William Emmet Shields

William Emmet Shields (June 6, 1861 – August 14, 1893) was an American lawyer and politician from New York.

Life

William 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

1. "Assemblyman Shields Dead". The Brooklyn Daily Eagle. 14 August 1893.
2. "Michael Shields' Death". The Brooklyn Times. 27 January 1894.
3. "Rugg Hanged". The Brooklyn Union. 15 May 1885.
4. Lloyd, Will L. (1892). The New York Red Book. Albany: James B. Lyon. p. 158.
5. Murlin, Edgar L. (1893). The New York Red Book. Albany: James B. Lyon. pp. 165–166.

External links

• Political Graveyard
• Find a Grave

New York State Assembly
Preceded by Patrick H. McCarren	New York State Assembly Kings County, 6th District 1890-1892	Succeeded by Patrick McGowan (Brooklyn)
Preceded by George L. Weed	New York State Assembly Kings County, 11th District 1893	Succeeded by Henry Schulz