'^^^: FS-f; A MASON RECORD f.-A'-^yy- yM ^i.'- :^:i.. -■&V •:-y-:f- ■ ■''■•• *■. .' A O r-y / Class ^ . - 7 ' , ,M,.4-i Book Gopyri^ht W.. 30^;^ COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. A MASON RECORD J v v \ The ]Masox Statue P((Hi()t Hill. Mystic. Connecticut FAMILY RECORD IN OUR LINE OE DESCENT FRO.M Major John Mason of Norwich Connecticut BY THEODORE WEST ^ASON "There is a Moral and Philosophical respect for our Ancestors which elevates the character and improves the heart." —WEBSTER THE GRAFTON PRESS NEW YORK MCMIX Copyright 1909, by Theodore West Mason Limited edition for private distribution • t I lCi.A25298rj IT is noticcuble, the fz;rc:it change of view that has taken place of kite years with the development of the inner antl truer history of the New Knglantl colonial life. Wealtii and leisure have brought to men of culture and travel, and intelligent interest in such things, the means to procure and bring to this country records and manuscripts that confute the ultra-logical conclusions which have had credence. The old New England historical societies are growing rich in these accessions, as well as in the discovery and restoring of ancient records long buried here at home, that help dispel the mistaken fancies and the prejudices of the past. "Whatever may have taken place later, the Puritanism of the first forty years of the seventeenth century was not tainted with degrading or ungraceful associations of any sort. The rank, the wealth, the chivalry, the genius, the learning, the accomplish- ments, the social refinements and elegance of the time, were largely represented in its ranks. The Earls of Leicester, Bedford, Huntington, and Warwick, Sir Nicholas Bacon, his greater son, Walsingham, Burleigh, Mildma)^, Sadler, Knollys, were specimens of a host of eminent men more or less friendly to, or tolerant of it. The Parliamentar}^ general, Devereaux, Earl of Essex, was formed with every grace of person, mind and culture, to be the ornament of a splendid court, the model knight; and the position of ^Manchester, Warwick, Fairfax, and men of their class, was by birthright in the most polished circle of English society. The statesmen of the first period of that Parliament which by and liy dethroned Charles the First, had been bred in the luxury of the landed aristocracy of the realm; while of the nobility, Manches- ter, Essex, Warwick, Brooke, Fairfax, and others, and of the gentry, a long roll of men of the scarcely inferior position of Hampden and Waller, commanded and officered its armies and fleets. With such aids, the first effort of a large number of its most capable clergy had been to influence the Church in the natural progress of the sentiment of reform. 5 6 A MASON RECORD Puritanism, from the outbreak of the Great RebelUon, was subjected to the infehcities and abuses which necessarily attend a formidable and successful party." (Palfrey's New England.) The true genesis of New England life began with the colony which landed in J\Iassachusetts Bay. The social elements that had collected on the spot were very diverse. The company of settlers at Plymouth were not homogeneous. Bancroft, referring to their life and habits in his review of the settlement of New England, writes that "candour compels us to say, they had no direct and but little indirect influence in shaping its development." The projectors and leaders of the Massachusetts Company as man)^ writers have shown — in the words of Professor Hale: "They were not the same men; their history was not the same; their industries were not the same; they were men who in England were called another class; people who had been in the Universities, people who had been in the Court, people who had friends at Court," and Palfrey says of them, "The principal planters of Massachusetts were English country gentlemen of no inconsider- able fortunes; of enlarged understandings, improved by liberal education." Elliott in his History says, "Let it be remembered that these were still members of the Church of England, though non-con- formists, not separatists," and that "Associated were many gentlemen of wealth and consequence in London City, as well as gentlemen Squires, and others, Lords of Manors, who sought a change." He speaks of the relations in which they left the old country: "The Massachusetts Bay Colonists did not wish to be considered Independents. To guard against the charge of being separatists, Winthrop and his friends, before sailing for Massachusetts Bay, issued 7 April, 1630, from the Arbella at Falmouth, an address to the people of England, desiring them to take notice of the prin- cipal and body of our Company, as those who esteem it our honour to call the Church of England, from whence we rise, our dear Mother." In Prince's Annals I, he refers to "the far greater part of the Puritans remaining still in the Church, writing with zeal against the separatists." The Puritans desired reformation within the i A MASON RECORD 7 Church of England itself, and those who came to Massachusetts Bay and later severetl their connection with the English Church, did so only after such a reformation proved impracticable. Professor Hale, in one of his addresses, describes tiieir de- barking: "Our prosperous Massachusetts Colony made the shore and landed on the next day, on the 21st of June, in the glow of summer, landed in the midst of strawberries and flowers and all the luxuiios of the Beverly shore, with the dignified arrangements of those who came in a fleet, fortified by the charter of a King, to carry on a Government in a way predetermined in London." And then a circumstance of great weight and consideration in these days, of which Senator Depew speaks: "They brought with them £500,000 in gold and silver money, estimated to be the equivalent in our time of not less than 815,000,000. The his- tory of immigration may be searched in vain for any parallel. These people were led by graduates of Oxford and Cambridge. They were educated and prosperous beyond the mass of their countrymen. They came to found homes and build a State. They were colonists come to found settlements, not immigrants for adoption into already formed governments. They left com- fortable homes, and came among the first to this favoured land to prepare the institutions under whose beneficent influence those of other countries could find justice, and opportunity, and progress." They were in every class of life of pure English descent, almost all of them coming from the midland counties. Palfrey, in the preface to his first volume, states: "Their coming to New England began in 1620. It was inconsiderable till 1G30. At the end of ten years more, it almost ceased. A people consisting at that time of not many more than twenty thousand persons, thenceforward multiplied on its own soil in remarkable seclusion from other communities, for nearly a cen- tury and a half. During that long period, and for many years later, their identity was unimpaired. Exceptions to this state- ment are of small account. In 1652, after the battles of Dunbar and Worcester, Cromwell sent some four or five hundred of his Scotch prisoners to Boston; but very little trace of this accession is left. The discontented strangers took no root. After the rev- ocation of the Edict of Nantes in 16S5, about a hundred and .8 A MASON RECORD fifty families of French Huguenots came to Massachusetts, where, though their names have mostly died out, a considerable number of their posterity are still to be found. A hundred and twenty Scotch-Irish families came over in 1719, and settled in New Hampshire. Thus the people of New England are a singularly unmixed race. There is probably not a county in England occupied by a population of purer English blood than theirs." The Puritan was a strict moralist, and in politics he was the liberal of his day. In an address before the New England Society the Rev. Dr. William Reed Huntington, a descendant of Chris- topher of Norwich, describes them as idealists, not visionaries but practical men of ideas. "They had set their hearts on solving the problem of the perfect commonwealth. They left the old England because they thought, mistakenly as it has turned out, but they honestly thought she was past saving, and came to this untenanted coast that they might build an England new. The profoundest view of the history of the United States is that which sees in it a continuation of the history of England, It is more, but it is that. Witness that best of all flattery, which at this very moment the