Mayors who could not complete their terms
San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee, who died suddenly early Tuesday, was not the city’s first mayor to leave office before his term was completed, nor was he the first to be relieved under unfortunate circumstances. Here are some of the past untimely departures:
1875
James Otis died in office of diphtheria. Otis had come to San Francisco in 1849 and took a prominent civic role, serving twice as president of the Chamber of Commerce and being elected twice to the Board of Supervisors. He became mayor in 1873.
1907
Eugene Schmitz was forced out of office after being indicted on 27 counts of bribery and conspiracy. Schmitz was chosen as a candidate for mayor by the powerful Adolph “Boss” Ruef and was elected in 1901. Schmitz would be sentenced to five years in San Quentin, but his convictions would be reversed in higher courts.
1907
Charles Boxton, appointed to replace Schmitz, did not want the job, and he resigned after seven days. According to city archivist Gladys Hanson, he stated when he heard of his appointment, “It is with a great feeling of sadness that I take this office.”
1978
George Moscone was shot dead at City Hall on Nov. 27 along with Supervisor Harvey Milk by former Supervisor Dan White. Dianne Feinstein served as acting mayor and was eventually appointed interim mayor by the Board of Supervisors.