Alameda
County
Biographies
HON.
WILLIAM H. JORDAN
There are but few men who have been more
instrumental in shaping and directing the fraternal society affairs of this
State than the subject of this sketch, the young leader of the Pacific coast.
The marvelous and unprecedented
growth of the Ancient Order of United Workmen in California is largely due to
the efforts of the first Grand Master, Wm. H. Jordan. At the formation of the
Grand Lodge there were less than 500 members. During his two terms in office
the membership had increased to over 10,000 and a separate jurisdiction. He was
then a young man, and his great benevolent heart was so ardently enlisted that
he gave a large portion of his time in organizing lodges.
Brother Jordan was born in
Cincinnati, Ohio, September 3, 1849. He arrived in this State in 1859, after
enduring numerous hardships in the journey across the plains. The ensuing seven
years of his life were a varied experience of trial and toil, but he managed to
find ways and means of fitting himself for and working his way through Yale.
During the last eleven years he has
attended every session of the Supreme Lodge A. O. U. W. as a representative or
as an officer of that body. As an index of his philanthropic and sagacious
management as Grand Master Workman, when the call for help came from the yellow
fever sufferers of Nashville, he telegraphed $500 on his own responsibility,
which was duly approved by the Grand Lodge of California. But more complete was
this great act of benevolence when, on appeal from Brother Jordan as G. M. W.
each Workman in this jurisdiction paid the sum of $2.50 voluntarily without
levying an assessment, to aid the widows and orphans of Tennessee.
He is also a member of F. and A. M.
and a number of benevolent orders. At the last session of the Legislature he
was elected Speaker of the Assembly, a position he filled with great credit. As
a lawyer, statesman, and fraternal leader he has acquitted himself with signal
ability. His name will go into history as an organizer, philanthropist and benafactor. (sic)
Transcribed By: Cecelia M. Setty.
Source: “Illustrated Fraternal Directory Including
Educational Institutions on the Pacific Coast”, Page 190, Publ. Bancroft
Co., San Francisco. Cal. 1889.
© 2012 Cecelia M. Setty.
ALAMEDA
COUNTY BIOGRAPHIES
California Statewide