old England is paying to the new, the flattery of imitation." Hollister, in his History of Connecticut, writes of the founders : "I have said that the first English planters of Connecticut were of no vulgar origin; they had made great sacrifices to remove their families and their friends to America. Laborers were few, and they had no money to transport them in such numbers as were needed in a new country. "The best planters, therefore, could find nothing degrading in the use of the ax or the plow — it is true they brought with them many servants, but most of them were so from temporary causes; but the planters, the substantial land holders, who began to plant those 'three vines in the wilderness', sprung from the better classes, and a large proportion of them from the landed gentry of England. This fact is proved not only by tracing in- dividual families, but by the very names that those founders bore. From actual examination it appears that more than four- fifths of the early landed proprietors of Hartford, Wethersfield and Windsor belonged to families that had arms granted to them A MASON RECORD 9 in Great Britain. This lar<;c infusion of the Mood of tiio hotter class of Knghsh families nuf!;ht lead, were it philosophically considered, to an explainition of nuu-li that has been thought to be new and peculiar in cnu" institutions and our people. I should iiardly expect to be contradicted by any well informed genealogist either in England or America, were I to express my belief that tliere is hartUy a man now living whose descent can be traced to the early planters of Connecticut, who will not be found to be derived, through one branch or another of his pedi- gree, from those families who helped to frame the British Con- stitution, who elaborated by slow degrees the Common Law, who atlvocated the iloctrines of both with their tongues and their pen.s, or defended them with their swords." The traditional respect of the freemen for advantages of social position was great, and family prestige had much influence. He directs attention to the early titles used in Connecticut, and the distinctions they conveyed. "I have found in the records of no people, worthy to be called civilized, the internal evidences of grade and rank adjusted more carefully than can be traced in the files and books of the early documentary history of our own Col- ony. The lines drawn around these respective classes were not so strict as to be in tiie way of personal merit when it sought to rise; but were sufficiently so to characterize the several grades." The following are among those described. It is well to note here that the clergymen who were with the early planters of Con- necticut, some twenty in numl)er, were most every one of good family among the gentry of England; and all of them, Hollister describes as "gentlemen of uncommon powers of mind, of elegant manners, and thorough-bred scholars, in an age when scholars were rare." Several of them afterwards returned to England. Military titles were considered of a very high order until the close of the Revolution, and before then took precedence, except of the clergy. "Honourable" was not used until 1685, and for many years given only to the Governor, and occasionally to the Deputy- Governor. "Esquire" was very rarely used for the first century, and indicated especially one of importance and large estate, having 10 A MASON RECORD about the same signification that it had in England, being placed after the name, and before or after that of the place of residence. "Master" — "Mr." belonged to all gentlemen, including those designated by the higher marks of rank, for nearly the first one hundred and fifty years, and was an index of good birth, education and estate, corresponding to the English term of "Gentleman," placed at the end of the name usually as "Gent." These titles continued, with the significance and influence they had under the old Colonial charter, until about twenty years after the close of the Revolution. I have, therefore, down to that generation taken pains to retain the titles borne by members of the family; after that period, in the new order of things, the appli- cation made of these terms changed entirely the meaning and consequence that had once distinguished them. The plan of this work may seem to require some prefatory statement. Its subject might have been treated in a regularly arranged genealogical chart or form. But the intention is to give a short sketch of the head of each family; and a sufficient account of the wife's family to locate and designate distinctly her con- nection, that for further information the one desiring it may turn to such record. With the marriage of a daughter, enough is given for the same object. In compiling the Register my purpose has been to have in more convenient form of reference for those interested, the record of this branch of the family, with authority to be had for every- thing written, and the wish to avoid any use of time and space in matter not essential. Greenwich, Conn., Theodore W. Mason 189.3 MAJOR John Mason, our ancestor in this country, was born in Enghuul about the year IGOl. He was a Heutenant in the English army in the wars of the Netherlands, with his friend and companion-in-arms. Lord Thomas Fairfax, who was in General Sir Horace de Vere's com- mand at the siege of Bois-le-l)uc from April to July, or about five months in 1630. He was of good descent and a young man of promise, which is indicated by the fact that, after the outbreak of civil war be- tween King Charles I. and Parliament, Sir Thomas Fairfax, when made Commander-in-chief in 1645, addressed a letter to Major Mason in America urging him to return to England, join his standard, and accept a Major-General's commission in the Parlia- mentary army. "The invitation was however declined, he being then much interested in laying the foundations of a new Colony." (Connecticut.) He came over "with other officers and many gentlemen of wealth and distinction," when the movement became general under the Charter of the Governor and Company of Massachu- setts Bay in New England. He was stationed at Dorchester in December of 1632, in an official capacity under the commission of the Governor of Massa- chusetts, and was also a Deputy from that town to the General Court. In September 1634 he was member of a board appointed to plan the fortifications of Boston Harbour, and was especially in charge of the erection of the works on Castle Island, one of the most important points. (Now Fort Independence.) His life in this country was passed in the following positions of honour and trust: Lieutenant and Captain at Boston and Dorchester, for several years. Conqueror of the Pequots, Magistrate and Major at Windsor, twelve. 11 12 A MASOX RECORD Commandant of the Fort and Commissioner of the United Colonies at Saybrook, twelve. Deputy-Governor and Assistant at Norwich, twelve. He was commander-in-chief of the forces of the colony of Con- necticut, the rank corresponding to that of major-general, and retained the position for the remainder of his Hfe, thirty-five years. He was one of the Patentees and named therein the Deputy- Governor of the colonial charter of 1662, granted by King Charles II, confirming to the "Governor and Company of the English Colony of Connecticut in New England in America" the title and jurisdiction of all the territory conveyed to the Earl of Warwick. This is the historic charter famous as being hidden and preserved from seizure in the old "Charter Oak" at Hartford during the usurpation of Sir Edmund Andross. The same is to be seen in the State House, upon proper application, where it is kept with great care. He prepared, at the request of the General Court of Connecticut, an account of the Pequot War, which was published by Mather in 1677, and reprinted from the original by Mr. Thomas Prince in 1735 in more complete form, with the prefaces and some explan- atory notes. The State of Connecticut erected in 1889 a statue to commemo- rate the successful expedition of Major Mason and his command in 1637. It stands on the crest of Pequot Hill, near the west bank of the Mystic river, within a short distance of the location of the Indian fort captured and destroyed. The inscription on the panelled base is: ERECTED A.D., 1889, BY THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT, TO COMMEMORATE THE HEROIC ACHIEVEMENT OP MAJOR JOHN MASON AND HIS COMRADES, WHO NEAR THIS SPOT, IN 1637, OVERTHREW THE PEQUOT INDIANS, AND PRESERVED THE SETTLEMENTS FROM DESTRUCTION. "Major Mason was in person tall and portly, and in manner dignified. He was wise and prompt in planning, and energetic A MASON RECORD 13 in executing, as a commander l)rave and self-reliant; and was equally distinguished for the purity of his morals and for his fearlessness in defending and maintaining the right." (j i He married, in July, 1G40, .Miss Anne Peck, who was born in-' 1619, the daughter of the Rev. Robert Peck of Ilingham, Nor- folkshire, England. His wife died before him in Norwich. He died, 30 Jany., 1672, in Norwich, Conn., of which town he was a founder, and one of the largest proprietors in that country- side, and was there buried. The traditional place of his burial is at ]^oan Hill, near the south side of the Post Road. H.