Edward J. Lewis (California politician)

Edward J. Lewis
17th President pro tempore of the California State Senate
In office
December 6, 1869 – April 1, 1872
Preceded byLansing B. Mizner
Succeeded byJames T. Farley
Member of the California State Senate
In office
1875–1879
Constituency29th district
In office
1867–1872
Constituency25th district
Member of the California State Assembly
from the 13th district
In office
1855–1867
Personal details
BornEdward Jefferson Lewis
May 6, 1832
DiedApril 20, 1881 (age 49)
PartyDemocratic
SpouseAnita C. Chard
Children8

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.[1]

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.[1]

In the 1871 election, Lewis was the Democratic nominee for Lieutenant Governor of California. He lost to Republican candidate and future governor of California Romualdo Pacheco.[1][2][3]

In 1875, he returned to the state Senate, representing the 25th district. Lewis died in Red Bluff, California on April 20, 1881.[1]

Personal life

Lewis was married to Anita C. Chard, with whom he had eight children.[1]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e Vassar, Alex; Meyers, Shane. "Edward J. Lewis". JoinCalifornia. JoinCalifornia. Retrieved February 13, 2026.
  2. ^ "The Democratic State Convention". Vol. V, no. 17. University of California, Riverside. The Sentinel. June 24, 1871. Retrieved February 13, 2026.
  3. ^ "CA Lt. Governor". ourcampaigns.com. November 16, 2011. Retrieved October 16, 2024.