The Shields Brothers, known as the Texas Giants, were featured attractions of the Barnum and Bailey Circus in the 1880s, traveling throughout the northeast U.S. and Canada. Noted for their unusual heights, Guss stood 7'10", Frank 7'11 ¾", Jack 7'11 ¾", and Shade 7'8". Shade, the youngest brother, continued his show business career into the 1890s. The four brothers grew up three and a half miles east of Kingston on a farm near the old Merrick community, and after retiring from show business they took an active part in the religious, civic, and business life in Hunt County. Descendants of the brothers still live in the area.