\D Issue as follows: Priscilla, b. Oct., 1641, at Windsor; m. in Oct., 1664, Rev. James Fitch of Norwich; d. about 1714. Samuel, b. July, 1644, at Windsor. John, b. Aug., 1646, at Windsor. Rachel, b. Oct., 1648, at Saybrook; m. 12 June. 1678, Mr. Charles Hill of New London; d. 4 April, 1679. Anne, b. June, 1650, at Saybrook; m. 8 Nov., 1672, Captain John Browne of Swansey, ]\Iass. Daniel, b. April, 1652, at Saybrook. Elizabeth, b. Aug., 1654, at Saybrook; m. 1 Jany., 1676, Major James Fitch of- Norwich, eldest son of Rev. James Fitch and Abigail Whitfield; d. 8 Oct., 1684. Rev. Robert Peck, M.A., "was a descendant of John Pecke, Gentleman, of Belton, Yorkshire, England, where the family were early seated and were one of much distinction and prominence among the gentry of influence." He was born in Beecles, Suffolk- shire, in 1580. He was graduated at Magdalen College, Cambridge, in 1599. He was instituted rector of St. Andrew's parish in Hingham, Norfolkshire, the 8 Jany., 1605, where he remained until 1638, when he came to Hingham, Massachusetts, and was made minis- ter of the church there on the 28 Nov., 1638. His wife and his son Joseph and daughter Anne came with him. He continued /9 14 A MASON RECORD here about three years until the troubles in England ceased, when he returned the 27 Oct., 1641, and resumed his rectorship at Hingham. His wife Anne and son returned with him, his daughter remaining here, the wife of Captain Mason. He died at Hingham in 1656, and was buried under the choir of St. Andrew's church, "a noble structure, with a large and lofty tower containing eight musical bells." Gen. 1. MAJOR SAMUEL, the eldest son, was a man of prominence and distinction, and had great influence in the affairs of the Colony. He was commissioned lieutenant, 12 May, 1670; captain 14 May, 1685, and promoted to the rank of major. He was often Deputy to the General Court, and for years chosen Assistant to the upper house. He was appointed on many courts of commission, and to other important positions. At a special court held at Hartford the 3 Sept., 1689, Captain Mason was selected with Deputy-Governor the Hon. James Bishop, Esquire, to meet with the delegates of the other colonies in Boston, and determine methods for the defence of New Eng- land. He was also one of the commissioners to meet with Rhode Island for defining the boundary line between the two colonies. He was one of the four proprietors by the original deed of 1692 from Owaneco, son of Uncas, of the territory five miles square l3dng northerly of the town of Norwich, and called the "Five Mile Purchase." This land, increased by a second similar conveyance in 1702 from the Mohican chief to his brother Captain John Mason and his cousin James Fitch, with some lesser additions, after- ward formed the town of Lebanon. He married in June, 1670, Judith, b. in 1650, the daughter of Captain John Smith of Hingham, Mass., and had issue: John, b. 19 Aug., 1676; d. 20 Mar., 1705. Anne, who m. her first cousin. Captain John Mason, 3d. Sarah, who m., 2 Nov., 1703, her first cousin Joseph Fitch, Esquire, of Lebanon, a man of wealth and large land owner. He married again on the 4 July, 1694, Ehzabeth, b. 1657, dau. of Joseph Peck, Esquire, of Massachusetts, and had issue: Samuel, b. 26 Aug., 1695; d. 28 Nov., 1701. A MASON HECOHD 15 Elizabeth, h. 6 May. 1007; in. 1."} Oct.. 1720, Rev. William Wortliington. Hannah, b. 14 Ai)l., Ui'.M); d. Nov., 1724. He clitHl 30 Mar., 17U5, at Stonington. His son John d. unmarried, thus leaving none of the name descendant in this line. Gen. 1. CAPTAIN JOHN, JR., the next son, early entered public life, being Deputy to the General Court for several years. He was chosen Assistant in May of the very year of liis decease. He was commissioned lieutenant 2G June, 1G72, and cai)tain tiie 15 Sept., 1675. He was third in command of the Connecticut quota sent forward under Major Treat to join in the attack of the United Colonies on the Narragansetts in King Philip's War. He was mortally wounded at the Great Swamp Fight the 19 Dec, 1675, and was carried to New London where he lingered until his death the 18 Sept., 1676. He married_Abigail, b. 5 Aug., 1650, dau. of the Rev. James Fitch of Norwich, and had issue. Captain John, 3d. b. 1673. Anne, who m. in 1690, Captain John Denison of Stonington. There is no complete record of the descent from this son. He m. 18 July, 1701, his first cousin, Anne Mason, dau. of Major Samuel, and again m. 15 July, 1719, Mrs. Anne Sanford Noyes, dau. of Governor Peleg Sanford of Rhode Island, and grand- daughter of Governor William Coddington of Newport, R. I. After several journeys to England where he had gone to prosecute the land claims under the Indian titles, he died in London in Dec, 1736. Gen. 1. CAPTAIN DANIEL MASON, the youngest son, by whom is our descent, occupied in Stonington "an ample domain confirmed by the Colony to his father, near the borders of Long Island Sound." This estate comprised Chippacursett Island in ^lystic Bay, since then called ^lason Lsland, and a large tract of upland and meadow. He was commissioned quartermaster of the New London County Troop of Dragoons 17 Oct., 1673, in the twenty- V 16 A MASON RECORD first year of his age; was lieutenant 9 Oct., 1701, and promoted to the rank of captain. While staying in Norwich, after the death of his wife in May of 1678, he filled for a short time, in 1679, the office of instructor at the newly established 'School on the Plain'. Upon his marriage with Miss Hobart he returned to Stonington as his permanent place of residence. He was closely identified with the interests of the town, repre- senting it at times as Deputy to the General Court, and was in- fluential in the affairs of the Colony. He married, in 1673, Margaret, b. 15 Dec, 1650, dau. of Mr. Edward Denison of Roxbury, Mass., and Ehzabeth, dau. of Captain Joseph Welde. Had Issue: Daniel, b. 26 Nov., 1674, in Stonington. Hezekiah, b. 3 May, 1677, in Roxbury, Mass., lived in Windham, Conn. He was m. twice and had a family of nine children — two were sons; he died 15 Dec, 1726. She died 13 May, 1678, in Stonington. Mr. Denison was born in Bishop-Stortford on the east border of Hertfordshire, where the family had long been seated. He was about fifteen years of age when his father William Denison, Escjuire, came over in 1631, having with him his wife Margaret and three sons, and as tutor in his family the Rev. John Ehot, afterwards the translator of the Bible into the Indian language. He was a graduate of Cambridge University, and his sons were liberally educated and carefully bred. He brought with him considerable wealth, and settled in Roxbury, and was of great influence in the colony. Edward, who died 26 April, 1668, always resided in Roxbury w^here he was prominent and much respected, and a member of the General Court. Of a large family he left none of the name descendant; his son William, a clergyman and graduate of Har- vard, who died in 1718, being the last of the name in this line. His elder brother, Major-General Daniel Denison, married Pa- tience, dau. of Governor Thomas Dudley; he was highly dis- tinguished both in civil and military affairs in Massachusetts, A MASON KECOKU 17 commanding the forces, was Speaker of the House, and for twenty- nine years an Assistant. His youngest brother, Captain George, went back to Enghind for active service in the army, and after several years returned to become one of the mf)st noted soldiers of Connecticut, in her early settlement. He married again, 10 Oct., 1679, Rebecca, b. 9 April, 1054, dau. of Rev. Peter Hobart of Hingham, Mass., and had issue: Peter, b. 9 Nov., 1680; m. 8 July, 1703, Miss Mary Hobart. Rebecca, b. 10 Feby., 1682; m. 6 Feby., 1707, Elisha Chese- brough, Esquire. Margaret, b. 