Arthur A. Birney

Arthur Alexis Birney (May 28, 1852 – September 4, 1916) was an American lawyer who served as United States Attorney for the District of Columbia from 1893 to 1897.

Early life Arthur Alexis Birney was born on May 28, 1852, in Paris, to Catherine (née Hoffman) and William Birney. His paternal grandfather James G. Birney was an abolitionist and Free Soil candidate for U.S. President. His father and his uncle David B. Birney were lawyers and served in the Civil War. Another uncle, James M. Birney was lieutenant governor of Michigan. He resigned that office in December 1877 and joined the firm Birney & Birney as a junior member. The firm was run by his father. He served in the role until February 1893.

Personal life Birney married Helen Conway, daughter of Jane S. and Richard H. Conway, of Baltimore on November 3, 1895. They had seven children, Richard C., Margaret M., Edith S., William M., Dion S., Helen and Catherine.