Robert L. Shields 
Robert L. was born about 1797. Robert L.'s father was William L., Sr. Shields and his mother was Nancy Elizabeth Nash. He had four brothers and three sisters, named D. W., John, William L., Jr., Thomas, Susan C., Jane and Mary L. "Betsy". He died on January 19th, 1825 in Paris, Bourbon Co., Kentucky.General Notes
On 10 May 1824 at Paris, Bourbon Co., Kentucky, Robert L. and David W.
were accused of murdering James McCormick.
On 9 June 1824 at Paris, Bourbon Co., Kentucky, an article appeared in
The Weekly Maysville Eagle Newspaper, Mason Co., Ky and contained; "We
learn from Paris, that after upwards of a hundred persons had been
summoned in the case of the Commonwealth vs Shields, a jury was finally
obtained on Thursday last. From the majority of the evidence given to the
jury, there appears to be no doubt of their conviction.
On 16 June 1824 at Paris, Bourbon Co., Kentucky, an article appeared in
The Weekly Maysville Eagle Newspaper, Mason Co., Ky and contained;
"Contrary to the impression of every spectator who heard the evidence on
the trial of the Shields, in Bourbon circuit, they have been pronounced
"not guilty" by the jury. Out of respect for the great palladuin of
personal liberty, (the trial by jury), induces us to further argument.
Such, however, is the strength of public feeling in Bourbon, that on
Friday night last, the juriest were buried in effegy, and the "Rouges
March" beat over the grave.
On 24 June 1824 at Paris, Bourbon Co., Kentucky, an article from the
Maysville Eagle Newspaper, Mason Co., Ky contained; "Paris Union Lodge
No. 16, June 24, 1924, Whereas Robert L. Shields an entered apprentice of
said lodge, having unanimously been found builty of gross unmasonic
conduct in the murder of James McCormick it is resolved that the said
Robert Shields be and is hereby totally expelled from all the privileges
of the order.
Said Robert L. Shields is aged about 27 years, 5 ft. 10 or 11 inches
high, florid complexion, dark brown hair and dark eyes, one of his fore
teeth out and weighs about 170 pounds.
On 26 January 1825 at Paris, Bourbon Co., Kentucky, an article appeared
in The Weekly Maysville Eagle Newspaper, Mason Co., Ky and contained; "On
Wednesday night last (says Paris Citizen) between 7 and 8 o'clock Robert
Shields who was tried for the murder of James McCormick at the last May
term, while employed in sawing plank at the saw mill of his father on
Stoner, a few miles above this place, was shot by some person unknown and
died instantly. Three balls entered his head and four his body.
Page last modified