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