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Harper's Encyclopedia of United States History (ed. Benson Lossing), Shields, James 1810-1879 (search)
ates in 1826, and began the practice of law in Kaskaskia, Ill., in 1832. He held a seat in the legislature in 1836; was State auditor in 1839, and judge of the Supreme Court in 1843. In 1845 he was commissioner of the general land office; and when the war with Mexico began President Polk commissioned him a brigadier-general, United States army (1847). In two battles he was severely wounded. He was appointed governor of Oregon Territory in 1848. This office he soon resigned, and from 1849 to 1855 he represented Illinois in the United States Senate. He aferwards resided in Minnesota, and was United States Senator from that State from 1858 to 1860, and then went to California. In August, 1861, he was made brigadier-general of volunteers, and performed gallant services in the Shenandoah Valley, receiving a severe wound in the battle of Kernstown. He resigned his commission in March, 1863, and afterwards held several public offices in Missouri. He died in Ottumwa, Ia., June 1, 1879.