Shields

(from Beers)

John S. Shields (1825–) was born in Berwickshire, Scotland. He attended school until he was 12 years old, then was obliged to help support the family, his father not being in good health. John’s first wages were three pounds per year. After his father’s death in 1850, he took on full responsibility for his mother (1807–1900) and several siblings.

John was a lover of freedom of thought and action. His landlord would do nothing to assist his tenants in any way. Instead he did all he could to discourage and embarrass them, for example tearing up roadways through their farmland. It was on account of the desire for freedom and to get away from the abuses of landlordism that he left to find a new home and peace in Canada.

In 1854, John disposed of his stock and grain, left enough money with his family until he could send for them, and sailed from Glasgow on the Elizabeth. In Upper Canada he worked on the railroad and then farmed. By 1855 he purchased property in Mosa Twp., Middesex County, built a log cabin and sent for his family.

John S. Shields married Mary Campbell (–1889) in 1857. With her he had ten children, four of whom died of diphtheria. After these children died, the family moved to Warwick Twp., Lot 28, Con. 2 NER. He built a brick house, added some outbuildings and bought more property with a maple grove. He manufactured maple syrup even after he retired from farming.

Chapter 24 of 25 - Shields Family

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