Shields Family Collection

Collection

Identifier: 130-79-2

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The collection consists of original autograph letters and their transcriptions, a journal, miscellaneous legal documents, and newspaper clippings. Although personal correspondence constitutes the bulk of the collection, it also contains other papers of interest. These include military bonus applications, school workbooks, Sunday school attendance records, and affidavits of political appointments to local offices. The personal correspondence includes letters from lumber camps and oil fields as well as letters and relatives discussing homesteading in Iowa. Most correspondence is in good condition and legible. The journal is written in pencil and in fragile condition, most entries are of financial nature.

Dates

1827 - 1895

Conditions Governing Use

The items in this collection are protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use these items in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. In addition, no permission is required from the rights-holder(s) for educational uses. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).

See In Copyright-Educational Use Permitted on RightsStatements.org for more infomation.

The Slippery Rock University Archives assumes no responsibility for copyright infringement by users. Contact the Archives at rockarchives@sru.edu for more information.

Biographical / Historical

James Shields was a former Calvary Corporal who served during the American Revolutionary War. He became one of the first settlers of what is now known as Forestville, Mercer Township, Butler County in 1797. This small collection was generated by his wife, Priscilla, and son, James. James Shields Jr. was a storekeeper, farmer, and allegedly temporarily a spy among the Native Americans during the War of 1812.

Extent

8 Folders

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Physical Location

This item is located in a shared box for smaller collections in RG 130.

Custodial History

Donald Shields Kelly was instrumental in the establishment of the Local History Archives and at the time of the donation of these records, was an Associate Professor of History at Slippery Rock University. He was a maternal descendent of James S. Shields, II, whose papers comprise the bulk of this collection.