[2] When the New Haven Morning Chronicle began publication with Thomas G. Woodward as editor, Byington became business manager.
[2] In the Gazette, Byington editorialized for giving blacks the vote, a distinctly minority position at the time.
[4] At the outbreak of the American Civil War, and before regiments of Northern troops had arrived to defend Washington, there was a report of a plot to burn the capital.
On April 18, 1861, this report mobilized loyal citizens, including Byington, and former congressman Orris S. Ferry, also of Norwalk to form a militia.
[3] In 1897, he suspended operations of the Norwalk Gazette when he was appointed by President William McKinley United States Consul in Naples.