Richard C. Shannon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Richard Cutts Shannon
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| United States Minister to Costa Rica | |
| In office October 31, 1891 – April 30, 1893 |
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| President | Benjamin Harrison |
| Preceded by | Romualdo Pacheco |
| Succeeded by | Lewis Baker |
| United States Minister to Nicaragua | |
| In office October 13, 1891 – April 30, 1893 |
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| President | Benjamin Harrison |
| Preceded by | Romualdo Pacheco |
| Succeeded by | Lewis Baker |
| United States Minister to El Salvador | |
| In office October 31, 1891 – April 30, 1893 |
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| President | Benjamin Harrison |
| Preceded by | Romualdo Pacheco |
| Succeeded by | Lewis Baker |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York's 13th district |
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| In office March 4, 1895 – March 3, 1899 |
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| Preceded by | John De Witt Warner |
| Succeeded by | Jefferson Levy |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 12, 1839 New London, Connecticut |
| Died | October 5, 1920 (aged 81) Brockport, New York |
| Resting place | Lake View Cemetery Brockport, New York 43°11′29″N 77°56′23″W / 43.1914°N 77.9397°W |
| Nationality | American |
| Political party | Republican |
Richard Cutts Shannon (February 12, 1839 – October 5, 1920) was an important American politician and diplomat. He served as a U.S. Representative for New York. He also worked as a top diplomat for the United States in several countries.
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Early Life and Education
Richard Cutts Shannon was born in New London, Connecticut, in 1839. He grew up and went to school in Biddeford, Maine. Later, he graduated from Waterville College, which is now known as Colby College, in Maine.
Serving in the Civil War
During the American Civil War, Richard Shannon joined the army. He became a soldier in the Fifth Regiment, Maine Volunteer Infantry, in 1861. He quickly rose through the ranks.
- He was made a first lieutenant in October 1861.
- In 1862, he became an aide-de-camp to General Slocum.
- He also served as a captain and assistant adjutant general.
Shannon served bravely until he was honorably discharged from the army in 1866.
Diplomatic Work in Brazil
After the war, Richard Shannon began a career in diplomacy. In 1871, he was appointed secretary of the United States embassy in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He worked there until March 1875, when he decided to resign.
After leaving his diplomatic post, he took on a new challenge. In 1876, he started working for the Botanical Garden Railroad Co. in Brazil. This was an American company. He later became the vice president, general manager, and even the president of this company.
Becoming a Lawyer and Diplomat Again
Richard Shannon returned to the United States in 1883. He then decided to study law. In 1885, he graduated from the law department of Columbia College in New York City. The next year, in 1886, he was allowed to practice law in New York City and started his own practice.
His diplomatic career wasn't over, though. In 1891, he was appointed as a special diplomat, called an Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary. This important role meant he represented the U.S. in Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Costa Rica. He served in these countries until April 1893.
Serving in Congress and Later Life
Richard Shannon was a member of the Republican Party. He was elected to the United States House of Representatives for New York. He served two terms, from March 4, 1895, to March 3, 1899.
He chose not to run for re-election in 1898. After his time in Congress, he went back to being a lawyer in New York City. He retired from his profession in 1903 and moved to Brockport, New York. Richard Cutts Shannon passed away in Brockport on October 5, 1920, and was buried in Lake View Cemetery.
