Sacramento County
Biographies
BURTON M. HODSON
BURTON M. HODSON.--A
high degree of artistic perfection marks the exhibits of the Hodson Studio in Sacramento. The consensus of opinion on the part of competent judges
indicates that Mr. Hodson possesses much talent and
ability as a photographer far above the average. An innate knowledge of
proportion, an instantaneous comprehension of artistic outlines and a highly
developed appreciation of graceful poses are characteristics admirably
qualifying him for success in art. These qualities, while justly belonging to
him through in heritance 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 case of manner and affability of demeanor. When it is mentioned that Mr. Hodson has
been actively identified with Sacramento Parlor No. 3. Native Sons of
the Golden West, 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 has since 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 the grammar
and then to the high school. He can scarcely recall a time when he was not
interested in photography. The science appealed to him in early years. The
difficult processes incident to producing a finished picture appealed to his
genius. Having made a life study of the science he is qualified for successful
work in all of its specialties. Reading and research have broadened his knowledge of art, while
practical experience has developed his inborn tastes until now he occupies a
rank of unquestioned prominence among the photographers of California. From boyhood he has devoted himself to his profession.
Politics has not diverted him from his art. Fraternal interests, limited to
membership in the Native Sons of the Golden West and the Sacramento Lodge of
Elks, as well as his membership in the Kiwanis Club, have not been allowed to
infringe upon his constant devotion to his chosen calling, and it is to this
persistent devotion to achieving his ambition, supplemented by intelligence,
affability, and refinement, that Mr. Hodson owes his
growing success. Endowed by nature with a pleasing personality, he is well-read
and well-posted, and it is a pleasure to converse with him and enjoy his
generous hospitality. Sharing with him in the good will of his acquaintances is
his estimable wife, who prior to their marriage in 1908, in her native city of Sacramento, was Miss Lillian May Nelson, member of an old, prominent
and honored family of the capital city.
Transcribed by Sally Kaleta.
Source: Reed, G.
Walter, History of Sacramento
County, California With Biographical Sketches, Page 321.
Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, CA. 1923.
© 2006 Sally Kaleta.