21 Dec, 1683. Samuel, b. 11 Feljy., 1686. AniGAiL, b. 3 Fein-., 1689. Priscilla, b. 17 Sept., 1691; m. 25 May, 1710, Theophilus Baldwin of Stonington. His grandfather was Henry Bald- win, Esquire, who held the Manor of Dundridge in Aston- Clinton, Buckinghamshire, England. Nehemiah, b. 24 Nov., 1693, m. 9 Jany., 1722, Zerviah, b. 20 Sept., 1704, dau. of Joseph and Margaret Chesebrough Stan- ton of Stonington. He d. 13 May, 1768. He was the owner of Mason Island, Mystic, Conn. She died the 8 Apl., 1727. He died 28 Jany., 1737, at Stonington, and was there buried. The Rev. Mr. Hobart was the son of Edmund Hobart of Hing- ham, Norfolkshire, England, who came over about 1635, and was one of the early planters of Hingham, Mass., and a Deputy to the General Court. He graduated at Magdalen College, Cambridge in 1626, and was ordained in 1627, by the Right Rev. Joseph Hall, D.D., Bishop of Norwich, having for some years different charges in care, the last being the parish church at Haverhill, Suffolkshire. He had identified himself with the Puritan ideas, and this sub- jected him to a feeling of hostility with the clergy. He determined therefore to come to America whither members of his family had preceded him. He was noted for his acquirements as a scholar, and for his independence of character. A tablet to his memory is in the church at Hingham, Mass., where he died 20 Jany., 1679. Right Rev. John Henry Hobart, D.D., Bishop of New York 18 A MASON RECORD 1811-1S30, "one of the great thinkers of his times, a ready writer, a forcible speaker," was his great-grandson. Several branches of the Hobart family have been settled in this country since early in the seventeenth century, notably in Massachusetts. Sir John Hobart, third baronet of his Hne, mar- ried a daughter of the patriot John Hampden, and his grandson was created Earl of Buckinghamshire, the title of the present chief of the family, by King George I. Hampden House, the family seat of the Hobarts in Bucking- hamshire, is full of relics and souvenirs of John Hampden, to whom the estate formerly belonged, and on the failure of whose male line these estates passed to the Hobarts. Among such is the family Bible of Oliver Cromwell, in which records are inscribed in his own hand. Cromwell was often a guest at Hampden House in the days of John Hampden, who not only shared his political opinions, but was also a near relative. The mansion is a grand old place, and the oldest part dates back to the times of King John and Magna Charta. From the eldest of these sons Daniel, the issue by his first wife, Margaret Denison, comes the Lebanon, Conn., family, the Boston familv, and our own descent.' The descent from the other sons does not engage interest while tracing our direct line. There have come down in the different branches of the lines of these two sons of Major Mason, men of marked mental abihty, influence, position and wealth, in the learned professions, as well as in the regular army, and in commercial life. Gen. 2. MR. DANIEL MASON, m. 19 ApL, 1704, Dorothy, b. 21 Aug., 1679, dau. of the Rev. Jeremiah Hobart, M. A. of Haddam, Middlesex Co., Conn., and EHzabeth, dau. of Rev. Samuel Whiting and Ehzabeth St. John, of Lynn, Mass. Rev. Mr. Hobart was the son of Rev. Peter Hobart, and was -born in Hingham, England. He received his degree at Harvard College in 1650, and was ordained to the ministry of the Congregational Church. Hi« last charge was in Haddam, Conn., where he died in March, 1717. A MASON l{i;<(ll{l) 19 Mr. Mason was well etlucated, and of indopoiulcnt means, and occupied an estate in the " Five Mile I'urchase'' in which territory the family relation then held laif^e interests. He was active and influential in the various civil duties connectetl with the inc(jr- poration, by act of the General Court in 1700, of the town of Lel>- anon, where he died early in life on the 7th May, 17U5, and was buried in Stonington. His Only Child Was: Jeremiah, b. 4 Mar., 1705, in T^clianon. His widow afterwards married Hon. Hezekiah Brainerd, a man of eminence. He was Speaker of the Deputies, and was an Assistant in the upper house of the General Court, "who in- trusted him with many public concerns." Jonathan Edwards writes of him as "the worshipful Hezekiah Brainerd, Esquire, one of His Majesty's Council for that Colony." Her third son was Rev. David Brainerd the missionary to the Indians, who presented the walking cane I have in my posses- sion to his half-brother Jeremiah Mason. A sister of Mrs. Dorothy married 'Hezekiah Wyllis, Esquire, Secretary of State of the colony of Connecticut, which office was held by three genera- tions in his family in uninterrupted succession for ninety-eight years. Gen. 3. JEREMIAH MASON, ESQUIRE, m. 24 May, 1727, Mary, b. 28 Dec, 1705, dau. of Mr. Thomas Clark of Haddam, Conn., and Elizabeth Leonard. Mr. Clark was the son of William Clark, Esquire, one of the original pro- prietors and first residents of that town, and afterwards an officer in King Philip's War. They are spoken of among the early settlers as "of an excellent stock" and "a very reputable family." Until he was of age he passed the years with his mother in Mr. Brainerd's family, receiving a liberal education, and the care and advantages which so prominent a position conveyed. She is described as "a lady of very attractive person, of refined taste, fine intellect, and ardent piety." She died 11 Mar., 1732. 20 A MASON RECORD He resided in Norwich West Farms, now Franklin, where he was of recognized character and abihty. His name often appears upon the records of the town, and always in relations that show him to have occupied a leading and influential position ultimately identified with its interests. He died in the year 1779, and his wife d. 11 ApL, 1799. Had Issue: Daniel, b. 1 July, 1728; d. 13 Nov., 1730. Jeremiah, b. 21 Feby., 1730. Dorothy, b. 6 ApL, 1732; m. 10 Jany., 1750, Colonel Joseph Marsh, Lieut-Governor of Vermont, and three times elected to that position. He was one of the two delegates from Cumberland County to the Provincial Congress assembled in 1776 in New York City. Col. Marsh was commissioned in Jany., 1776, as commander of the "Upper Regiment" of Vermont. He was one of the Council chosen in 1785 from the ablest men of the state to revise the constitution of Vermont. Daniel, 2d, b. 10 ApL, 1735; d. 11 Mar., 1752. Mary, b. 22 Dec, 1736; m. 15 ApL, 1756, her second cousin, Nathan Huntington, son of David Huntington, Esquire, of Windham, (who was grandson of the first Simon Huntington of Norwich) and Mary Mason his wife. The Right Rev. Frederick Dan Huntington, D.D., Bishop of Central New York, is of this descent, his father, the Rev. Dan Huntington, born in Lebanon, and residing in Hadley, Mass., being the great-grandson of Simon of Norwich. Daniel Mason, who married Eunice Huntington, the aunt of the Bishop, was own cousin of David Mason (Gen. 5) ; their fathers were brothers. Anna, b. 3 Mar., 1739; m. 27 Sept., 1759, William Whiting, M.D., of Great Barrington, Mass., an eminent physician, grandson of Rev. Samuel Whiting of Boston, England, and Lynn, Mass., and Elizabeth St. John, sister of Sir Oliver St. John, chief justice of the Common Pleas during the time of the Commonwealth. In the memoir of the life of her daughter, Mrs. Mary Anna Boardman, the wife of Hon. Elijah Boardman, United States senator, she is referred to A MASON' UKCOUD 21 thus: "Inheriting; not u little of the characteristic energy of her great forefather, Ainia Mason was erect in figure and active in movement; ami with her auburn tresses, Ijright hazel eyes, antl distinctly marked features, that interpreted with great expressiveness the operations of her vigortjus, active and sagacious mind, she was, altogether, a remarkable woman, whose influence in society and the domestic circle could not fail to lie l)oth felt and recognized." David, h. 2 Nov., 17 IL'. Elizabeth, b. 27 Aug., 1744; m. in 17GS, the Hon. Theodore Sedgwick of Shefheld, afterwards of 8tockl)ridgc, Mass. . He was a graduate of Yale College, and was called to the bar in 1766. He was a member of the Continental Congress from 1785-87, was United States senator from 1796-99, and presi- dent pro-tem of that body in 1798. He had been a representa- tive upon the adoption of the Federal Constitution, and was again elected in 1799 a representative in Congress, and was chosen Speaker of the House. He was appointed a justice of the Supreme Court of Massachusetts in 1802, and held the position until his death the 24 Jany., 1813. His judicial opinions were remarkal)le for clearness of expression and elegance of diction. She was his first wife, and died s. p. in May, 1771, some three years after her marriage. (Theodore Lewis M. was named for him.) Gen. 4. COLONEL JEREMLAH MASOX, m. 9 May, 1754, his third cousin, Elizabeth, b. 28 June, 1731, dau. of Captain James Fitch of Lebanon, Conn., and Anne, dau. of Captain Robert Denison of Montville. The colonel was an officer in the army of the Revolution. His epitaph says: "He was an ardent friend to his country; this he particularly evidenced by his exertions during her struggles for Independence." He owned a large estate, and equipped at his own expense, and commanded a company of Minute Men which did duty at the siege of Boston. His command was with the de- tachment sent out in the early part of the night to fortify Dorches- ter Heights. 