Shannon, Samuel Leonard

  • DICTIONARY OF CANADIAN BIOGRAPHY ARTICLE: Della M. M. Stanley, “SHANNON, SAMUEL LEONARD,” in Dictionary of Canadian Biography, vol. 12, University of Toronto/Université Laval, 2003–. https://www.biographi.ca/en/bio/shannon_samuel_leonard_12E.html
  • DCB profile notes:
    • Lawyer, militia officer, office holder, politician, teacher, and judge; b. 1 June 1816 in Halifax, second of six children of James Noble Shannon and Nancy Allison; m. 31 Oct. 1855 Annie Starr Fellows (Fellowes), and they had ten children, of whom four sons and four daughters survived childhood; d. 7 Jan. 1895 in Halifax.
    • Descended from Irish forebears, Samuel Leonard Shannon (who was known by his middle name) was closely connected to the loyalist tradition. His grandfather Richard Cutts Shannon was a New Hampshire loyalist who sent his son James Noble to live with an uncle in Parrsboro, N.S. Leonard was named after a great uncle, Samuel Leonard, who served as a British army officer during the American revolution. Little wonder he retained a strong sense of loyalty to the British crown throughout his life.
    • Although interested in classics, Shannon decided to pursue a legal career and in the fall of 1836 entered the offices of Henry Pryor in Halifax as an articling clerk. In January 1839 he was called to the Nova Scotia bar and opened his offices in the capital. During his many years of legal practice he was noted for his methodical manner, high moral standards, and skills as a solicitor. In 1864 he was appointed queen’s counsel.
    • During his first term as an mha Shannon promoted reforms that reflected his concern for justice. He called for a new patent law giving Americans reciprocal rights, a new bankruptcy law requiring creditors to go to court for compensation, and a county court system that would reduce the work-load borne by magistrates. In his second term Shannon spoke out strongly in favour of the Intercolonial Railway and the establishment of a system of free common schools funded by universal assessment. By this time he was particularly vocal in his support for confederation, stressing that it would reduce unnecessary and expensive duplication of services and provide tariff-free markets for Nova Scotian products. He suggested that “our leading men . . . will have their minds enlarged and take a higher position as statesmen.” Confederation was achieved, but Shannon lost his seat in 1867 because of his pro-confederation stance. Nevertheless, in 1870 Queen Victoria rewarded him for his support by granting him the title “Honourable.” His only regret was that the new country had not been called British America. His loyalty to Britain was deeply rooted.
    • In 1881 Shannon was appointed a judge of probate for Halifax County. Although not a colourful jurist, he was respected as sound and fair. He was also noted for his dignified bearing, which inspired the nickname Count D’Orsay. 
  • Grandson of Loyalist in Loyalist Directory –https://uelac.ca/loyalist-directory/detail/?wpda_search_column_id=2001
  • Find a GRAVE: Cannot locate.