Major William Shields

Burial record:

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/119827811/william-shields

s/o William Shields

William sailed with his family for America 26 July 1737 on a sloop commanded by Captain Alexander Smith. His father William and brother Robert died en route and were buried at sea.

William is known to have lived in Cecil Co., MD for several years before arriving in 1748 in the Appalachian foothills of what is now Frederick Co., MD, near the present town of Emmitsburg. William purchased from Samuel Emmit 29 Sept 1787 106 acres of land, west and adjoining the west end of Emmitsburg, he continued the town and named it Shields' Addition. He established himself as a surveyor, married, raised 11 children and ultimately became one of the town's more prominent landowners. With his brother-in-law Samuel Emmit, he is credited with the founding of the town of Emmitsburg.

William actively supported the Colonies' cause. In 1775, he formed the Second Frederick County Militia Company at Emmitsburg. In 1776, Capt. William Shields' company was assimilated into the Third Battalion of the Maryland Militia under the command of Col. Jacob Good. William was promoted to second major. William's son John was an ensign in his father's company.

"Became Riffle Road leading from St. Mary's College to PA. The acreage was enlarged by means of a resurvey in 1751, and in 1767 William Elder transferred a part of it to William Shields, a Presbyterian. Shields in 1775 surveyed the land into 404 acres and called it "Shields Adventure."

There were 4 military companies raised in Frederick Co., MD in 1775 - Second at Emmitsburg, MD - Capt. W. Shields; 1st Lieutenant John Faire; 2nd Lieutenant Michael Hockensmith; Ensign John Shields; Sergeants Charles Robinson, James Shields, Patrick Haney, Robert Brown; Corporals Moses Kennedy, John Hanks, John Long, Thomas Baird; 52 Privates.

Will dated 30 Nov 1789.

• m 25 Apr 1754 Frederick Co., MD
• Jane Williams

They had 11 children - all born at the family plantation south and west of the town of Emmitsburg -

• John,
• James,
• Henry Woods,
• William [III],
• Samuel,
• Agnes,
• David,
• Banner,
• Mary,
• Ebenezer,
• Margaret

ref: History of Frederick Co., MD pg C/S: IC K:277; History of Emmitsburg, MD 1906

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William lived at Emmitsburg, Frederick County, Maryland