San Francisco County

Biographies

CAPTAIN JAMES S. LAWSON

CAPTAIN J. S. LAWSON was born in the city of Philadelphia in 1828. He was reared and educated there, as also were his parents. In July, 1845, he graduated at the Central high school, that city, in the class with Professor George Davidson. He then taught there one year, and was subsequently engaged as teacher in Quaker School, a well-known institution of Wilmington. In January, 1848, before reaching his majority, he entered the Government service as an employe in the Coast Survey.

In 1850 Professor Davidson was sent to the Pacific coast in charge of a party, and he selected his friend and schoolmate for one of his aids. They made the voyage hither on the steamers “Philadelphia,” on the Atlantic side, and “Tennessee” on the Pacific, landing in San Francisco June 20, 1850. Since that time, for more than forty years, the Captain has been connected with this department of the Government service on the Pacific coast. In 1854 Professor Davidson purchased a merchant vessel for the service of the Coast Survey, and several years later, on his return from a visit to the East, Captain Lawson took charge of a party on this vessel, the “Fauntleroy,” and remained in charge until 1880. At that time he was transferred to California, from Washington Territory, and has since been connected with the office here, holding the position of field assistant, and part of the time being in charge of the San Francisco sub-office. During this long term of service the Captain has devoted his whole time and attention to the interests of the department, and has had little time for other things.

Captain Lawson has for many years been actively identified with the Masonic fraternity. He is a Thirty-third-Degree Mason, and was an active member of the Southern Supreme Council, Scottish Rite, for fourteen years; but, on account of his professional duties, which prevented his giving it the required time, as did other members of this important position, he resigned, his resignation was accepted with regret, and he was placed on the emeritus list. He was the first member ever selected for the Supreme Council from a Territory, he having been selected from the Territory of Washington. Previous to that time members were chosen only from the States. The Captain is also a member of the Legion of Honor.

He has one son, who is engaged in business in San Francisco.

Transcribed by Donna L. Becker

Source: "The Bay of San Francisco," Vol. 2, pages 457-458, Lewis Publishing Co, 1892.

California Biography Project

San Francisco County

California Statewide

Golden Nugget Library