Titlow served as a prosecuting attorney for Pierce County from 1896 to 1898 and was the Democratic National Committeeman from the state of Washington from 1920 to 1923.

Titlow settled in Tacoma, Washington, in 1888 and made many successful real estate investments that brought him wealth and prominence.

Although Titlow did not hold any public office (with the exception of his two-year prosecuting attorney term), he became an influential political figure in Washington state as a Democratic Party factioneer.

While in school, Titlow developed an ambition to become a lawyer and studied Blackstone's Commentaries on the Laws of England at Delphi.

He later entered the law department of the Washington University in St. Louis, and graduated one year ahead of his class in 1885.

In 1886, he borrowed $60 ($1,670 in 2020 dollars[note 1]) and moved south to Chattanooga, Tennessee, where he was welcomed by the local community.

[8] Although Titlow was well received in Chattanooga and formed many friendships,[7][8] he decided to move again to find better professional opportunities.

[note 1]) Although the purchase was explained away as the city's way to escape the "corporate grip," it was rumored that the Light and Water Company had spent $50,000 ($1.5 million in 2020 dollars.

[15] Titlow and Shackleford won the case, securing a $787,000 ($22.6 million in 2020 dollars[note 1]) judgement against the Light and Water company.

[16][17] In 1909, Titlow entered a legal battle with Northern Pacific Railroad around Tacoma waterfront access.

"[10] That same year, Titlow was elected on a Democratic ticket as a prosecuting attorney for Pierce County, replacing his former ally John A. Shackleford.

Although he never sought public office after 1898, Titlow developed influence and prominence through his appointments within the Democratic party.

[10][20] In later years, Titlow became a strong ally of Hugh C. Wallace, succeeding him as the Washington state Democratic National Committeeman on May 19, 1920.

[10] As Democratic National Committee chairman Homer S. Cummings retired, Titlow supported the candidacy of Eliakim H. Moore for the post,[23] but the chairmanship went to George White.

[23] After Cox lost the presidential election to Republican Warren G. Harding in a landslide, Titlow initially advocated for the immediate resignation of the party chairman, George White, but later withdrew his signature.

[25] In 1911, Titlow built the Hesperides Hotel which was designed by famous Tacoma architect Frederick Heath in the Swiss chalet style.

Other amenities were frequented by the middle-class public who arrived either in personal automobiles (which were becoming more and more popular) or via a dedicated bus service.

[33][34] Shortly after Titlow's death, his house on Sheridan Street was purchased by a contractor, Andrew Larson, who remodeled it as a multi-family unit.

During the Great Depression, Metro Parks planned to demolish the hotel, but the local community protested this decision.