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

Inscription. (Front)
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

Michelle Obama.
Melvinia's story is one of hope. A member of Queen Chapel Methodist Church

(Reverse)
Melvinia Shield's
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. It is on Cemetery Street south of Johnson Street,

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on the right when traveling north. Marker is in the cemetery south of the church. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 105 Johnson Street, Kingston GA 30145, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Georgia’s Mountains. It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Deep South.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the original Cherokee Nation,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Unknown Confederate Dead (within shouting distance of this marker); Queen Chapel Methodist Church Cemetery (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.

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 11, 2021

2. Melvinia Shields Marker

0.4 miles away); Kingston Methodist Church (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Andrews Raiders at Kingston (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

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 1,406 times since then and 85 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 16, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.