Sacramento County
Biographies
BURTON M. HODSON
A high degree of artistic perfection marks
the exhibits of the Hodson studios in Sacramento and
Oakland. The concensus of opinion on the part
of competent judges indicates that Mr. Hodson
possesses ability as a photographer far above the average. An intimate
knowledge of proportion, an instantaneous comprehension of artistic outlines
and a highly developed appreciation of graceful poses form characteristics
admirably qualifying him for success in art. These qualities, while
justly belonging to him through inheritance from a gifted father, have been so
developed and perfected through study and experience that they have brought him
professional prominence and local prestige, combining to give him a
reputation which has been enhanced through his ease of manner and affability of
demeanor.
When it is mentioned that Mr. Hodson has been actively identified with Sacramento Parlor
No. 3, N. S. G. W., it will be recognized that the success of his work reflects
added credit upon his native commonwealth. Oakland is his native city and
July 22, 1875, the date of his birth, his father having been J. R. Hodson, a native of Illinois and from youth a photographer
of eminent skill. As early as 1872 the elder Mr. Hodson
established a studio in Sacramento. At different times he had art
galleries in various bay cities. Eventually in 1894 he established his
studio in San Francisco, where for a few years he limited his attention
strictly to photography, but the development of his genius led him into the
field of portraiture and he since has become a popular portrait painter of the
exposition city.
At the age of five years Burton M. Hodson accompanied his parents to Sacramento and here he
was sent to the primary school, later to the grammar and then to high
schools. He can scarcely recall a time when he was uninterested in
photography. The science appealed to him in early years. The
difficult process incident to producing a finished picture appealed to his
interest. Having made a life study of the science he is eminently
qualified for successful work in all of its specialties. Reading and
research have broadened his knowledge of the art, while practical experience
has developed his inborn tastes until now he occupies a rank of unquestioned
prominence among the photographers of Sacramento and Oakland. From
boyhood he has devoted himself to his profession. Politics has not
diverted his attention from his art. Fraternal interests, limited to
membership with the Native Sons and the Sacramento Lodge of Elks, have not been
allowed to infringe upon his constant devotion to his chosen calling, and it is
to this persistent devotion, supplementing intelligence, affability and
refinement, that he owes his growing success. Sharing with him in the
good-will of acquaintances is his wife, who prior to their marriage in 1908 in
her native city of Sacramento, was Miss Lillian May Nelson, member of an old
and honored family of the capital city.
Transcribed by Sally Kaleta.
Source: Willis,
William L., History of Sacramento County,
California, Pages 767-768. Historic
Record Company,
© 2006 Sally Kaleta.