San Francisco
County
Biographies
DANIEL
SEWELL
Men who are by nature sympathetic and
benevolent find in these fraternal and beneficiary orders a field for labor
that is suited to their taste, and in this service they find their real
enjoyment. As a rule, their faithful service begets leadership, and, like the
faithful pilot, they stand at the helm until loving hands carry them to their
grave. Brother Sewell has been a leader in fraternal society affairs for many
years, and each year seems to add to his responsibilities and a demand for his
services as an adviser and co-worker. He emigrated from England at the age of
eleven years, and in the prime of manhood came to California in 1859, settling
in Sonora, where he followed his occupation as carpenter and contractor for
fifteen years. During his residence in Sonora he took a deep interest in the
fire department. Six times Mr. Sewell was elected Secretary of Hose Company No.
1; once Treasurer of the same; twice appointed Secretary of Board of Fire
Delegates; three times elected one of the five Trustees of the city of Sonora;
five times elected First Assistant Engineer of the Sonora Fire Department; and
four times Chief Engineer of the same. His fidelity is shown in this
connection, that “for fifteen years he was never absent from his post in times
of danger.”
He is a veteran Odd Fellow, and
during the year 1886 served with distinction as President of the Veteran Odd
Fellows’ Association for the Pacific Coast. In 1876 and 1879 he was a
Representative in the Grand Lodge of California. He became a member of Bald
Mountain Encampment, and filled various official positions, and resigned that
office of Scribe when he removed to San Francisco.
He joined Triumph Lodge, 180, A. O.
U. W., in 1881; served in several official positions, among which were M. W.;
six terms as Financier, and District Deputy Grand Master in 1887. He did signal
service as a member of Samaritan Council, No. 13, O. C. F., in the great
secession movement in that Order, and was created a Past Councillor
by the Supreme Lodge.
At the last general election he was
a candidate for School Trustee, and has served in civic official positions at
different times during a term of years. He is a man of sterling worth,
indomitable perseverance and strict integrity. Benevolent, frank and faithful
to every trust, he has endeared himself to a large circle of warm friends and
fraters. He has a State notoriety as a fine artist and skillful
photographer.
Transcribed By: Cecelia M. Setty.
Source: “Illustrated Fraternal Directory Including
Educational Institutions on the Pacific Coast, Page 170, Publ. Bancroft
Co., San Francisco. Cal. 1889.
© 2012 Cecelia
M. Setty.
San Francisco County Biographies