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.

 

 

 


SACRAMENTO LODGE NO. 40 INDEX

 

Sacramento County

 

GOLDEN NUGGET LIBRARY