Biographical Sketches
JOHN F. SHANNON
City comptroller, Kansas City, is a native of this city, born April 1, 1858, son of John and Felicite (Padron) Shannon, the former a native of Ireland and the latter of New Orleans, of French parentage. Mr. Shannon, Sr., left his native land and came to this country when a young man, and was for some years connected with a retail drygoods house in New York City. Subsequently he went to New Orleans, where he became acquainted with and wedded his wife. He came to Kansas City before the outbreak of the late civil war. His business capacity was great, and led by a commendable ambition his aspirations were for success in mercantile transactions.
Immediately upon arriving here, in company with his brother, Mr. P. Shannon, a large retail and wholesale dry goods house was opened up, under the firm name of J. & P. Shannon. The venture proved a fortunate one in a financial way, the trade of the house during the war period being of immense proportions, notably larger than any other house in the southwest at that time. His prospects were indeed bright for a prosperous future, and all was too soon cut off by his premature death, which occurred in the city of New York, in 1865, while there purchasing goods. His remains lie buried in Kansas City. Mrs. Shannon, the mother and widow, is living, her residence being at Bonner Springs, Kansas. This worthy couple had 4 children: Felicite, wife of George E Kinser; Mary E., wife of William Sutherland, of Denver, Colorado; John F. and Ferdinand.
Our subject was brought up in Kansas City, receiving his education in the Christian Brother's School, at St. Louis, which he attended 5 years, graduating in 1870. At his father's death, the financial situation of the family was easy, as the estate was quite large, but it was gradually absorbed by litigation. This threw our subject on his own resources. He was equal to the emergency, however, and secured a clerkship under Nathaniel Grant in the city comptroller's office, which he retained 7 years. Since his entrance into this office, he has been absent from it only 2 years. In April, 1893, he was appointed to the city comptrollership, of which important place he is the present incumbent. He has never been an aspirant for political honors, preferring t pursue the even tenor of a life as nearly devoid of changes as possible.
In the transaction of his official business he hews to the line of duty, his definite accuracy and deferential manners having won for him a deserving popularity in the city. He has been the builder of his own fortune, the achitect of his own career. Although reared in luxury the reverses of fortune a few years later caused no feeling of discouragement to his stout heart. A willingness to work and work well has been rewarded by the people, who have implicit confidence in his unassailable integrity.
He was united in marriage in February, 1882, with Miss Sallie Streett, of St. Louis, who has borne him 3 children: Marie, Joseph S., and John F., Jr. Mr. Shannon is a zealous member of the Catholic church.
This page was last updated August 2, 2006.