THE FIRST 100 YEARS
OF
SACRAMENTO LODGE No.40
ALEXANDER BRANCH ASHER
Alexander Branch Asher, an original
petitioner of Sacramento Lodge was born January 9, 1821, near Lynchburg,
Campbell County, Virginia. We have been unable to discover any of his early history
but find him on February 22, 1850, leaving Cincinnati, Ohio, via New Orleans on
the steamer Crescent City for California. Upon arrival in Sacramento
he plied his trade as carpenter. The Sacramento City Directory of 1853-54
indicates he was a member of the firm of Asher & Co., Builders and
Contractors, 5th Street, between J and K Streets. This firm was apparently
dissolved the following year as the City Directories for 1854-55 and 1856 show
him as a carpenter. In 1853 he united with the "First Church of Christ in
Sacramento" (now Pioneer Memorial Congregational Church) and in 1856 was
its Treasurer. In 1857 or 1858, he moved to Downieville,
Sierra County, California and it is assumed he worked at his trade until 1867
when he was elected Treasurer of Sierra County, serving during the years 1868
to 1871 inclusive. Early in 1872 he moved to San Francisco where he became a
member of the City Police Force, serving faithfully until his retirement in
1896 at the age of 75. We have no knowledge of where and when he was made a
Mason. He assisted in the organization of our Lodge in July 1853 and maintained
his membership therein until July 2, 1858 when he dimitted
and affiliated with Mountain Shade Lodge No. 18 F. & A. M., Downieville, California. He was Junior Deacon of that Lodge
in 1867, Junior Warden in 1868 and Treasurer in 1869. The proceedings of the
Grand Lodge of California for 1878 indicate that Bro. Asher withdrew from
Mountain Shade Lodge No. 18 and the Secretary of Pacific Lodge No. 136 F. &
A. M., Downieville, California. He was Junior Deacon
of that Lodge in 1867, Junior Warden in 1868 and Treasurer in 1869. The
Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of California for 1878 indicate that Bro. Asher
withdrew from Mountain Shade Lodge No. 18 and the Secretary of Pacific Lodge
No. 136 F. & A. M. of San Francisco informs us that Bro. Asher affiliated
with that Lodge, Sept. 6, 1878 and maintained his membership there until his
death in San Francisco Nov. 2, 1901. He left a wife, Sarah E. Asher and a
daughter Mae E. Asher.
Transcribed
by Sally Kaleta.
Proofread by Betty Vickroy.
© 2007 Sally Kaleta.