Oregon Republican League: Elder Photos

Oregon Republican League:Republican League Register of Oregon, The Register Publishing Company, 1896, page 222.

LOTAN, JAMES, of Portland, was born in Paterson, New Jersey, in 1843. He early received a practical education as a machinist, but dropped his trade to enlist in the army, serving through an enlistment of two years. He then worked in the Washington navy yard. In 1864 he came to the Pacific Coast, and settled in Portland in 1865. In 1872 he became Superintendent of the Willamette Iron Works, of which he subsequently became half owner. Mr. Lotan has been a leader of in the Republican party, both local and state, for years. He has frequently been chairman of the city, county and state central committees and a member of nearly every convention for many years. In 1870 he was appointed United States Inspector of Vessels at this port. In 1889 he was appointed Collector of Customs by President Harrison. In 1883 he was appointed Fire Commissioner of Portland, and held that position for nine years.