John Shields
John Shields (1769-1809) was born in Rockingham County, Virginia. The family moved to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, in 1784, and Shields was in Kentucky by the 1790s. He lived in Jefferson County and at the time he was recruited by Clark for the expedition, he was living in West Point in Hardin County. Although married, he was recruited not only for his hunting ability but for his blacksmithing and gunsmithing skills. He was praised by Lewis and Clark for his contributions to the success of the expedition. He moved to Harrison County, Indiana, after his return and was active in local politics and served as a militia captain.
