Though the only person to represent three different States in the Senate. Shields began his career in this body under difficult circumstances. Emigrating to the United States from Ireland in 1823. he settled in Illinois and was elected to the Senate as a Democrat In 1849. His eligibility was questioned on the grounds that he had not been a U.S. citizen the requisite 9 years at the time of his election. and he was denied his seat. The Illinois Legislature. however. again elected Shields for the same term. and he triumphantly claimed his seat 7 days after the ninth anniversary of his naturalization. He served until 1855. when he failed in his bid for reelection. Shields moved westward to Minnesota. where in 1858 he became one of that States first two Senators.
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naturalization Emigrating