Hugh Shields

Hugh Shields married Mary Helen/Ellen (known as Nellie) Condon at St Andrew’s Chapel, Great Clyde Street, Glasgow on the 6th December 1878. Hugh is recorded as being a Batchelor. His occupation was given as a Shoemaker (Journeyman).
Mary Helen was recorded as Mary H. Condon. Her occupation was given as a Tailoress. She was a Spinster.
Hugh was 20 years old and Mary Helen/Ellen was 18 years old.
Their addresses were the same, 85 Trongate, Glasgow.
Their parents were Hugh Shields senior a Shoemaker (Master) and Catherine Shields (nee Graham).
Mary Helen/Ellen’s father was William Condon a Tobacco Spinner (Journeyman) and Mary Ann Condon (nee Lane).
Their witnesses were John Condon and Catherine Bell. Catherine signed her name with X her mark.
Mary Helen/Ellen also signed X her mark.

In the 1881 Census we have Hugh senior and Mary Ellen living at 29 St Andrew’s Square. Hugh is 24 years old and recorded as a Slippermaker. Mary Ellen is 20 years old and she is recorded as a Vest Maker.
They have two sons at this point. Francis who is one year old and Hugh junior just one month old.
Also living with them was a Boarder by the name of Joseph Bell. He was 80 years old and had been born in Ireland, as was Hugh senior and Mary Ellen. Both their sons were born in the Lanarkshire area as it was then.
Joseph Bell’s occupation was given as a Tobacco Spinner.

Ten years later in the 1891 Census, the family are living at 34 St Andrew’s Street, in the Blackfriars District. The new additions to the family are Henry six years old and James three years old. Francis, Hugh junior and Henry are all attending school.

In the 1901 Census it has Hugh Shields as Head of the House, age 43 years and his occupation is a Warehouse Porter. Mary Ellen Shields (nee Condon) is now 40 years old. Both are recorded as being born in Ireland and married. Their son Francis is now 24 years old and is Single but working as an apprentice Tinsmith (metal worker). Francis is recorded as being born in Lanarkshire Scotland. Hugh junior is now 20 years old and also Single. His occupation is an apprentice Shoemaker. His birth is recorded in Lanarkshire. Henry Is 16 years old, Single and working as a Drapers Assistant. His birth is recorded in Lanarkshire. James is 13 years old and still a Scholar. His birth is recorded in Lanarkshire. The family address in 1901 is 34 St Andrew’s Square, Glasgow.

On Hugh seniors death certificate, in 1912, it states that both his mother Catherine (maiden name Graham) and his father Hugh were deceased at that time. Hugh’s father’s occupation was given as Slippermaker. The cause of death was given as Broncho Pneumonia (1 month). His widow was Mary Ellen Shields (maiden name Condon). Hugh’s occupation was listed as Motor Warehouseman. His death certificate was signed by his son, Hugh junior. (The third Hugh in the family).

Also living in at the same address in the 1901 Census was Henry Condon, listed as Head of the House, so Henry must have been in a different flat within the block of tenements. Henry Condon was Mary Ellen Shields (nee Condon) brother. His occupation was listed as Opticians Porter. His age was given as 36 years. Also at this address was his mother, Mary Ann Condon (nee Lane). Her occupation was given as Tailoress. Her age was 65 years. Also living with them was Elizabeth McDermott (nee Condon) sister to both Henry and Mary Ellen. She is recorded as being 38 years old. Her occupation is a Tailoress. She is recorded as being married to Jack McDermott, age 39 years, occupation, a Wood Machineman. Born in Ireland. He is recorded as being the brother in law to the Head of the House, Henry.

Other members of the Condon Family are recorded in the 1901 Census as living at 27 Parkhouse Lane, Glasgow. This is the family of John Condon, the brother to Mary Ellen, Henry and Elizabeth. At Parkhouse Lane it is John’s widow, Rose Ann Condon (nee Mulvey), their two daughters and Rose Ann’s parents, John Mulvey and Mary Mulvey, both 69 years old. John Mulvey was recorded as being born in Lanarkshire and a Shoemaker. Own Account. Working At Home. This meant he had his own business. His wife Mary was recorded as being a Shoe Fringer but a Worker (employed not an employer) At Home. She too was born in Lanarkshire.