22 A IMASON RECORD In the autumn of 1776 he was promoted to the rank of colonel, and at the head of a regiment joined the army in the vicinity of New York City. He continued in command of his regiment until the close of the war. When General Arnold made the as- sault upon and burnt New London, he handled his regiment with such skill and address as to receive special mention. After the British withdrew, Colonel Mason was placed in command of Fort Trumbull, at the mouth of the harbour, for some months, until the excitement had passed away. He resided at Lebanon where he d. 16 ApL, 1813. His wife d. 16 Dec, 1809. Had Issue: Abigail, b. 22 Jany., 1755; m. 17 May, 1781, Andrew Fitch, son of P. Fitch of Preston, and Elizabeth Choate. James Fitch, b. 13 Dec, 1756; d. 26 Sept., 1759. Elizabeth, b. 20 Jany., 1759; m. in 1786, her third cousin, Judge John Griswold Hillhouse of. New London, son of Judge William Hillhouse. He was a member of the legis- lature, and judge of the county court. James Fitch, 2d, b. 19 Feby., 1761. Anna, b. 27 June, 1763; m. Christopher Raymond. They had three children. Jeremiah, b. 27 ApL, 1768. (of Boston) Daniel, b. 13 Sept., 1770. Rhoda, b. 20 ApL, 1773; m. Mumford Dolbeare. They had six children. The Fitch family was one of distinction in our Colonial annals. The Rev. James Fitch, the first minister in Saybrook and Norwich, the grandfather of Captain James, was born in Bocking, Essex, England. At the age of sixteen he had entered college at Cam- bridge, when he came over in 1638, the youngest of three sons, with his mother, a widow, to this country. He then passed seven years under the instruction of those eminent divines, the Rev. Mr. Hooker and his assistant the Rev. Mr. Stone, both graduates of Emanuel College, Cambridge, of which the former was a Fellow, and both regularly ordained clergymen of the Church of England, though afterwards silenced by the Spiritual Court for non-con- A MASON RECORD 23 formit}'. Mr. Fitch was ordained at Saybrook in lOlG, the Rev. Mr. Hooker jiresiding at "this ceremony, with the imposition of liands by those appointed to that olHce — the same form was always useil, — and was a Congregational ordination in the strictest sen.se of the term." He was considered a man of great learning and i>iety. His penetration of miiid as well as energy caused liim to be often consulted in civil affairs. Priscilla, the dim. of Major Mason, was his second wife, his first being Al)igail, the dau. of the Rev. Mr. Whitfield of Guilford. He had a lai-gc family. His sons were prosperous and extensive land owners, and prominent in the public service, and "the daughters are said to have been very hantlsome, attractive and accomplished lathes." Among his descendants at the time of the Revolution there were a number who sided with the mother country, and went to Canada or London to live. Several were very distinguished men in both the civil and army life of the English government. Gen. 4. CAPTAIN DAVID MASON, m. 2 Dec, 1762, Susanna, b. 28 ApL, 1742; dau. of Joshua West, Esquire, of Lebanon, and Sarah, dau. of Mr. John Wattle and Judith Fitch. He inherited the property in Franklin upon which he resided for many years. Thence he removed, in 1794, to land he had purchased in Hartford, Washington County, New York. He was on active duty during the period of the Revolution, and besides being patriotic in his personal service, was liberal in the use of his estate to that end. He d. 15 Nov., 1804 in Hartford, and was there buried. His wife d. Had Issue: Wealthy Ann, b. 13 Sept., 1763; d. 9 ApL, 17S7. Sarah, b. 3 June, 1765. Daniel, b. 19 Sept., 1767. David, b. 18 July, 1769. 24 A MASON RECORD Elizabeth, b. 2 Dec, 1771; m. 17 Jany., 1798, Philander Lathrop, son of Simon Lathrop, Esquire, of Ontario County, New York. "She is remembered as a woman of culture and much personal worth." Mary, b. 30 Sept., 1774; m. in Nov., 1806, Judge Wattle. Susan, b. 25 Dec, 1777; m. 21 Mar., 1804, John Clark Parker, counsellor-at-law, son of Peter Parker, Esquire, of Washing- ton County, New York. Anna, b. 11 May, 1779; m. 9 Nov., 1809, Judge Obadiah Noble of Tinmouth, Vt., son of Rev. Dr. Noble. Cynthia, b. 3 Sept., 1781; m. in Dec, 1808, Judge Nathaniel ■^ Hall of Whitehall, New York. Joshua West, Esquire, was prominent in the public services expected of one in his station of life at that day. He was fre- quently a deputy to the General Court, and selected to act on courts of commission and chosen to other important positions. At the session of the General Court in May, 1775, he was made a member of the first Committee of Safety appointed to advise with the governor. This committee consisted of nine of the most noted men of affairs in the colony. He always lived in Lebanon, where he died 9 Nov., 1783. His tombstone is in the Old Cemetery. The West family of New England was originally from Wher- well, in Hants or Hampshire, near Andover, where, in 1587, William West, Lord De La Warre, was lord of that Manor. Sir Thomas West, Lord De La Warre, was the first governor and captain-general of Virginia under the charter of 1609; and Francis West, brother of Lord De La Warre, was admiral of New England in 1607, and in Dec, 1627, was appointed to succeed Sir George Yeardley as governor of Virginia. The ancestors of those of the name came to New England and Virginia in 1633 and 1635, and lived in different parts. Matthew West who was at Lynn, Mass., in 1636, and at Newport, Pi. I. in 1646, is the ancestor of the West family whose descendants lived in Stoning- ton and neighbouring towns. A MA><).\ ICHOJUJ 25 Gen. 5. JAMi:.S 1 rR'lI MASON, 2(1., 111. 10 Dec, 17S9, Nancy, h. 2G M:iy, ITOO, dau. of Joseph Fitch, Esquire, of Montville, and Sarah Gardner. .Mr. Mason was an extensive land holder, and inherited a large estate from his father. He resided at Leljanon, where he died 7 May, 1835. His wife d. 10 .June, 1832. Had Is.sue: Elizabeth Fitch, b. 10 Oct., 1790; m. 12 Sept., 1812, Judge Elisha Waterman of Lebanon. Nancy Fitch, b. 10 Nov., 1792; d. 4 Sept., 1850. Jeremiah, b. 4 Mar., 1795; d. 7 May, 1886, unm. He was one of the largest and most successful farmers in Lebanon. He was much esteemed among his friends and neighbours for his kindly disposition and consistent character, and his judgment and advice were of influence in public affairs, and often sought with confidence in private matters. James Fitch, b. 1 May, 1797; d. 25 May, 1836; graduate of Yale College in 1817. Sarah, b. 27 ApL, 1800; d. 9 Apl., 1866. Alfred, b. 20 Jany., 1803; d. 13 Oct., 1862. William, b. 20 Dec, 1805; d. 28 May, 1840. Edward, b. 16 Dec, 1808. Gen. 5. HON. JEREMIAH MASON, LL.D., M.C., m. 6 Nov., 1799, Mary, b. 20 Oct., 1777, dau. of Colonel Robert Means of Amherst, New Hampshire, and Mary, dau. of Rev. David McGregor of Londonderry, N. H. He graduated at Yale in 1788. After devoting several years to the study of the law in the office of the Hon. Stephen Rowe Bradley of Vermont, he was called to the bar in that state in 1791. He was recognized as the head of his profession in a state whose bar was then unequalled in this country. He was Attorney 26 A MASON RECORD General for the state in 1S02, and was elected to the United States Senate in IS 13. He was one of the foremost debaters in that body, his speech dehvered in 1814 on the embargo being especially powerful. But he was before everything else a great lawyer. He soon tired of politics, and in 1817 resigned his seat in the Senate to resume the practice of his profession. He afterwards served for a number of terms in the New Hampshire Legislature, where his time was given largely to revising and codifying the state laws. It was he who framed for the Legislature its report on the Virginia Resolutions with regard to the repeal of the Missouri Compromise, and the state enjoyed in many other directions the benefit of his legal learning and sagacity. 