Squire Thomas Shea, a respected resident of Pocahontas, Hardeman County, was born February 1, 1844, in Kerry County, Ireland. He was the oldest of six children born to John and Bridget Shea; all are living. The father died December, 1880. Our subject with parents immigrated to America in 1852; they located in Memphis, Tenn., where they resided three years, then moved to Pocahontas where they have since made their home. Squire Shea entered the Confederate service in 1861, at the early age of sixteen years, in Company F, Ninth Tennessee Infantry. At Shiloh, April 7, 1862, he was shot through the left lung, the ball entering about the seventh rib, and coming out near the spinal column. This wound disabling him for active infantry service, he consequently joined the cavalry troops, remaining with them until the close of the war. He was captured May, 1863, near Tupelo, Miss., and imprisoned at Alton, Ill. He was soon afterward exchanged. He was again taken prisoner October, 1863, at Bolivar but made his escape. After the surrender he returned home and engaged in farming until 1878, when he embarked in merchandise, continuing in that line until February, 1886. He was elected magistrate of the Nineteenth District in 1876, and has served the people in that capacity up to present date. He is acting justice of the peace. October 1, 1865, he married Mollie E., daughter of Thomas H. and Helen E. Neese, nee Patterson. This union resulted in the birth of six children: John Neese, Clara E., Robert E., Mary Helen, Daniel O’Connell and James Mack. Squire Shea is a self-made man, and respected, worthy citizen. He has always been honest and industrious, by which means he has been enabled to accumulate considerable means and property. He is a devout and consistent member in good standing of the Roman Catholic Church, and a sound Democrat.
Source: “The Goodspeed Publishing Co., History of Tennessee, 1886”