Masonic Order Archives - Page 2 of 2

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 Frederick William Kiesel of Sacramento

Frederick William Kiesel, born February 11, 1874, in Corinne, Utah, is the general manager of the California Winery and cashier of the California State Bank of Sacramento. Son of Frederick J. and Julia Kiesel, who emigrated from Germany, Frederick was educated in Germany, at Greylock Institute in Massachusetts, and at Harvard College, graduating in 1896. He moved to Sacramento, founding the California Winery and later joining the California State Bank, where he became cashier. In 1901, he married Jane Birdsall of Sacramento. Kiesel is a member of the Masons and Elks, and an active Republican.

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 William A. Gett of Sacramento

William A. Gett, born July 17, 1863, in Sacramento, California, is a distinguished figure in Sacramento County. His father, Captain W. A. Gett, was a Mexican War veteran and California pioneer. Educated in Sacramento’s public and private schools, Gett initially pursued civil engineering before studying law. Admitted to the bar just after turning 21, he practiced law in Sacramento. Though he declined many nominations, he ran for California attorney general in 1902. Married to Ema Sweeney in 1892, Gett was active in the National Guard, various fraternal organizations, and delivered notable public orations, including a tribute to President McKinley.

Biography of Captain Richard M. Garratt

Captain Richard M. Garratt, born March 3, 1840, in Worcester, England, was a Civil War veteran and superintendent of the almshouse in Milpitas, California. After attending Oxford College, he moved to the United States in 1858. Garratt served in the Civil War, rising to captain in the U.S. Colored Infantry. Post-war, he held significant roles in the railroad industry, including general freight agent and general manager positions. In 1902, he became superintendent of the almshouse in Milpitas. He was twice married and fathered six children. Active in Republican politics and various fraternal organizations, Garratt contributed greatly to his community.

Biography of Newel K. Foster of Oakland

Dr. Newel K. Foster, born in Canterbury, New Hampshire, in 1849, was a prominent physician and legislator. The son of David M. and Sarah (Robertson) Foster, he hailed from a family with deep roots in New England history, including military service in the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. Foster earned a Bachelor of Science from Cornell University in 1873 and a Doctor of Medicine from Long Island College Hospital in 1878. He practiced in New York and Wyoming before settling in Oakland, California. Foster served as a state legislator and secretary of the state board of health, significantly contributing to public health and politics.

Biography of Tirey Lafayette Ford of San Francisco

Tirey Lafayette Ford, born December 29, 1857, in Monroe County, Missouri, served as general counsel for the United Railroads of San Francisco, distinguishing himself as a prominent lawyer in California. His legal career began after he passed the bar in 1882, with initial practice in Oroville and later in Downieville. Ford held several public offices, including district attorney of Sierra County and California state senator. In 1898, he was elected attorney general of California but resigned in 1902 to join the United Railroads. He married Emma Byington in 1888, and they had three children. Ford was active in numerous fraternal and social organizations.

Biography of Howard M. Fanning of Stockton

Howard M. Fanning, born June 3, 1826, in Troy, New York, was a significant figure among pioneer Californians. He moved to Stockton in 1850 and lived at 345 East Channel Street. Fanning, a self-made man, excelled in merchandising, farming, stock-raising, and civic affairs. He initially worked in the drug and car-building industries before migrating to California. In Stockton, he engaged in contracting, farming, and real estate. He served as a supervisor and city council member, was active in the Republican Party, and participated in Masonic and pioneer societies. He married Louise Butts in 1848, and they had six children.

Biography of Peter N. Bondesen of Salinas California

History of Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties, California Volume 2 Title Page

Among the ranchmen and fruit growers in the region about Salinas, few have been more successful in recent years than Peter N. Bondesen. He was born in Denmark, June 8, 1866, and is a son of Nels and Celia (Smith) Bondesen. His father was a weaver by trade and in his boyhood Peter attended the local schools, where he picked up the rudiments of a practical education. When he was fifteen years of age he came to America alone and went directly to the home of his brother, Hans Bondesen, in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. For some time he worked as a … Read more