David Shiels (1899–1972) & Jane “Jean” Bell Tennent
David Shiels was born in 1899, the sixth child of George “The Bootmaker” Shiels and Margaret McMorran. Unlike several of his brothers and sisters who remained closely connected with the family bootmaking business, David’s life would follow a different path through farm work, military service and a variety of occupations across Scotland.
A Different Path
As a young man, David hoped to become a carpenter, but circumstances made an apprenticeship impossible. There was neither room at home for him to remain nor money available for his training, so he instead found work on farms throughout the surrounding district.
David later joined the Scottish Rifles and served during the First World War, including time in Ireland and France. His working life after the war was varied, taking him from the timber industry and coal mines back to farm work.
Like many working families of the period, employment and housing were closely connected. As David moved from one job to another, the family moved with him because their home was often provided as part of his employment. Eventually he found more settled work with the County Council, maintaining the country back roads.
David & Jean
David married Jane “Jean” Bell Tennent in September 1924. Together they raised their family through years that brought frequent moves as David’s employment changed and eventually became more settled when he found work with the County Council.
David and Jean had four children: Agnes “Nessie,” born in 1924; Jean “Bunty,” born in 1931; Margaret, born in 1932; and George, born in 1935. Their family also experienced an early tragedy when little Margaret died in 1934 at only two years of age.
A Quiet Man Who Enjoyed Life
David was remembered as a quiet man with strong Presbyterian beliefs. He loved music, was a good dancer and never seemed to forget the steps of the traditional Scottish set dances. Like others in this branch of the Shiels family, he was also an enthusiastic reader and made frequent trips to the library.
Poor health made continuous employment difficult during part of his life, but his health improved in retirement. One of the simple pleasures of those later years was helping friends by cutting the long grass in their gardens with his scythe—not because he had to, but simply because he enjoyed doing it.
The Family Continues
David and Jean’s children followed paths that would carry this branch of the family well beyond their parents’ home in Scotland. Nessie remained in Scotland and raised a large family, Bunty’s career and love of badminton eventually took her to the Channel Islands, while George established a new branch of the family in Australia.
Agnes “Nessie” (1924–2004)
Agnes “Nessie” Shiels served with the N.A.A.F.I. during the Second World War and married David French shortly after returning home in 1945. They settled in Scotland and raised five children. Nessie & David will carry this branch of the family story forward.
Jean “Bunty” — A Life Beyond Scotland
Jean “Bunty” Shiels, born in 1931, did well at school but found limited employment opportunities locally. She eventually left Scotland for London, where she worked with Marks & Spencer and Esso Europe.
Badminton became an important part of Bunty’s life. She competed successfully throughout England and Europe before eventually settling in Jersey in the Channel Islands, where she continued to win championships and later remained active in the community and in teaching the sport.
Margaret — A Short Life
Margaret Shiels, David and Jean’s third child, was born in 1932. Sadly, she died in 1934 at only two years of age.
George — A New Life in Australia
George Shiels, the youngest child, was born in 1935. After working on farms as a boy, he apprenticed as a motor mechanic and later completed his National Service, spending much of that time in the Far East.
In 1960, George married Katrina Waddel and immigrated to Melbourne, Australia, establishing this branch of the Shiels family on the other side of the world. He later built a long career with an aircraft manufacturing company, progressing from fitter to Industrial Engineer and eventually Facilities Manager.
The Story Continues
David and Jean’s family story spread well beyond the communities where they had raised their children. Bunty’s life eventually took her to Jersey in the Channel Islands, while George established a new branch of the Shiels family in Australia.
Our story, however, remains in Scotland and continues through their eldest daughter, Agnes “Nessie” Shiels, who married David French in 1945 and raised five children.
It is through Nessie and the French family that our journey continues.