LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Addie M. Shields, distin-
guished citizen and devoted member of her community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Addie M. Shields of Plattsburgh, New York, died on Saturday,
October 31, 2009, at the age of 93; and
WHEREAS, Throughout her lifetime, Addie M. Shields distinguished
herself in her profession and by her sincere dedication and substantial
contribution to the welfare of her community; and
WHEREAS, Born in Beekmantown, New York, on June 24, 1916, Addie M.
Shields is the daughter of Howard and Agnes (Dupee) Lawrence; she gradu-
ated from Plattsburgh High School in 1934, and Plattsburgh Normal School
in 1937; she then later received her Masters from Plattsburgh State; and
WHEREAS, In 1939, Addie M. Shields married Francis M. Shields at the
Presbyterian Manse in Chazy; she and her husband carried on with the
turkey farm owned by her grandfather, Charles Shields, for 12 years; and
WHEREAS, After Francis' passing, Addie M. Shields was appointed Clin-
ton County Historian in 1978, and continued in this position for 30
years, retiring in December of 2007; during her esteemed tenure, she was
an invaluable asset to the community who encompassed an incredible know-
ledge of local genealogies; and
WHEREAS, Addie M. Shields was a member of the Clinton County Histori-
ans Association, member and secretary of the New York State Associations
of County Historians and associate member of the North Country Local
Historians, representing Clinton, Essex, St. Lawrence and Hamilton Coun-
ties; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Addie M. Shields was the editor of "Landmark in
a Passageway-Beekmantown," "The Diary of John Jersey McFadden" and "The
John Townsend Addoms Homestead-Underground Railroad Station" along with
many other publications; she also authored "Survival of Families in
Beekmantown, New York, in the first half of the 20th Century"; and
WHEREAS, A woman of singular distinction, Addie M. Shields' commitment
to excellence, and her spirit of humanity, carried over into all fields
of enterprise, including charitable and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Addie M. Shields was a member of the Plattsburgh Literary
Club, the Delta Kappa Gamma and was regent of the Plattsburgh Chapter of
the DAR; and
WHEREAS, A woman of great faith, Addie M. Shields was a devoted member
of the East Beekmantown Church and later the Plattsburgh Presbyterian
Church; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by her daughter, Charlotte Atwood and her sister,
Olive Stewart, Addie M. Shields is survived by her son, Charles Shields
and his wife Gail; son-in-law, Bill Atwood; two grandsons, Matthew
Atwood and his wife Amy, and John Atwood and his wife Lisa; and a grand-
daughter, Deborah Atwood and her fiance John Holton, as well as three
great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, Addie M. Shields leaves
behind a legacy which will long endure the passage of time and will
remain as a comforting memory to all she served and befriended; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Addie M. Shields, distinguished citizen and devoted
member of her community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Addie M. Shields.