William E. Shannon (1821/1822 – November 3, 1850)[1] was an American politician.
Born inBallina, County Mayo,Ireland,[2] he passed theNew York State Bar, was commissioned as a Captain in theUnited States Army, and given command of "Company J" of the1st Regiment of New York Volunteers, which arrived inSan Francisco on theSusan Drew on March 20, 1847 to take part in the so-calledCalifornia Conquest campaign of theMexican–American War.[3]
After his military service, he served as mayor ofColoma, California, then was elected to the State Senate, where he stood out as a staunchabolitionist, reportedly having "secured the declaration in California's Bill of Rights that neither slavery or involuntary servitude, unless for the punishment of crimes, shall ever be tolerated in this state."[citation needed]
Shannon died inSacramento during the1829–51 cholera pandemic, aged 28.[2]
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