1832 he removed to Boston. There he was retained in many great cases, and main- tained, until his age compelled him to retire, the high repute he had won elsewhere. His was one of the most acute legal minds in America, and Robert C. Winthrop speaks of him as being "generally regarded as the greatest lawyer of his day in New England." Webster, who had abundant occasion to conceive a respect for Mason's abiUties while they were both engaged in the trial of cases at the New Hampshire bar, does not exaggerate in giving his estimate of him in the eulogy pronounced before the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts in Boston, he says: "Of my own professional discipline and attainments, whatever they may be, I owe much to that close attention to the discharge of my duties, which I was compelled to pay for nine successive years, from day to day, by Mr. Mason's efforts and arguments at the same bar": and he adds, "The characteristics of his mind, as I think, were real greatness, strength, and sagacity. He was great through strong sense and sound judgment"; and further in his tribute to Mason that, " his career was marked by uniform greatness, wisdom and integrity." Rufus Choate in his address moving the resolutions unanimously adopted at a meeting of the Suffolk County bar, said of him, "in a profound knowledge of jurisprudence, far reaching discern- ment and sound judgment, and in some of the most choice quali- ties of a forensic speaker he had in this whole country few equals, and probably no superior," and that "his powers of mind were A MASON HECiJUD 27 not only so vast, but so peculiar; his character and influence were so weighty, as well as good; he filled for so many years f-o conspicuous a place in the profession of the law, in public life, and in intercourse with those who gave inimetliate direction to public affairs, that it appears most fit that we sh(jul(l attempt to record somewhat permanently and completely our appre- ciation of him"; antl "of whom it may l)C said that, without ever holding a judicial station, he was the author and finisher of the jurisprudence of a state; one whose intellect, wisdom and uprightness gave him a control over the opinions of all the circles in which he lived antl acted, of which we shall scarcely see another example, and for which this generation and the country are the better to-day." Referring to Mason's presentation of certain questions, Mr. Justice Story said: "His expositions of Constitutional Law are a monument of fame far beyond the memorials of political and military glory." He received the degree of Doctor of Laws from Harvard, Dartmouth, and Bowdoin Colleges. He d. 14 Oct., 1848, and was burietl in Mount Auburn. His wife d. 10 ApL, 1858. Had Issue: George Means, b. 3 Oct., 1800; d. 16 Aug., 1865, unm. Mary Elizabeth, b. 18 May, 1802; d. 29 Apl., 1859. Alfred, b. 24 Mar., 1804; d. 12 Apl., 1828, unm. James Jeremiah, b. 13 June, 1806. Jane, b. 17 Aug., 1808; d. 25 Mar., 1890. Robert Means, b. 25 Sept., 1810. Charles, b. 25 July, 1812. Marianne, b. 20 Feby., 1815; m. 5 June, 1838, Royall Alta- mont Crafts of New Orleans. He d. 25 May, 1864. James Mason Crafts, an eminent chemist, with many foreign deco- rations, formerly president of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, is their son. She afterwards m. in 1S71, Commodore Francis B. Ellison, U. S. X., an accomplished officer, and commissioned as commodore in July, 1862, during the Civil War. She d. 21 Jany., 1897. 28 A MASON RECORD Colonel Means, Mrs. Mason's father, a wealth}- and influential resident of Amherst, N. H., was one of the most widely known and distinguished merchants in the state. He was a representative in the General Court, also served in the senate, and was a mem- ber of the executive council. His dau., Mrs, Nancy Means Ellis, became the second wife of Hon. Amos Lawrence of Boston. Gen. 5. DANIEL MASON, m. 28 Mar., 1798, Eunice, b. 14 Jany., 1769, dau. of Captain William Huntington of Lebanon, and Bethia, dau. of Captain Dan Throop and Susanna Cary. He resided in Lebanon, where he died 26 Mar., 1828. His wife died 22 Mar., 1857. Had Issue: Bethia Huntington, b. 8 Mar., 1800; m. 11 Mar., 1824, John Wattle. Eunice Elizabeth, b. 4 Mar., 1801; m. 19 Sept., 1832, Joseph Ambler. Mary Lyon, b. 28 June, 1802; m. 23 Apl., 1834, Charles Hub- bard Dutton, M.D. He graduated at medical department of Yale College in 1826. He practiced his profession until ill health compelled a change of climate, when he went to Charleston, S. C, where he died 30 Mar., 1836. Rhoda Louisa, b. 18 Mar., 1804; m. 25 Oct., 1842, Rev. Nathan Strong Hunt, A.M. He was a graduate of Williams College in 1830, and of Andover Seminary in 1833. His worth and usefulness as a good preacher and faithful pastor were well known. Julia Ann, b. 10 Oct., 1805; d. 26 Oct., 1896. Wealthy Fitch, b. 10 Mar., 1807; d. 25 Dec, 1830. John Grisw^old Hillhouse, b. 8 Aug., 1808; d. 28 July, 1829, unm. Abby Jane, b. 28 Dec, 1811; d. 25 Sept., 1886. Captain William Huntington was a graduate of Yale College in 1754. He was a man of note and influence in Lebanon, where he died 31 May, 1816. A MASON' lUXOUD 29 'rii(> Huntington family, from the earliest records of the colo- nial period of Connecticut, have always occupied a prominent I)art in the civil and social movements of the day. They are a numerous and widely spread posterity, many with names dis- tin. in CoopcM'stcnvn. John West, b. 'A July. ISOo, in ("ooperstown. Marv Elizaheth, 1). Hi Fohy., 1SU8, in Montgomery; <1. '2G Apl., 1838, at CJroenwicii. Rev. Dr. Lewis, Mis. .Mason's father, was 1)orn in liipton Parish. iStratford. whither his great-grandfather, l)y jirofe.ssion an architect, anil who designed the okl Congregational church in Fairfiekl, the first EngUsh clmrch in the city of New York, and several others in this country, had come from l-^ngland in 1(575. He graduated at Yale College in 1765, studied theology, and was ordained in Mar.. 176S. After preaching in Wilton for some years, he was instituted minister of the Congregational church in Green- wich in October, 1786, continuing in charge of that parish for more than thirty years, when increasing age led him to resign its care. He resided there until his death, 27 Aug., 1840, in his ninety- fifth year. He was of commantling presence, six feet in height, well proportioned, a strong man physically, mentally and morally. His influence in the community was most extended, and he was highly respected by all classes and greatly venerated in his old age. He was distinguished among his compeers for his learning and executive ability, and esteemed for his liberality of disposi- tion and uprightness of life. A circumstance which indicates his high standing in literary circles is that the corporation of Yale College in considering a successor to Doctor Stiles in the presi- dency in 1795, determined in their choice upon either Dr. Lewis or Dr. Timothy Dwight. At the final election by the Fellows Dr. Dwight received one more vote than Dr. Lewis, upon which Dr. Lewis moved to make the choice unanimous, which was done. The degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred upon him l)y Yale College in 1792, and in 1816 he was made a Fellow of the Corporation. He was chaplain to the regiment of Colonel Philip B. Bradley while stationed at Bergen during the Picvolution, but after seven months of service, from May to December, 1776, was 32 A MASON RECORD brought so low with camp fever that he was not expected to recover, and resigned his commission. Gen. 6. EDWARD MASON, m. 22 Jany., 1833, Phylura 0., b. 4 Jany., 1814, dau. of Edmund Stiles of Lebanon, and Wealthy, dau. of Col. Josiah Loomis. He d. 30 Mar., 1847, in Franklin, and was there buried. His wife m. again, and d. 13 Oct., 1860, in Lebanon. Had Issue: James Fitch, b. 22 Dec, 1833. Nancy Fitch, b. 20 Aug., 1835. George Edward, b. 10 Mar., 1838; d. 10 ApL, 1842. William Alfred, b. 4 Sept., 1842; d. 2 May, 1862, in the Civil War, at Newberne, N. C; a member of the 8th Reg. Conn. Vol. In. Jeremiah, b. 20 Oct., 1845; d. 20 Feby., 1846. Gen. 6. JAMES JEREMIAH MASON, m. 22 Jany., 1835, Elizabeth Frances, dau. of Hon. Israel Thorn- dike, of Boston, and Sally, dau. of Harrison Gray Otis. He was born in Portsmouth, N. H. He attended the Exeter Academy, completing