George Masa (aka Masahara Izuka)

"George Masa (1881 - 1933), was born Masabara Izuka, in Osaka, Japan. He moved to Asheville, North Carolina, in 1915. He originally worked at the Grove Park Inn and later opened a photographic studio.
In addition to his personal and professional photographic pursuits, Masa was active in the Appalachian Trail Club and in the movement to establish the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Mutual interests in outdoor activities fostered a friendship with Horace Kephart, a noted author and promoter of the Great Smoky Mountains park."