My Genealogy Hound

John W. Shields was born two miles north of South West City, Mo., on November 14, 1856, and is a son of George R. Shields, a resident of McDonald County. The latter was born in East Tennessee, and came to McDonald County in 1846. John W. Shields received a good education in the common schools of South West City. For two years he taught school, two terms of which was in South West City. In August, 1880, he located at Saratoga Springs, Mo., and established a general merchandise store, which he conducted at that place until October, 1887, when he removed his goods to South West City. While in the former place he served four years as postmaster, and in 1888 he was commissioned postmaster of South West City, which position he fills in connection with managing his store. He carries a $2,500 stock of general merchandise, and his sales, which are steadily increasing, amount to $6,000 annually. His marriage with Lulie M. Riggs was solemnized on October 14, 1880, and to them have been born four children, two of whom, Floyd and Evert, are living. Mrs. Shields is a daughter of Ninian Riggs, of Saratoga Springs, Mo. Both Mr. and Mrs. Shields are devout Christians, and members of the Baptist Church. Mr. Shields is an earnest Sunday-school worker, and is superintendent of the Union Sunday-school at this place. For the past four years he has been a notary public.