Masonic Order Archives - California Genealogy

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 Frederick William Mahl of Sacramento

Frederick William Mahl, born on July 21, 1866, in Louisville, Kentucky, served as a mechanical engineer for the Southern Pacific Company from February 15, 1895, with headquarters in Sacramento. His father, William Mahl, originally from Karlsruhe, Germany, was a prominent railroad comptroller based in New York. Frederick Mahl received his education in Louisville and Hoboken, New Jersey, later completing his studies at Cornell University in 1889. He held positions at the Schenectady Locomotive Works before joining the Southern Pacific Company. Mahl married Virginia Elizabeth Stoddard in 1888, and they had three children. He was an active member of the Masonic fraternity and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

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 Arthur L. Levinsky of Stockton

Arthur L. Levinsky, born July 9, 1856, in Jackson, Amador County, California, became a leading lawyer in San Joaquin County through remarkable self-achievement. Despite early financial struggles and personal challenges, he pursued a legal career, gaining admission to the bar on August 3, 1885. He initially partnered with Louttit, Woods, and Levinsky, and later with S. D. Woods. Levinsky represented prominent corporate and financial interests, including the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway Company, and the Stockton Savings Bank. A dedicated Republican, he served as Stockton’s first city attorney under the new charter. Levinsky was active in various fraternal and social organizations, including the Masons and the Union League.

Biography of Robert James Laws

Robert James Laws, born in 1847 in Albany County, New York, and died October 20, 1904, was a superintendent of the Sacramento division of the Southern Pacific Railroad. His ancestors settled in Virginia in the early 17th century and were active in the Revolutionary War. Laws began his education in New York and worked for the American Telegraph Company and W. & L. E. Gurley before moving to California in 1868. He joined the Central Pacific Railroad and later supervised the construction of the Carson & Colorado Railroad. Married to Anna Louise Church in 1874, he had four children. Laws was a dedicated railroad professional, respected Mason, and committed Republican.

Biography of Joseph B. Lauck of San Francisco

Joseph B. Lauck, born November 27, 1846, in York, Pennsylvania, served as adjutant general of California under Governor Pardee. After a distinguished Civil War service from 1861 to 1865, Lauck worked for Union Pacific and Southern Pacific railroads, rising from laborer to conductor. In 1904, he became adjutant general. Lauck was a dedicated Republican and active in the National Guard of California, holding various leadership roles. Married to Carrie H. Stowell in 1878, he had one daughter, Veda B. Lauck was also a Mason, member of the Order of Railway Conductors, and the Grand Army of the Republic.

Biography of Edward Lande of San Francisco

Edward Lande, born July 21, 1859, in Independence, Oregon, moved to San Francisco at age two. Educated in local public schools, he graduated from the boys’ high school at sixteen. Pursuing law under Judge W. W. Morrow, Lande was admitted to the bar in 1880 and later co-founded the law firm Riordan & Lande in 1894. He gained recognition as an official reporter for notable trials and a legislative commission on hydraulic mining. A Republican, Lande was active in the Union League Club and a thirty-second degree Mason. His career was marked by legal acumen, dedication to justice, and extensive study, including a year in Europe.

Biography of John Lackmann of San Francisco

John Lackmann, born February 27, 1863, in Germany, served as the sheriff of San Francisco County with exemplary dedication. Immigrating to San Francisco in 1878, Lackmann initially worked as a grocery clerk before opening his own store in 1885. His political career began in 1896 when he was elected supervisor, a role he reprised in 1898. In 1899, he became sheriff, earning re-election through his integrity and effective service. Married to Elizabeth Schortemeier in 1891, with whom he had a daughter, Mary, Lackmann was also an active Mason and member of the A. O. F., admired for his commitment to honesty and public service.