Historical Profile
James Shields is no longer an active U.S. Senator. The information below reflects their most recent term.
James Shields
Former U.S. Senator for Missouri
Biography
James Shields (died 1879) was an American politician who represented Illinois, Minnesota, and Missouri in the United States Senate across 3 separate periods of service between 1849 and 1879, between the 31st and 45th Congresses. Shields served as a Democrat. Shields is one of the few Americans to have represented more than one state in the Senate. Shields died on June 1, 1879.
Key Information
- Full Name: James Shields
- Died: June 1, 1879
- Term Started: January 27, 1879
- Term Ended: March 3, 1879
Service History
- Oct 27, 1849 – Mar 3, 1855 31st–33rd Congresses Democrat Illinois
- May 11, 1858 – Mar 3, 1859 35th Congress Democrat Minnesota
- Jan 27, 1879 – Mar 3, 1879 45th Congress Democrat Missouri
Service dates from the official U.S. Senate historical roster. For senators who changed party affiliation during their service, the party shown for each period is approximate.
Current Senators from Missouri
Served With
Senators who represented the same state during Shields's service:
- Stephen Douglas (IL) 1849–1855
- Henry Rice (MN) 1858–1859
- Francis Cockrell (MO) 1879