Shields, James

Shields, James, a Presbyterian minister, was born in Pittsburgh, Pa., Dec. 11, 1812. He graduated at the Western University of Pennsylvania, at Pittsburgh, in 1830, studied theology four years under the instruction of Revs. Mungo Dick and John Pressly, D.D., was licensed April 2, 1834, by the Associate Reformed Presbytery of Monongahela, and ordained in 1835 as pastor of the congregations of Fermanagh and Tuscarora, Juniata County, Pa. Here he labored with varied success until the spring of 1859, when, on account of failing health, he ceased to preach in the Tuscarora branch of his charge, and gave all his time to the Fermanagh congregation. He died Aug. 19, 1862. Mr. Shields possessed a mind of more than ordinary power, and his exercises were always of a high order. See Wilson, Presb. Hist. Almanac, 1864, p. 354. (J.L.S.)