Welcome to the Shiels Family History
This website tells the story of the Shiels family, tracing our history from the late 1600s to the present day. It brings together the people, places, photographs and stories that have shaped our family through more than three centuries.
Our Family Story Begins in 1690
Micheal Shiels was born around 1690 in County Kildare, Ireland. As a young man, he travelled to Scotland for the harvest and eventually settled near Coulter. In 1716, he married Elizabeth “Bessie” Broun, beginning the documented Shiels family story that continues through more than three centuries.
Exploring the Generations
Follow the Shiels family through the generations, from our earliest known ancestors in Scotland to the families who eventually made new lives in Canada and beyond.
G1 — Micheal Shiels & Bessie Broun
Born c. 1690 · County Kildare, Ireland → Coulter, Scotland · Married 1716
Micheal came from Ireland to Scotland as a young man and eventually settled near Coulter. His marriage to Bessie Broun in 1716 marks the beginning of our documented Shiels family story.
G2 — Daniel Shiels & Janet Scott
Born c. 1720 · Scotland · Married 1749 · South Leith
Daniel trained as a stone mason and later became an agent for Francis Scott, 2nd Duke of Buccleuch. In 1749, he married Janet “Jessie” Scott in South Leith, continuing the Shiels family line into the next generation.