Shiels, John

Person

Shiels, John

1835?-

The son of William and Elizabeth (Montgomery) Shiels, John Shiels was born in Prescott, Canada, April 29, 1835, and until he was about fourteen years of age he received educational advantages provided by private schools in the vicinity of his home. It was about this time, 1849, that the home of the family was transferred to Maitland, Ontario, and there he worked on a farm for about a year and half. During this time he decided to learn the tinsmith's trade, and for that purpose went to Kingston and apprenticed himself under a reliable instructor. Having completed his apprenticeship he worked at his trade independently at Kingston for about nine years. Shiels operated a store at 32 King Street from 1862 to1873, and lived at the same address. While in Kingaton John Shiels married Emily Woods, and five children were born to them. In 1873 there is notice of a Bankrupt Stock Sale by tender under the Insolvency Act of 1869. After the failure of his business Shiels appears to have worked around town as a tinsmith up until 1883 when he leaves for Riverside, California.
Shiels' identification with the city of Riverside began on March 1, 1883, where, with limited capital, he established the nucleus of the business which was carried on under his name for over a quarter of a century. His shop was first located on Main street near Ninth, his attention then being confined almost exclusively to the tinsmith's trade, but gradually he added plumbing to his original business. Since 1891 business has been located at Tenth and Market streets. From 1888 until the death of John Shiels, October 25, 1911, the business was carried on under the name of John Shiels & Sons, but the firm name is now Shiels Brothers. Emily Woods Shiels passed away June 16, 1904.

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