THE FIRST 100 YEARS
OF
SACRAMENTO LODGE No.40
JAMES HAWKINS BULLARD
There is some uncertainty as to the
place and date of birth of our original petitioner James Hawkins Bullard.
According to his registration of August 21, 1880 he was then 69 years of age
and was born in Tennessee. According to his registration of Oct. 22, 1882 he
was then 60 years of age and was born in Kentucky. Coming to California from
Missouri during the Gold Rush, he established a wholesale merchandising
business in Sacramento in October 1850. This business he maintained until his
departure for the East Sept. 3, 1856. At that time, the Sacramento Daily
Union of Sept. 4, 1856 described him as being one of Sacramento's
"oldest and most enterprising merchants" and that he would return
with his family after a brief absence. He returned as planned from New York,
arriving in California Jan. 4, 1857, bringing with him his wife and family and
established a grocery store at 140 J Street, Sacramento, remaining in business
until about 1861 when he moved to San Francisco, where he became a produce
commission merchant. He continued in that business until about 1886 when no
further information concerning him could be found. Bro. Bullard was an original
petitioner of Washington Lodge No. 20 of Sacramento which was organized Feb.
21, 1852 and subsequently assisted in the organization of Sacramento Lodge in
July, 1853. Although he came to California from Missouri, the Grand Lodge of
that state has no record of him. His name was carried on our membership roll until
Feb. 1, 1856 when it was stricken therefrom as he disclaimed being a member and
refused to pay dues. He was the first King of Sacramento Chapter No. 3, R. A.
M. organized Oct. 5, 1853.
Transcribed by Sally
Kaleta.
Proofread by Betty
Vickroy.
© 2007 Sally Kaleta.