Frank (Francis) Shields

Francis (Frank) was born to Hugh Shields and Mary Ellen Shields (nee Condon) on 22nd December 1879. His birth was registered in the Blackfriars District. The address of his place of birth was 33 Trongate Glasgow. This would be the same address that his wife would be born at, which was the 3rd April 1883. Were their families living in the same tenement block, being neighbours?

Hugh and Mary Ellen’s wedding was recorded as being on 6th December 1878, one year before the birth of Francis (Frank).

On the 2nd January 1905 Frank married Sarah Shields (nee McGuire) Often Public Holidays were a popular time for weddings due to guests being available. The couple married in St Andrew’s Cathedral Glasgow. Their witnesses were Henry Shields and Mary McDevitt. Frank’s occupation was recorded as a Tinsmith (Journeyman). He was possibly 24 years old and living at 22 St Andrew’s Street Glasgow. His father’s details were given as Hugh Shields (Caretaker). Frank’s mother was recorded as Mary Ellen Shields (nee Condon).

Sarah’s was also possibly 24 years old at the time of her wedding but the writing is unclear. Her address was given as 20 Steel Street Glasgow. Sarah’s father was recorded as Thomas McGuire. His occupation was a Farmer. Sarah’s mother was recorded as Catherine McGuire (nee Malaghan/Malligan/Mulligan) The writing on Sarah’s birth and wedding certificates had unclear writing of her mother’s maiden name. Her mother Catherine signed Sarah’s birth certificate with X Her Mark. Thomas and Catherine were married in Belfast Ireland and possibly the Irish accent was not understood very well in Glasgow at the time of Sarah’s birth or wedding. Sadly Sarah’s mum was deceased at the time of her wedding.

On the 1911 Census it has Frank and Sarah living at 11 Waddell Street Glasgow. They now have three children. Hugh 5 years old, Catherine junior 2 years old and Mary Ellen (less than six months old). Also living with them at the time of the Census is a Francis John McGuire aged 25 years and his occupation is given as a Boiler Maker, Labourer Engineers. He is recorded as being a Brother to the Head of the Household old but this is most likely a Brother-in-law, as McGuire is Sarah’s maiden name. Everyone in the house is recorded as being born in the Lanarkshire area. Frank Shields is the Head of the House aged 31 years. His occupation is a Storeman, Motor Garage Shop. Sarah Shields is recorded as being 27 years old, so therefore they could not have both been 24 years old in 1905 at their wedding. Sarah’s birth was recorded in 1883, so this would make her 22 years old at her wedding. As the 1911 Census has Frank four years older than Sarah, his age at their wedding would be 26 years old. This is correct with his birth being registered in 1879.

When Sarah dies in 1954, her death certificate does not say that she is a Widow. So, Frank must still be alive.
There are no death records to be found for him in Scotland. Did he move and die in another area?