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

Life

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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

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  1. ^ a b c d "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.
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New York State Assembly
Preceded by New York State Assembly
Kings County, 6th District

1890-1892
Succeeded by
Preceded by New York State Assembly
Kings County, 11th District

1893
Succeeded by