John C. Shields
| John C. Shields | |
|---|---|
| Chief Justice, Arizona Territorial Supreme Court | |
|
In office November 9, 1885 – June 7, 1886 |
|
| Nominated by | Grover Cleveland |
| Preceded by | Sumner Howard |
| Succeeded by | James Henry Wright |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
January 21, 1848 Livingston County, Michigan |
| Died | May 2, 1892 (aged 44) Fowlerville, Michigan |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse(s) | Nellie Stanbaugh (m. 1875) |
| Profession | Attorney |
John Calhoun Shields (January 21, 1848 – c. May 2, 1892) was an American jurist who served as Chief Justice of the Arizona Territorial Supreme Court. Granted a recess appointment by President Grover Cleveland, he is the only nominee to the Arizona territorial bench who was denied senate confirmation.
Shields was born on January 21, 1848 to John and Elizabeth (McCabe) Shields in Livingston County, Michigan. Both of his parents were Irish immigrants. He was educated in public schools and graduated from normal school at age 17. For the next four years, Shields taught at a school. In 1869, he was admitted to the Michigan bar. He then enrolled at the University of Michigan and graduated with a law degree in 1872.
Following graduation, Shields practiced law with his brother, Dennis, in Howell. He moved to Lansing in late 1874 or early 1875. In 1875, Shields married Nellie Stanbaugh. Shields moved to Alpena and formed a partnership with J. T. Turnbull in 1885.
The post of Chief Justice of the Arizona Territorial Supreme Court was filled in March 1884 by Sumner Howard, an appointee of President Chester A. Arthur. With the election of President Grover Cleveland, Howard sensed he was about to be removed and resigned in October 1885 to ease the appointment of Shields to the Arizona bench. On October 23, 1885, President Cleveland appointed Shields as Chief Justice of the Arizona Territorial Supreme Court. One of the most intellectual men to preside on the territorial bench, Shields took his oath of office on November 9, 1885 in Prescott, Arizona Territory. There was a district court session already in progress when the new justice took office, and a session of the territorial supreme court scheduled for January. Shortly after his arrival, Shields requested a leave of absence following the January session to "close up my business" back in Michigan.
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