William Emmet Shields (June 6, 1861 – August 14, 1893) was an American lawyer and politician from New York.
Life
editWilliam was born on June 6, 1861, in Brooklyn.[1] His father Michael was Chief Clerk in the Second District Civil Court,[2] and his mother Bridget was an Irish immigrant.
Studying law under Kings County District Attorney James W. Ridgway, William became a lawyer at the age of 21.[1] In 1884, he served as attorney for Charles H. Rugg, an accused murderer from Queens.[3]
In 1891, William was elected to the New York State Assembly, representing the Kings County 6th District. He served in the Assembly in 1890, 1891, 1892,[4] and 1893.[5]
William was a commander of the Oak council, American Legion of Honor.[1]
On August 14, 1893, William died from colorectal cancer in New York Hospital, Manhattan.[1] He was buried in Calvary Cemetery in Woodside, Queens.
References
edit- ^ a b c d "Assemblyman Shields Dead". The Brooklyn Daily Eagle. 14 August 1893.
- ^ "Michael Shields' Death". The Brooklyn Times. 27 January 1894.
- ^ "Rugg Hanged". The Brooklyn Union. 15 May 1885.
- ^ Lloyd, Will L. (1892). The New York Red Book. Albany: James B. Lyon. p. 158.
- ^ Murlin, Edgar L. (1893). The New York Red Book. Albany: James B. Lyon. pp. 165–166.