Independent Order of Odd Fellows Archives

Biography of Frank Mattison of Santa Cruz

Frank Mattison, born near Santa Cruz, California, on February 5, 1860, served as a member of the state board of equalization from the fourth district of California. He was the son of John S. Mattison, an English-born original California forty-niner, and Lila Miles, of Pennsylvania. Frank’s career began in agriculture and expanded to the grocery business before entering public service. Elected county assessor in 1890, he served three terms. In 1902, he was elected to the state board of equalization. Active in the Republican party, Mattison also held roles in various fraternal organizations. He married Carrie A. Peck in 1883, and they had two daughters, Lila E. and Ruth.

Biography of James T. Martin, M. D. of Sacramento

Dr. James T. Martin, born on November 26, 1850, in Yamhill County, Oregon, achieved considerable success as a physician in Sacramento. His early years were marked by significant hardships, including working in harvest fields and on fishing boats to fund his education at Pacific University and later the University of Michigan, where he graduated with a medical degree in 1883. Initially teaching in Washington state, he transitioned to medicine, serving at the Skokomish Indian Reservation before establishing a successful practice in Woodland, California, and later in Sacramento. Married to Mary M. Huntington, Dr. Martin was known for his contributions to medical journals and his involvement in various business enterprises and fraternal organizations.

Biography of Charles James Luttrell

Charles James Luttrell, born on January 18, 1875, in Fort Jones, Siskiyou County, served as district attorney of Siskiyou County. He actively participated in the professional, public, and political affairs of his community, focusing on the county’s agricultural and mineral resources. Luttrell, the son of Lloyd Benjamin Luttrell and Lizzie Jordan, was educated locally and taught school before studying law at the University of Michigan, graduating in 1901. Elected district attorney in 1902, he was known for his successful prosecutions. He was involved in several fraternal organizations, including the Native Sons of the Golden West and the Masons.

Biography of Hallock Hart Look, M. D.

Dr. Hallock Hart Look, a distinguished oculist, aurist, and general practitioner, was born on August 9, 1862, in Hocking County, Ohio. Of English Puritan lineage, his family settled in Massachusetts during early American colonization. His grandfather served in the War of 1812. Dr. Look’s medical education includes Kansas City Medical College and Columbia College’s medical department. Practicing in Chicago and later Sacramento, he served as a surgeon with the Pacific Mail Steamship Company and held official health positions in California. He was also involved in local politics, fraternal organizations, and the California National Guard.

Biography of Thomas B. W. Leland, M. D. of San Francisco

Dr. Thomas B. W. Leland, born September 19, 1870, in Jamestown, Tuolumne County, California, was a prominent young physician in San Francisco. Son of Gustavus A. Leland, a Massachusetts native and early California settler, Dr. Leland pursued his education at the state normal school in San Jose and later the medical department of the University of California, graduating in 1894. He gained practical experience at St. Luke’s Hospital and the Railroad Hospital in Oakland. Dr. Leland began his private practice in 1896 and held various teaching and medical positions, including professor of internal medicine and San Francisco’s coroner. Married to Florence McMahon in 1897, they had two children. Dr. Leland was active in several fraternal organizations and served as chief surgeon for California’s Naval Militia. His career was marked by a commitment to medical advancement and community service.

Biography of George A. Knight of San Francisco

George A. Knight, born in Worcester, Massachusetts, in 1851, has been a significant figure in California’s legal and political spheres for over twenty-five years. His family moved to California in 1853, settling in Eureka, Humboldt County. Knight’s legal career began after studying under Judge J. E. Wyman, leading to his admission to the bar in 1872. He served as district attorney for Humboldt County for six years. Moving to San Francisco in 1880, Knight formed prominent law partnerships and held various public offices, including state insurance commissioner and judge advocate. A dedicated Republican, Knight has been a delegate to five national conventions. He married Frances H. Wyman in 1870, and they have two sons.

Biography of George B. Katzenstein of Sacramento

George B. Katzenstein, born on November 28, 1848, in New Orleans, Louisiana, significantly contributed to California’s business and agricultural development. His family relocated to California in 1853, where his father ran a hotel in Marysville. Educated in Marysville, George later moved to Sacramento, working in insurance and fraternal organizations. He co-founded the Orange Vale Colonization Company, promoting fruit cultivation in northern California. Katzenstein also managed the Sacramento and northern California business for the Earl Fruit Company and became a key figure in the California Fruit Distributors. Married to Ida M. Richards in 1869, he was active in various fraternal organizations and the Republican Party.

Biography of Julius Kahn of San Francisco

Julius Kahn, born on February 28, 1861, in Germany, was a notable figure in San Francisco, excelling in law, politics, and public service. He immigrated to America at age five with his mother, Jeanette, to join his father, Herman, in California. Educated in public schools, Kahn initially pursued a theatrical career, performing with famous actors before studying law and being admitted to the bar in 1894. Kahn served in the California State Assembly and later in Congress from 1898 to 1902. He married Florence Prag in 1899, and they had a son, Julius, born in 1902. Active in various social and fraternal organizations, Kahn was a respected and influential community member.

Biography of Everis Anson Hayes

Everis Anson Hayes, born March 10, 1855, in Waterloo, Wisconsin, rose from humble beginnings to become a prominent businessman in Santa Clara County, California. Of Scotch descent, he practiced law before investing in successful mining ventures. In 1887, Hayes and his brother moved to California, purchasing a substantial estate in Eden Vale. They later acquired the San Jose Herald and the San Jose Mercury newspapers. Hayes married twice and had seven children. He was active in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Grange, and supported the Republican Party, contributing significantly to local and state politics.

Biography of Eugene D. Graham of Stockton

Eugene D. Graham, born January 22, 1866, near Stockton, California, serves as county clerk of San Joaquin County. His parents, Robert L. and Caroline (Stokes) Graham, were Kentucky natives with Revolutionary War ancestors. In 1852, they journeyed to California with ox teams and settled in San Joaquin County, where Robert engaged in farming and stock-raising. Eugene, raised on the family farm, received his education locally and worked in Lodi before returning to agriculture. In 1895, he became deputy county clerk, and in 1902, he was elected county clerk. Married to Frances E. Mann in 1888, they have three sons: Robert E., Lloyd L., and Myrl E. Eugene is a member of the I.O.O.F. and W.O.W., and a Republican.