James W. Witten, Junior Grand Deacon, 1911

Born in Grundy County, Missouri, in 1855, he was educated in the public schools and at Central College, Payette, Missouri. In 1881 he left the farm for the law office and began practicing at Albany, Missouri, and in October of the same year was nominated for prosecuting attorney, to which office he was elected and served two terms. He continued the practice of law till he was called to the legal department of the General Land Office in 1893. He is now Chief Law Officer of that department and for several years has been superintendent of all land openings. It is universally understood that his conduct of the openings has been entirely satisfactory to all concerned for fairness and equitable treatment of the homestead seekers.

Those who are nearest to Brother Witten recognize best his nobility of character, unimpeachable integrity, and high ideals, and these qualities which have won him such distinction as a public servant have brought to him rapid but deserved promotion in the Masonic circles.

He was initiated in Washington Centennial Lodge, No. 14, May 4, passed June 1, and raised July 6, 1898; was elected Senior Steward in 1899, and after filling all the intermediate offices was Master in 1904. He entered the official line of the Grand Lodge as Senior Grand Steward at the election in December, 1907.

He was exalted in Mt. Vernon Chapter, No. 3, R. A. M., May 28, 1900.

AHGP District of Columbia

Source: History of the Grand Lodge and Freemasonry in the District of Columbia, compiled by W. Brother Kenton N. Harper, 1911.