James C. Shannon

James C. Shannon (July 21, 1896 - March 6, 1980) was an American politician and a former Governor of Connecticut.

Early years

Shannon was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut on July 21, 1896. He completed his bachelor's degree from Georgetown University in 1918. He then completed his LL.B. degree from Yale Law School in 1921.

Career

Shannon became as Bridgeport's prosecuting attorney in 1923. He held that position for nine years. He was on the bench of the Bridgeport City and Juvenile Court from 1931 to 1935. He was the attorney for the Connecticut Federation of Labor from 1939 to 1948.

Shannon became lieutenant governor of Connecticut from 1947 to 1948. James L. McConaughy, the Governor of Connecticut at the time, died on March 7, 1948. Shannon became the governor on the same day. During his term, legislation was constituted that raised old-age pension benefits. He was also successful in securing the appropriate legislation regarding housing reform measures. He was unsuccessful in his re-election bid in 1949. He left office on January 5, 1949.

Later life

After leaving office, he was on the bench of the Connecticut Superior Court from 1953 to 1965. He also was an associate justice of the Connecticut Supreme Court from 1965 to 1966. He passed away on March 6, 1980, aged 83.

Sources

* Sobel, Robert and John Raimo. "Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States, 1789-1978". Greenwood Press, 1988. ISBN 0-313-28093-2