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Eugene Edward Schmitz was the mayor of San Francisco from 1902 to 1907, known for his colorful and controversial career marked by his leadership during the 1906 earthquake and subsequent fires that devastated the city. As mayor, Schmitz played a crucial role in organizing relief efforts and maintaining order during the crisis. However, his tenure was overshadowed by his involvement in a major corruption scandal as part of the graft-ridden administration led by political boss Abe Ruef. Schmitz was eventually convicted of bribery, which ended his political career, though the conviction was later overturned on appeal. Despite his legal troubles, Schmitz remains a notable figure in San Francisco's history for his dual legacy of crisis leadership and scandal.