VETERAN WIZARD OF PEN AT AGE 66 STILL PERFORMS STRANGE FEAT

A man who is able to write with both hands at the same time. And carry on a rapid line of conversation. Which probably has no bearing upon the matter which he is writing is no ordinary person. The individual is W.G.S. O'Shields Auditor for Spartanburg County. Mr. O'Shields is one of the most accomplished penman in the whole country. And besides having this fact to his credit. He is also quite an artist. It is interesting to note the ease and nonchalance with which he performs this almost superhuman feat. Taking the two pens firmly in both his right and left hands he carefully guides them over the paper' and talks in a soft quite voice. Which holds the listener in awe. And wonder at a man who can so easily entertain. And yet not for one moment pause to see what he is writing. The words flow gracefully from the pens with which he barely touches the paper. But when with a last flourish he places a few finishing touches the result is quite appalling. Mr. O'Shields has been Auditor for Spartanburg for nearly 40 straight years. Before assuming his present position he was Clerk to the Treasurer and also to the Probate Judge of the county. He first entered Poltics when only 26 years old and at the of 38 he was elected Auditor. The position he was destined to hold for so many years. Thus all told he has worked in the old Courthouse at Spartanburg for nearly 40 years exactly 28 of which he served as Auditor. Besides being an expert penman. Mr. O'Shields is also a noted huntsman. Since only a small country lad he has displayed a distinct fondness for the sport which has proved to be his favorite. When he contracted this mania for hunting. Dogs have been his pet hobby. In spite of his advancing years. His dogs as relics of his many events of the field. When speaking of his favorite sport and his pets. The old gentleman's eyes grow misty and his voice trembles' as he thinks back over years. When he could hoist his gun to his manly shoulders and stride out into the great open spaces to indulge in his favorite pastime. [Although] he said';i still keep my hunting dogs and never ceased loving them and still i like to hunt too i'm not able to do much of it because i'm not as strong as i once was i'm not a young man anymore; He added with a pleasant smile. Mr. O'Shields was born in the Walnut Grove Township in Spartanburg Co. 1863 where he spent his happy boyhood days. At the age of 24 he was married. And later moved into the city. Where he took up his political career. In two offices which proved to be stepping stones to his present position. Took up 12 years of his political life. Then in 1902 he was elected Auditor by a huge majority and sice that time very few men have found it advisable to enter the race as his opponent. The few instances in which some few have attempted to displace Mr. O'Shields without the glamour and spectacle of a heated campaign has always left his opponents lagging behind. Inspite of the years that have piled themselves upon his shoulders and the grief and pain that has bent his head--Mr. O'Shields still ably carries on his daily duties. Day after day and year after year he has gone about them with the same happy countenance which everyone has learned to admire. During the nearly four decades he has spent in the old courthouse' He has become an essential part of the daily routine. It would not be quite the same without his familiar old face and his snow white locks have become dear to the residents of Spartanburg. Everyone that knows this accomplished gentleman honors and respects him for his kind heart and noble life. This is what was wrote in the Journal and Carolina Spartan' Newspaper of Spartanburg S.C. in November 3rd. 1930. grand--pa i love you. Yes i think God for my grandaddy W.G.S. O'Shields