Biographical Sketch by Audrey (Shields) Hancock

ISAAC SHIELDS was s/o Patrick Shields, an Irish immigrant who came with his parents and siblings, and Patrick's 1st wife, Mary Fogle. Isaac married Elizabeth Rust, daughter of George Rust and Anna (nee Rust) Rust. They were married by Jeremiah K. Blackford on 19 Feb 1828 Preble County, Ohio.

Isaac was enumerated in the 1830 Census as residing in Monroe Township, Preble County, Ohio. By 1 June 1840 he (likely a farmer), his wife and family of five children had relocated to Darke County, Ohio and living in Van Buren Township.

In 1850 they again were enumerated as in Van Buren Township where Isaac owned real estate valued at $1450. Isaac was listed as a farmer as were two of their eldest sons (Abraham & Patrick). They were the parents of 9 children listed as Abraham, Patrick, Mary, Matilda, George, William, Isaac, Sarah Jane, and baby Elizabeth.

By 1860 some of the children have married and left the family home still located in Van Buren Township. Real estate value was listed at $95,650 and personal property at $1,800. The family consisted of Isaac (given as born in Butler Co., OH), a farmer; wife, Elizabeth (born in Virginia); William (farmer); son, Isaac (farmer); Mary Jane (likely Sarah Jane in 1850), Isabella, & Alfred. It appears baby Elizabeth of 1850 was perhaps deceased.

In 1870 Census of Van Buren Township, Darke County, Ohio, Isaac and Elizabeth had only one son (Alfred) living at home. Isaac & Alfred were listed as born in Ohio while Elizabeth is listed as born now in West Virginia. Their real estate was valued at $30,820 and personal property at $1158.

Isaac Shields died 5 July 1873 likely in Van Buren Township, Darke County, Ohio. His wife, Elizabeth Rust, died 20 April 1880 likely in Van Buren Township, Darke County, Ohio. Both are buried in the Abbottsville Cemetery in Van Buren Township, Darke County, Ohio.

They were the parents of at least 11 known children: Abraham, Patrick S., Mary Ann, Matilda, George William, William, Isaac M., Sarah Jane, Elizabeth, Isabella, & Alfred E. Shields. There appears to have been a set of twins who died in infancy according to some researchers, and perhaps others. If so, they perhaps were born between 1840-1846 or 1850-1854 where there appear gaps in child bearing and births.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Large gravestone photo was courtesy of William Courtney 29 June 2013. Thank you, William "Bill" Courtney.