The Last Roll: Col. A. M. Shannon

Confederate Veteran
Vol. 15, No. 2, Pg. 84
February 1907.

Col. Alexander M. Shannon, an honored citizen of Galveston and prominent throughout the State of Texas, died on the 28th of October, 1906. He was born in Arkansas May 7, 1839; but went to Texas at the age of fourteen, settling finally in Southwest Texas, having acquired a fine ranch along the San Antonio River. Here he was living when the war broke out, and in 1861 he was one of the seven men in Karnes County who opposed secession; but when his State went out, he cast his lot with her. He joined the famous Terry's Texas Rangers. He was first lieutenant of Company C, afterwards its captain, and did gallant service in that capacity until July, 1863. He was then detached and assigned to command of the secret service of Army of Tennessee, reporting to the commanding general; and in February, 1865, while still in this service, he was promoted to colonel. He was with Johnston's army in North Carolina when news of General Lee's surrender was received, and was then selected as commander of the escort detailed to accompany President Davis and aid him in getting to the west side of the Mississippi River; but the Confederate chieftain was captured before Colonel Shannon and his men could reach him. Colonel Shannon was wounded several times during his service in the army.

At the conclusion of the war Colonel Shannon returned to his ranch on the San Antonio, but after a short time removed to New Orleans and engaged in business with the tropics. In 1869 he joined Gen. John B. Hood in the commission and insurance business in New Orleans, and in November went to Galveston to take charge of the Texas division, the business having grown to large proportions. In 1880 Colonel Shannon engaged in government contracting, doing jetty work along the Texas coast from Louisiana to Mexico, at one time having under contract nearly all the work on the Texas coast. Under him the south jetty in Galveston harbor was carried out about four and a half miles into the Gulf. He was engaged nearly ten years in work of this kind. In 1890 he was made General Manager of the Galveston and Western Railway, and in December of 1893 was appointed postmaster of Galveston. He was very little in public office, but after making his residence in Galveston was interested in the growth and upbuilding of the city. He was married in 1872 to Miss Clara Viola Scott, daughter of Maj. William B. Scott, of Alabama, and granddaughter of Governor Murphy, of that State. Three daughters and four sons blessed their union. The latter all reside in Galveston.

Go back to index of Confederate Veteran articles.