Kingston in Bartow County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
Melvinia Shields
1844-1938
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 11, 2021
1. Melvinia Shields Marker
This memorial marks the grave of Melvinia “Mattie” Shields McGruder.
She was born a slave in South Carolina in 1844. At age 8 she was brought to the Shields farm near what is now Rex, Clayton County Georgia, in the late 19th century.
She moved to Kingston to be near her people. Her family would endure a five-generation journey that began in oppression and would lead her descendent to become First Lady of the United States of America
Melvinia's story is one of hope. A member of Queen Chapel Methodist Church
(Reverse)
known children
Adolphus D. T. Shields B. 4-10-1859 — D. 6-3-1950 • Janes Shields B. 1863 • Alice Shields (twin) B. 1869 • Talley Shields (twin) B. 1869 • Laura Shields B. 1878 • Henry Shields B. 2-11-1884 — D. 11-10-1945 He is buried here beside his mother
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1844.
Location. 34° 13.831′ N, 84° 56.825′ W. Marker is in Kingston, Georgia, in Bartow County. Marker is on Cemetery Street south of Johnson Street, on the right when traveling north. Marker is in the cemetery south
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Unknown Confederate Dead (within shouting distance of this marker); House - Site Thomas V. B. Hargis (approx. 0.3 miles away); Original Hospital Site of Wayside Home (approx. 0.3 miles away); Sherman’s March to the Sea (approx. 0.3 miles away); Kingston's Rich, Historical Past (approx. 0.4 miles away); Kingston Methodist Church (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Andrews Raiders at Kingston (approx. 0.4 miles away); Nellie Margaret Harris Applin (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kingston.
Also see . . . In First Lady’s Roots, a Complex Path From Slavery. By Rachel L. Swarns and Jodi Kantor in The New York Times. Posted October 7, 2009. (Submitted on April 16, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 11, 2021
2. Melvinia Shields Marker
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 11, 2021
3. Melvinia Shields Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on April 16, 2021. It was originally submitted on April 16, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 606 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 16, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