the usual course at that institution. He then entered the counting-room of Messrs. James W. Page & Co. of Boston. On attaining his majority, he engaged in business on his own account, but soon had advantageous offers to go into the commission business in New York City. His residence there, however, was short. The eminent house in which he commenced his career, had received impressions so favourable to his ability and capacity in his business relations, that they soon sent for him to return and become a partner with them; in which con- nection he remained active until the time of his death. He had the confidence of older men to a remarkable degree. He d. 13 June, 1835, a few months after his marriage, without issue. A MASON KECOUU 33 His widow afterwanl.s in. Thcoclorc Oelrifh.s uf iiifiuen, Cler- nuxny. Israel Tliorndiko, Jr., li. in Doc, 17X5, was the son of Colonel Israel ThormliUo of Hevt-ily, Mass. Ho was nuMiihcr of a number of the prominent societies and clubs, and in the later years of hi.s life, a resident of New York City where he dieil in Mar., 1SG7. His father was one of the most noted merchants of New England and accumulated, chiefly iu the East India and China trade, a large property; was a member of the convention called for the adoption of the Constitution of the United States — and was very liberal in his gifts to Harvard. Mr. John Tlu)rndike of Beverly, the first of the family in New England came to Boston about 1032. He was fifth in descent from William Thorndike, lord of the Manor of Carlton, Lincoln- shire. He went to England in 1688 intending to return, but died in London in 1G90, and was buried in the cloisters of Westminster Abliey. His brothei-. Rev. Herbert Thorndike, Prebendary of Westminster, was one of the most profound and distinguished scholars in England during his life. Paul, his only son, born in 1662, married and settletl at P>everly. In every generation from the time of their ancestor, they have held positions of im- portance and prominence. Gen. 6. ROBERT MEANS MASON, m. 4 Dec, 1843, Sarah Ellen, b. 17 May, 1819, dau. of Ebenezer Francis of Boston, and Elizabeth, dau. of Israel Thorndike of Beverly, Mass. He was educated at the Portsmouth Academy and the Gardiner Lyceum in Maine. Deciding that his vocation was for mercantile rather than for professional life, in 1827 he entered the office of his brother James in Boston. Thence he went to Philadelphia, and in 1881 he removed to New York City. Retiring from the firm of Stone, Swan & Mason, he formed the co-partnership of Otis & Mason and was actively engaged until 1841, when the connection was dissolved by mutual consent, Mr. Mason continu- ing the ])usiness by himself. 34 A MASON RECORD In 1843 with his friend and connection Amos A. Lawrence, he founded the house of Mason & Lawrence of Boston, afterwards widely and favorably known throughout the country, and thus established himself in that city, which had become since 1832 the family home. He was not a demonstrative person, and though no one could be more cordial to his intimates, he had a natural reserve of man- ner to the outer world. Yet such was his reputation for scrupu- lous integrity combined with singularly sound and accurate judgment, that few men were oftener applied to for advice in matters of moment, and the opinion of few men have better stood the test of time. A man of the most exact and methodical habits, he had a great dislike of extravagance and waste, and enjoyed setting an example of simplicity of daily life in town and country so far as could be made consistent with a large establishment and an overflowing hospitality. He was a thorough American. All his life long he had loved his whole countrj^ — New England the best — but with forbearance and good will for other sections. No one however, was more ardent in the cause of maintaining an undivided republic, and restoring the authority of the Federal Government over the seceding States. So far as in him lay he did his best to correct the false impres- sion prevailing in Europe as to the nature of the contest, and he had an interesting correspondence with the French statesman Montalambert, an English translation of whose pamphlet "La Victoire du Nord aux Etats Unis" was circulated at Mr. Mason's expense. He was to his friend Charles Francis Adams, one of the most effective aids in the Trent affair, the opportunity for which influence his wealth and the foreign connections of his wife's family enabled him to exercise. There Avas no personal or pecuni- ary sacrifice he would not have made to maintain the Union, but while according a general support to the administration, and making every allowance for the difficulties which beset it, he was far from yielding an unthinking assent to every feature of its policy. He became treasurer of the Massachusetts Soldiers' A MASON' UKCOUD 35 Fuiul, to which, as well ii.s to the various other funds, he was one of the earliest and largest contributors, and learning that the government was unpreparcil to meet the pressing demand for hospital accommodation, he placed his former home in Pemberton Square at the disposal of the authorities. In the course of the three following years more than seventeen hundred invalid sol- diers were received and careil for in this mansion, Mr. Mason declining to accept any compensation save the thanks of the War Department conveyetl in a very complimentary letter from the Surgeon-General. In the management of his own property, and that of many important trusts, he exhibited the same untiring industry, mature deliberation, wise counsel, and prudent action. He was a director of the State Bank, President of the Salmon Falls ^Manufacturing Company and a director of the Cocheco Company. He was a member of the Standing Committee of the Diocese of Massachusetts, a delegate of the Diocese to the General Convention of the Church, and was chairman and treasurer of the Finance Committee when that Convention met in Boston. He was a director of the Church Home for Orphans and Des- titute Children, an institution founded by his brother Charles, and liberally remembered in his will. He was a visitor of the Theological Sciiool at Cambridge, and for many years senior warden of St. Paul's church, Boston. His wife d. 27 Sept., 1865, at Dieppe in France. He d. 13 Mar., 1879, in Savannah, Ga., and was buried in Mount Auburn, Cambridge, Mass. The funeral services, attended by a large assemblage including the venerable Bishop of New York, Dr. Potter, took place in St. John's Chapel, Cambridge. This chapel, one of the buildings of the Episcopal Theological School, he had built in 18G9 as a memorial to his wife and brother Charles. The same has become the subject of some verses by Longfellow. On the Sunday after Mr. Mason's death. Bishop Paddock towards the close of an impressive sermon at St. Paul's, spoke of "the profound sense of loss which this Church, the Clergy of the 36 A MASON RECORD City, and the Diocese in its charities antl missions, and many good causes elsewhere felt in the sudden departure of a man of so eminent characteristics." The memoir prepared by Robert C. Winthrop, Jr., upon a reso- lution of the Massachusetts Historical Society gives further an extended review of his life. Had Issue: Elizabeth, b. 1 Oct., 1844; m, 1 June, 1869, Robert Charles Winthrop, Jr., son of Hon. Robert C. Winthrop, LL.D. He was a descendant of the distinguished John Winthrop, whose address and influence at the court of Charles II. ob- tained for the Colony of Connecticut the Royal Charter of 1662, in which he is named the Governor, and Major John Mason Deputy-Governor. He graduated at Harvard in 1854, and was in attendance at the Law School until 1856, when he entered the office of Leverett Saltonstall, Esquire. He was admitted a member of the Suffolk bar in 1857, but never practiced. The early years of his life w^ere passed chiefly in European travel. To literary interests he at intervals devoted close attention, and the re-arrangement of the large and valuable collection of Colonial Mss. known as the Winthrop Papers, occupied much of his time at different periods. Aside from the assistance he constantly rendered his father in his numerous undertakings, he pre- pared and had printed papers on different subjects, besides several memoirs of prominent members of his owm family, or those connected with it. He was an active member of the Massachusetts Historical Society of which both his father and grandfather had been presidents. He was for many years a trustee of the Boston Athenaeum. He had become a mem- ber of the Somerset Club immediately after graduation, and also was a member of the famous "Wednesday Evening Club of 1777." He d. in Boston, 5 June, 1905, the funeral taking place from St. John's Memorial chapel at Cambridge. They had three children, — two daughters, and one son, Robert Mason Winthrop, who is connected with the United States legation in Rome. A memoir prepared by Charles A MASON HK'OKI) 37 Francis Adams for ihe Massacliusftis iii>i»tiiijal Society, was ri'priiilod for private (listril)Uti()n. .Mr. W'iiithrop in. in 1S.'