Grandma Mary Anna Shield's father Union was b in Olney, Richland Co., Illinois, Jan 1, 1854. No one knew much about his family history. There were family stories but not many proven facts. Finally Union was found in an 1860 census, staying in the household of J C Stewert. Other siblings were then found the same year in different households. Thomas M in the home of a relative, Samuel Colburn. He later served in the Il. 6th Calvary he attained the rank Captain. John in the household of Benjamin Ulem, He also served in the Il. 6th Calvary. Albert was in the houshold of Marcus Walker, He too joined the Il. army. Albert was a law man in LA and died in Monrovia. Cal. More and more information was found, the parents of the orphans was supposed to be Willaim Shieds and Hannah Ward. What happened to William and Hannah? Did they actually die leaving all the children orphaned? If any one knows the answer to this puzzle please let me know. I will share all I have on the Shields.