Edward J. Lewis

Edward Jefferson Lewis (1832 – April 20, 1881) was an American politician and member of the Democratic Party who served in the California State Assembly and California State Senate, serving as the Senate's 17th President pro tempore. He was the Democratic nominee for Lieutenant Governor of California in the 1871 election.

Biography

Lewis was born in Middletown, Connecticut in 1832. He settled in Tehama County, California and in 1855 was elected to the California State Assembly, representing the 13th district. At the age of 23, he was likely the Assembly's youngest member. In 1867, he was elected to the state Senate from the 25th district, and between 1869 and 1872, was President pro tempore of the Senate. He was also a presidential elector in 1864.

In 1875, he returned to the state Senate, representing the 25th district. He served a second term as President pro tem of the Senate from 1879 to 1880. Lewis died in Red Bluff, California on April 20, 1881.

Personal life

Lewis was married to Anita C. Chard, with whom he had eight children.