Frank Mattison, member of the state board of equalization from the fourth district of California, and whose residence is at 15 Ocean View Avenue, Santa Cruz, is a Californian by birth and rearing, and has been identified with the agricultural, mercantile, and political life of the state for many years. Being energetic, progressive, and public-spirited, he has been successful in his own private ventures and has done much for the welfare of his county and state in the public offices with which his fellow citizens have entrusted him.
Mr. Mattison was born near Santa Cruz, California, February 5, 1860. His father, John S. Mattison, was born in England, and in early life came to the United States and located in Chicago, where he was a manufacturer of boots and shoes. He was an original California forty-niner, making the trip across the plains, and he engaged in mining for a while after reaching the Eldorado of his dreams. He then turned his attention to the manufacture of saddles and later settled on a farm near Santa Cruz. He died in Santa Cruz in 1889. In the early days, he was associate judge of the county, and throughout his life was a prominent and influential factor in every community in which part of his career was passed. His wife was Lila Miles, who was born in Pennsylvania of an old American family of English descent. She died in 1896, and two sons survive her, Frank and Ralph, the latter being engaged in farming near Santa Cruz.
Mr. Mattison received his education in the public schools of Santa Cruz County and also had some private teaching. He began farming on his father’s place when he was fifteen years old and later on property of his own in Santa Cruz County, being engaged in that occupation altogether for twelve years. He was next in the grocery business in Santa Cruz for three years. His public career began in 1890 when he was elected to the office of county assessor, and the people showed their appreciation of his services by keeping him in office for three four-year terms. In November 1902, he was elected a member of the state board of equalization from the fourth district, for a term of four years. To the taxpayers of the state, this is the most important official board of the commonwealth, and Mr. Mattison’s election is a high tribute to his knowledge of property values and his sense of fairness in apportioning and equalizing the burdens of taxation.
Mr. Mattison has been active in the interests of the Republican party since coming to a majority, and has attended the state conventions and was chairman of the county central committee. He is at present a member of the board of trustees of the Monterey Custom House, having been appointed by Governor Gage in 1902. Fraternally he belongs to the Native Sons of the Golden West, and was grand president of the order in 1899. He also affiliates with the Elks, with the commandery and Mystic Shrine of the Masons, is past chief patriarch of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, etc.
Mr. Mattison was married at Soquel, Santa Cruz County, California, November 6, 1883, to Miss Carrie A. Peck, a native of New York state and a daughter of E. G. Peck, who came to California in pioneer days and was a farmer in Santa Cruz County. Two daughters have been born to this marriage, Lila E. and Ruth.
Source: Leigh H. Irvine; A History of the New California Its Resources and People, 2 Volumes; New York and Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company, 1903.