William F. Sheehan

William Francis Sheehan ( November 6, 1859 in Buffalo, Erie County, New York, † March 14, 1917 in Manhattan, New York City ) was an American lawyer and politician (Democratic Party). During his political career he was known as Blue - Eyed Billy.

Career

William Francis Sheehan began his political career as a clerk in the office of his brother John Sheehan, the City Controller of Buffalo was until Grover Cleveland in 1881 left him remove from his mayor ballot. William was 1885-1891 a member of the New York State Assembly. During this time he secured the appointment of his brother John to the Clerk at the New York Aqueduct Board, and his law firm partner Charles F. Tabor to the First Deputy of the New York State Attorney General. In addition, William has held the post of Speaker in 1891 in the New York State Assembly.

Sheehan was elected in 1891 as Vice- Governor of New York. He held that post 1892-1894. Afterwards, he and Alton B. Parker, a successful law firm in New York City. Sheehan was 1889-1893 Member of New York Democratic State Committee. In addition, he represented in 1891 and 1896, New York in the Democratic National Committee. He took in 1892 and 1912 as a delegate to the Democratic National Conventions in part.

Sheehan was a candidate in 1911 for the U.S. Senate, where he was Chauncey Depew follow as a U.S. Senator from New York. He was nominated by the democratic election committee, however successful, led by a group of " Insurgents " by Senator Franklin D. Roosevelt, blocked.

After Sheehan in 1915 took part in the Constitutional Convention of New York as a delegate. He died in 1917 from the effects of kidney disease in New York City. His body was transferred to Buffalo, where he was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery.