Hugh Shiell (401)

Hugh Shiell (?–November 1785) was a physician, and a member of the American Philosophical Society, elected in 1781. Born in Dublin, Ireland, Shiell studied at the University of Edinburgh. He graduated with his M.D. and emigrated to Philadelphia where he opened a medical practice. By this point he had amassed a substantial fortune and became familiar with the wealthy elite of his new city; he became close friends with banker and financier of the American Revolution, Robert Morris. In 1780, Shiell invested a large sum of money in Morris’ Bank of America, which supplied the American troops with provisions. Through his friendship with Morris, Shiell met his wife, Ann Harris. Alongside his medical practice, Shiell also ran a shipping business. In 1783 or 1784, he retired from city life and relocated with his family to Lincoln County, Kentucky. He died not long thereafter, attempting to cross a stream; he either drowned or caught pneumonia and died later.