Prominent among the comparatively young men of Concordia parish, La., whose career thus far has been both honorable and successful, is Wilmer H. Shields, district clerk, Vidalia. He was born in Adams county, Miss., in 1849, and his parents, Gabriel Benoist and Catherine (Surget) Shields, were natives also of that state, ... Wilmer H. Shields was one of fourteen children, seven of whom are now living: ... [he] was educated in Brussels and other places in Europe, and at Washington university. He then followed civil engineering for the Chesapeake & Ohio and Texas & Pacific railroads until his marriage in 1876 to Miss Evy. H. Tucker, the daughter of the distinguished statesman and lawyer, Hon. J. Randolph Tucker, one of Virginia's noblest sons. ... After his marriage Mr. Shields engaged in planting, and since 1881 has resided in Concordia parish where he has a fine plantation. He was for a number of years a member of the Fifth district Louisiana levee board, and for three years has been district clerk. He is held in the highest respect by all for his sterling integrity, sober, sound judgment, broad intelligence and liberal, progressive ideas. Socially he is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Knights of Honor. He is a member of the Episcopal and his wife a member of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Shields belongs to four of as prominent families as are connected with the early history of Adams county, Miss.: The Shieldses, noted for their general prominence; the Surgets, for their great financial ability and activity, and the two Dunbar families, both of whom are distinguished for talent generosity, kindness, etc.
