Joseph K. Shields, of Riverside, was born in Cook County, Illinois, in 1853. His parents were James and Honore (Ward) Shields. His father was a native of Indiana and his mother of New York.
In 1855 his father came with his family to California and located in Sierra County. He was a civil engineer by occupation and engaged in mining enterprises. At a later day he moved to Yuba County, where he engaged in farming, and in 1861 settled at Marysville. Mr. Shields was reared and schooled in that city, graduating at the high school. After graduating he engaged in work on his father’s ranch, which was located in Yuba County. In 1875 he established a meat market and livery stable near Marysville and conducted them until 1876. For the next four years Mr. Shields was engaged in various pursuits until he entered the service of the Central Pacific Railroad Company. He entered that employ as a laborer, but his abilities and strict attention to his work soon gained him promotion and he was given positions of trust and responsibility. He was for many years a clerk in the shipping department.
In 1885 his health compelled him to seek some other occupation and he came to San Bernardino County and located at Riverside. He first opened a meat market and was in that business until 1887. He then became associated with the Riverside Daily Enterprise as a reporter, and later, in the same connection with the Riverside Chronicle. In June 1888, he accepted the position as editor of the Riverside Enterprise, and has held that position to the present time.
Mr. Shields is an enterprising, self-made man, and has risen to his various positions by his own exertions. In political matters he is a Republican, and has always taken a deep interest in the political questions of the day. He is a member of Oriental Lodge, No. 45, I. O. O. F., of Marysville, and of Red Cloud Tribe, No. 4, 1. O. R. M., of Sacramento.
In 1879 he married Miss Josie Labadie, a native of California. Her father, Anthony P. N. Labadie, was a native of Canada. They have three children: Edward E., Elsie T. and Mabel.