Lewis F. Byington

Lewis Francis Byington (May 24, 1868 – May 7, 1943) was an American lawyer, author, and Democratic Party politician who served on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors (1898–1900) and as District Attorney of San Francisco (1900–1905).

Early life and education Byington was born on May 24, 1868, in Downieville, California. He was the son of Robert Lewis Byington and Catherine Freehill Byington.

Byington went to public school in Downieville. He graduated from Santa Clara College, now the University of Santa Clara. In 1887, he graduated from the University of California Hastings College of the Law. He subsequently practiced law in San Francisco.

San Francisco government In 1898, Byington was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. As District Attorney, he prosecuted the murderer Cordelia Botkin. He was re-elected twice.

Byington was president of the San Francisco Civil Service Commission under Mayor James Rolph.

Private life and affiliations Byington was unmarried. In retirement, he made his home in San Francisco.

Death On May 7, 1943, Byington died of pneumonia at Stanford Hospital in San Francisco. He was buried at the Holy Cross Mausoleum.

Publications Byington wrote the following books: