Source: A history of Tennessee and Tennesseans, Volume 5
By Will Thomas Hale, Dixon Lanier Merritt
The Lewis Publishing Co., Chicago and New York; 1913

Page 1209

James Q. Shires. One of the most attractive establishments in Obion is the jewelry establishment of J. Q. Shires. One of the finest stores in the city, it occupies three hundred and seventy-five feet of floor space and is filled with heavy and expansive glass cases containing every variety of jewelry. This stock is of the best and most modern workmanship and draws many customers. This business has been located in Obion since 1905.

Its proprietor, J. Q. Shires, is a native of Obion county, where his parents, Thomas and Lissie Shires, resided for many years. Thomas Shires was a mechanic, whose ability has been inherited by his son in a more highly developed form. The two children of the family were J. Q. Shires, the special subject of this review, and W. T. Shires, his younger brother. The date of birth of the former was the year 1885.

J. Q. Shires grew to manhood in his parental home and in its vicinity received his opportunities for mental development. His mechanical genius was early evident and all his life’s experiences have been turned to practical account. He had scarcely attained the years of his majority when he established his present business, which has been successful from the beginning.

After several years of prosperous business life Mr. Shires was united to his life’s companion, who was well known in her girlhood days as Miss Maple Grissom. The Shires-Grissom nuptials were celebrated in 1912 and the young pair occupy an enviable place in their wide circle of friends. They are faithful and valued members of the Church of the Disciples of this place.

Mr. Shires is a man of intelligent interests in all lines. He is not, however, one who seeks conspicuous places in the limelight of life, preferring to devote his time and attention to his home, his church and his business. His large experience in his line, his natural gifts for grasping and executing the most intricate and complex pieces of workmanship—these are elements of his vocational life which guarantee his success in the work he has chosen.

1920 Census, Mississippi County, Arkansas
ED:149, Sheet 21A, Blytheville City
J. Q. Shires (age 34) and his wife Maple (age 27) were residing in a Rooming House at 127 Main Street.
Occupation – Salesman, Jewelry Store