(5). Mary
b. 1830
(6). Jackson
b. 1833
(7). Rachel
b. 1834
m.John Lillibridge
m.Francis Sloan
(8). Wilson
b. 1837 d.
1914
(9). Mahala
b. 1839
m.Eli Monthalm Elsey
DESCENDANTS OF PETER SHIELDS
PETER SHIELDS
Peter Shields was born in England in 1755 and died in Braxton County VA (WV) in October 1832. He came to America as a British soldier during the American Revolution. He deserted the British and served in the Continental Army.In return for his military service, Peter was granted 70 acres of land in Hardy County VA (WV) April 2, 1783. He married Elizabeth Singleton in Hardy County about 1783 and they lived there until they moved to present day Braxton County WV in 1807.Elizabeth died in Braxton County about 1837.
Children of Peter and Elizabeth (Singleton) Shields.
Margaret
b. 1793 d.Nov 14 1862
m.Daniel Conrad
Peter Jr.
b. 1784 d.
m.Rachel -------
Elizabeth
b. 1787 d.Jul 11 1855
m.William H. Bosley Apr 25 1819
Adam
b. 1788 d.Aug 16 1878
m.Martha Mills
John
b. 1789 d.May 28 1878
m.Edna Hefner
Daniel
b. 1796 d.Mar 29 1871
m.Elizabeth Mills Aug 7 1820
m.Ruhama Myers Dec 9 1847
Nancy
b. 1798 d.Oct 11 1874
m.Hiram Mills
Ann
b. 1801 d.Mar 23 1858
m.Samuel Mills Sep 22 1817
MARGARET SHIELDS
Margaret Shields, a daughter of Peter and Elizabeth (Singleton) Shields, was born in Hardy County VA (WV) in 1793 and died November 14, 1862. She married Daniel Conrad April 14, 1806. Daniel, a son of Jacob Jr. and Hannah (Bogard) Conrad, was born in Pendleton County VA (WV) in April 1781.
Children of Daniel and Margaret (Shields) Conrad.
Phillipina "Phoebe"
b. 1815 d.
1886
m.Alexander Skinner
Chrisman
b.c. 1812
m.Elizabeth Wine 1839
John B.
b.c. 1814
m.Mary "Polly" Mace
Lemuel
b.c. 1820
m.Ingry Shields 1843
PETER SHIELDS JR.
Peter Shields Jr., a son of Peter and Elizabeth (Singleton) Shields, was born in 1784. He married Rachel ------.
Children of Peter Jr. and Rachel Shields.
Sarah
b. 1820 d.
1914
m.Lindsay B. Shields
Nancy
Eleanor
m.John High
Elizabeth
b.c. 1827
m. Asa Brown Singleton
William
Matilda
m.Washington Pierce
Salathiel
m.Amanda ------
Margaret
b. 1839
ELIZABETH SHIELDS
Elizabeth Shields, a daughter of Peter and Elizabeth (Singleton) Shields, was born in Hardy County VA (WV) in 1787 and died in Braxton County VA (WV) July 11, 1855. She married William H. Bosley in Hardy County April 25, 1819. William died before 1850. Elizabeth is reported to have had a child before marriage.
Child of Elizabeth Shields and William Casto.
John M.
b.c. 1816
m.Catherine -----
Known children of William H. and Elizabeth (Shields)
Bosley.
Peter Losson
b. 1824
m.Malinda Shields
William
b. 1825
m.Julianna -------
James H.
b. 1827
m.Caroline ------
Carolyn
b. 1829
.ADAM SHIELDS
Adam Shields, a son of Peter and Elizabeth (Singleton) Shields, was born in 1788 and died August 16, 1878. He married Martha Mills.
Children of Adam and Martha (Mills) Shields.
Nancy
b. 1820
Weeden H.
b. 1823 d.
1910
Elzarah
b. 1825 d.
1913
m.Alvah Townsend
Draper
b. 1827
m.Margaret Emily Lyon
Larwood
b. 1828
Mary
b. 1830
Jackson
b. 1833
Rachel
b. 1834
m.John Lillibridge
m.Francis Sloan
Wilson
b. 1837 d.
1914
Mahala
b. 1839
m.Eli Monthalm Elsey
JOHN SHIELDS
John Shields, a son of Peter and Elizabeth (Singleton) Shields, was born in Hardy County VA (WV) in 1789 and died in Braxton County WV May 28, 1878. He married Edna Hefner in Hardy County about 1820. Edna was born in VA about 1811.
Children of John and Edna (Hefner) Shields.
Peter
b.c. 1825
m.Margaret Roush
Nancy
b.c. 1826
Margaret
b.c. 1828
Matilda
b.c. 1831
Edward Stewart
b.c. 1834
Mary "Polly"
b.c. 1836
ames M.
b.c. 1839
m.Margaret Cline
Cassandra
b.c. 1844
m.Joseph H. Taylor
Perry
b.c. 1842
Elizabeth
b.c. 1844
John
b.c. 1847
DANIEL SHIELDS
Daniel Shields, a son of Peter and Elizabeth (Singleton) Shields, was born in 1796 and died March 29, 1871. He married Elizabeth Mills, August 7, 1820. Elizabeth was born in 1799 and died in 1836. Daniel married Ruhama Myers December 9, 1847. Rhama was born in 1812 and died in 1887.
Children of Daniel and Elizabeth (Mills) Shields.
Lindsay B.
b. 1820 d.
1906
m.Sarah Shields
William
b. 1822 d.
1882
m.Mary Ann Dolly
Cassandra
b. 1825
m.William Arnold
Rachel
b. 1827 d.
