SHIELDS, JAMES
\ʃˈiːldz], \ʃˈiːldz], \ʃ_ˈiː_l_d_z]\
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(1810-1879), soldier, came to the United States from Ireland in 1826, and was a member of the Illinois Legislature in 1836. He was Commissioner of the General Land Office from 1845 to 1847. He commanded a brigade during the Mexican War, gaining distinction at Cerro Gordo and Chapultepec. He represented Illinois in the U.S. Senate as a Democrat from 1849 to 1855. He commanded a division in General Banks' army and gained a victory at Winchester in 1862, but was defeated at Port Republic by General Jackson.
By John Franklin Jameson