During its 140-year history, the Valley of Oakland, A. & A.S.R., has attracted some of the most well-known East Bay personalities of the late 19th century to the present. Many of their legacies have extended beyond our local shores into the deep layers of American history (and sometimes into world history). Last week we posted about Supreme Court Justice Earl Warren (and Past Grand Master of CA) and his various civic and Masonic activities. At times controversial, his impact on American life is undeniable.

Today, we are posting about a family dynasty of Oakland Scottish Rite Masons — one of whom most Oaklanders only know by the name of a wonderful park: Joseph R Knowland (1873–1966). The son of rags-to-riches lumber and shipping magnate, Joseph Knowland (who was a prominent Oakland Scottish Rite Mason), JR began his career as a manufacturing, milling, and banking executive. After writing for the Oakland Enquirer and the Alameda Argus with a focus on California history and local life, he took on the mantle of owner, editor, and publisher of the now legendary Oakland Tribune.

Running on the local Republican ticket, JR Knowland served as a state assemblyman, a state senator, and finally as a five-term congressman in the 3rd District (1904–13) and the 4th District (1913–15).

In his father’s footsteps, JR joined a number of fraternal organizations including Freemasonry. His third wife, sharing his love of California history, was a past president of the Native Daughters of the Golden West.

Knowland’s son, William (1908–1974), was also a member of our Valley. A decorated veteran of the European theater during WWII, he took the reigns as publisher of “The Trib” and followed his father into politics, serving the US Senate as the Minority Leader from 1955–56 and the Majority Leader from 1957–59. He even ran for Governor in 1958, but lost the race to Pat Brown. Carrying on his family tradition, William belonged to a large number of fraternal organizations, with Freemasonry holding a prominent place in his life. Sadly, William died young at the age of 64.