1858
m.Boon Dolly
John
b. 1828 d.
1887
m.Cynthia Duval
Allen
b. 1830 d.
1909
Payton B.
b. 1832 d.
1908
m.Edith Myers
Edward
b. 1835 d.
1864
Children of Daniel and Ruhama (Myers) Shields.
Lewis Daniel
b. 1849 d.
1927
m.Mary Jane Saffell
Martha
b. 1851 d.
1907
m.Marion F. Nutter
NANCY SHIELDS
Nancy Shields, a daughter of Peter and Elizabeth (Singleton) Shields, was born in 1798 and died October 11, 1874. She married Hiram Mills. Hiram was born in 1784 and died in 1865.
Children of Hiram and Nancy (Shields) Mills.
Elizabeth
b. 1821 d.
1916
m.Thomas Barron
William B.
b. 1823 d.
1905
Cornelius
b. 1838 d.
1913
m.Savilla ------
Rebecca
b. 1844 d.
1917
m.------- Stoneburner
ANN SHIELDS
Ann Shields, a daughter of Peter and Elizabeth (Singleton) Shields, was born in 1801 and died March 23, 1858. She married Samuel I. Mills. Samuel was born in 1792 and died in 1863.
Children of Samuel I. and Ann (Shields) Mills.
Marvel
b. 1818 d.
1866
John J.
b. 1822
Thomas G.
b. 1823 d.
1877
m.Nancy Ann Lillibridge
Mahala
b. 1825
Elizabeth
b. 1827
Allen
b. 1829
Shepard
b. 1830 d.
1841
Mary
b. 1832
Blewford
b. 1833
Agnes
b. 1835 d.
1840
Samuel
b. 1837
JOHN M. SHIELDS
John M. Shields, a son of Elizabeth Shields and William Casto, was born about 1816. He married Catherine -----. Catherine was born in VA about 1817.
Children of John M. and Catherine Shields.
Adam G.
b.c. 1840
Martha A.
b.c. 1842
Elizabeth Jane
b.c. 1844
Jemima C.
b.c. 1846
ames W.
b.c. 1848
.ELZARAH SHIELDS
Elzarah Shields, a daughter of Adam and Martha (Mills) Shields, was born in 1825 and died in 1913. She married Alvah Townsend. Alvah was born in 1831 and died in 1909.
Children of Alvah and Elzarah (Shields) Townsend.
Elijah
b. 1851
m.Rachel Ann Farmer
Elmira
b. 1852
Andrew J.
b. 1854
George W.
b. 1855
Jane
b. 1857
Martha
b. 1858
Armanda
b. 1861
Samuel
b. 1862
Minerva
b. 1864
Wilson
b. 1868
Nellie
b. 1873
MARY "POLLY" SHIELDS
Mary "Polly" Shields, a daughter of John and Edna (Hefner) Shields, was born in Braxton County VA (WV) in 1836. She married a widower, French Floweree Singleton. French, a son of John French and Lucinda (Byrne) Singleton, was born in 1822. Children of French Floweree and Mary "Polly" (Shields) Singlton.
Sarah J.
b.c. 1860
John
b.c. 1863
Cassandra
b.c. 1865
Lucy
b.c. 1867
William
b.c. 1869
LINDSAY B. SHIELDS
Lindsay B. Shields, a son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Mills) Shields, was born in 1820 and died in Braxton County WV in 1906. He married Sarah Shields. Sarah, a daughter of Peter Jr. and Rachel Shields, was born in 1820 and died in Braxton County in 1914.
Children of Lindsay and Sarah (Shields) Shields.
Cassandra
b.c. 1846
Peyton
b.c. 1847
Matilda
b.c. 1849
Albert D.
b. 1870
Elizabeth
b.c. 1852
Lucy M.
b.c. 1856
Rachel
b.c. 1848
Amanda R.
b.c. 1859
Martha A.
b.c. 1861
LEWIS DANIEL SHIELDS
Lewis Daniel Shields, a son of Daniel and Ruhama (Myers) Shields, was born in 1849 and died in 1927. He married Mary Jane Saffell.
Children of Lewis Daniel and Mary Jane (Saffell) Shields.
Charles Clarence
b. 1880 d.
1953
m.Lucy Mae Weiner
CHARLES CLARENCE SHIELDS
Charles Clarence Shields, a son of Lewis Daniel and Mary Jane (Saffell) Shields, was born in 1880 and died in1953. He married Lucy Mae Weiner.
Children of Charles Clarence and Lucy May (Weiner) Shields.
Mary Elizabeth
b. 1902 d.
1904
Margaret Gertrude
b. 1902 d.
1952
m.George Keeton
John Lewis
b. 1907 d.
1969
m.Eileen W. Hickel
Charles Raymond
b. 1909 d.
1976
m.Emma Steele
Paul Francis
b. 1911 d.
1931
Lawrence Andrew
b. 1915
m.Gertrude Bertha Labelle
LAWRENCE ANDREW SHIELDS
Lawrence Andrew Shields, a son of Charles Clarence and Lucy May (Weiner) Shields, was born in 1915. He married Gertrude Bertha Labelle. Gertrude was born in 1922.
Children of Lawrence andrew and Gertrude Bertha (Labelle) Shields.
Lawrence Andrew
b. 1942
m.Jacqueline Kincaid
Brenda Louise
b. 1944
m.John Edward Shawen
Carolyn Marie
b. 1947
m.Robert L. Walker
Gregory Paul
b. 1951
Timothy Patrick
b. 1959
m.Tara Tobias