>7, for his first wife, Miss Frances Adams, who (h s. j). about two years and a half after their marriage. Ellex Fhaxcis, 1). 21 June, IS-IG. Alfred, b. 15 Mar., 1S5U; d. 12 Fcby, IS.')?. Anna Fkancis, b. 18 Jany., isr)2; d. 2 Nov., ISOf). Clara Thorndike, b. 2G Feby., 1.S51; d. 23 Sept., 18GS. Ida Means, b. G Jany., 1S5G. Ebenezer Francis was a leading mercliant of Boston, and a man of large jiroperty. He was tiie son of Colonel Francis of Beverly, an enterprising and valueil citizen of that place, who fell at the head of his regiment in one of the early actions of the Revolution- ary war, near Whitehall, New York, and "who united in himself the qualities of a brave and accomplished officer, and an ardent patriot." Mr. Francis' education had been limited to the ordinary branches taught in the common school of that (hiy, and in 1787, when only eleven }'ears of age, he went to Boston and entered the counting-room of a prominent merchant, where he rapidly qualified himself to enter business on his own account, which he did before the age of twenty-one. He was calm and deliberate in judgment, bold and decided in action and singularly indifferent to public opinion, after making up his mind according to the dic- tates of his conscience. But he w.as remarkably courteous in manner, mild and affal^le in deportment, and always the gentle- man in the best and highest sense of that word. For some years he was treasurer of Harvard College, and in many ways took an active interest in the affairs of the university. While commercial organizations occupied so large a share of his attention, he did not forget those of a philanthropic nature, and was influential in his administration of the different offices he at times occupied, in connection with some of the best endowed cliaritalile institu- tions in New England. He was a Unitarian, though far from being narrow and sectarian in his feelings. He d. 21 Sept., 1858, in the eighty-third year of his age. 38 A MASON RECORD Gen. 6. REV. CHARLES MASON, D.D., m. 15 June, 1838, Susannah, b. 23 May, 1817, dau. of Hon. Amos Lawrence of Boston, and Sarah, dau. of Giles Richards of Dedham. He graduated at Harvard University in 1832, studied at the General Theological Seminary in New York City, and was received into the ministry of the Protestant Episcopal Church in July, 1836. He was instituted rector of St. Peter's church, Salem, Mass., in May 1837, continuing in care of that parish for ten years, when removing to Boston he became rector of Grace church. Temple St., in Sept., 1847, where he remained until his death. He was a man of a strong and well cultivated mind, was an earnest and able preacher, of uncommon excellence and generosity of disposition, exemplary in all the relations of life, and died distinguished alike by private affection and public regard. In the memoir of the Rev. Dr. Mason prepared by his friend and former instructor, Rev. A. P. Peabody, D.D., and quoted by George S. Hillard in his memoir of Hon. Jeremiah Mason, he says, "The most delicate courtesy governed him in all the relations of life. His mental action was distinguished by precision, just- ness and accuracy. Neither emotion, prejudice, nor enthusiasm, suppressed or disturbed the judicial faculty. "Thoroughly a Churchman by conviction, taste and sympathy, he was still more profoundly a Christian, and while he never swerved from loyalty to his own Church, his relations with clergy- men and Christians of other communions "were cordial and intimate." Robert C. Winthrop speaks of him as "one of the most eminent and useful of the Clergy of the Diocese." The degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred upon him by Harvard University in 1858, and he received the like degree from Trinity College, Hartford, the same year. A mural tablet at the Chancel in St. Peter's Church, Salem, reads as follows: A MASOX l{i;('((Kl) 39 IN MEMOHIAM THE REVEREND ( IIAHLES MASDN, S.T.I). THE EAITIIEUL PRIEST, THE LEARNED SCHOLAR, THE STEADFAST FRIEND, THE CHRLSTIAN GENTLEMAN. BORN AT PORTSMOUTH, N. H., 25 JULY, 1812. GRADU.VTE HARVARD UNIVERSITY, 1832, RECTOR OF THIS PARISH FRO.M 1st may, 1837 TO 1st may, 1847 RECTOR OF GR.\CE CHURCH, BOSTON, MASS., FROM 3d SEPT., 1847, TO THE TIME OF HIS DEATH 23d march, 1862. "be ye THEREFORE READY ALSO; FOR THE SON OF MAX COMETH AT AX HOUR WHEN YE THINK NOT." ERECTED BY HIS LOVING PARISHIONERS A. D. 1864. Had Issue: , Susan Lawrence, b. 25 Aug., 1839; m. 17 July, 1866. Fitch Edward Oliver, M.D., son of Dr. Daniel Oliver, a member of the faculty of Dartmouth College, and lecturer in the medical school of that institution. He was a graduate of Dartmouth in 1839, and received the degree of M.D. at the Harvartl Medical School in 1843. where he afterwards (1860-70) was an instructor in Materia Medica. He devoted more than a year to study and travel in Europe before beginning the practice of medicine in Boston in the autumn of 1844. The degree of M.A. was conferred upon him by Trinity College, Hartford, in 1860. He was promi- nent in connection with many of the notable medical insti- tutions and organizations of Boston, and in addition to his professional work devoted considerable time to literary pursuits. He was a member of the corporation of the Church of the Advent for forty-five years, and was its senior warden 40 A MASON RECORD at the time of his death. He died S Dec, 1892. They had six children, two daus. and four sons. Amos Lawrence, b. 20 ApL, 1842. Mary, b. 22 Nov., 1844; m. 6 Jan5%, 1870, Captain Howard Stockton, U. S. A., son of Lieutenant Phihp Augustus Stockton, U. S. N., and for a time Consul-General to Saxony. He was a graduate of the Royal Saxon Polytechnic, Dresden. He was in active duty. Ordnance Corps, U. S. A. until 1867. He was admitted to the Massachusetts bar in 1871. Since then he has held high official positions in connection with a number of wealthy business concerns, and acts as trustee for many large estates. He is a vestryman of St. Paul's church and active in diocesan interests. Mrs. Stockton d. 27 July, 1886. The}' had four daus. and three sons. Sarah, b. 22 Nov., 1844; m. 15 Oct., 1868, Hasket Derby, M.D., son of Elias Hasket Derby, who studied law with Daniel Webster, and later became eminent as a railroad lawyer. He graduated at Amherst College in 1855, and took the degree of M.D. at Harvard in 1858, after which he spent three or more years abroad in study. He has long been well known as one of the foremost oculists, and was at one time lecturer on Ophthalmology at the Harvard Medical School. He has written numerous articles in the periodicals devoted to the subject, and is the author of leading publications. He is a member of various medical organizations at home and abroad. They have had eight children — one a dau. His wife died 2 Dec, 1844. Mr. Lawrence was a wealthy merchant whose business opera- tions were conducted with great success, and aided largely in the establishment of manufactures in New England. He and his brother were heavily interested in the manufacturing corpora- tions in the town of Lawrence, which was named in their honour. His naturally benevolent disposition led him to devote much time and attention to charitable purposes, and he was a liberal benefactor of Williams College, Kenyon College, the Academy at Groton, and the Theological Seminary at Bangor, Maine. His private benefactions were almost innumerable. A MASOX UKCOUD 41 Hon. Al)h()tt LruvroiU'O, LL.l)., his hnillicr, ua^ Minister to Kufihuul for sovoial years, where he entertained in London witli nuieh splendor, and received the most fhitterinf^ attentions. He founded and endowed at Harvard University a .scientific depart- ment, calletl in his honour the Lawrence Scientific .Schooh Right Kev. WiUiain Lawrence, D.D., liishoj) of >Lissachusett.s, and before then Dean of the C'amhridge Epi.scopal Theological School, is his grandson. The ancestor of the family in this country was .lohn Lawrence born in Wisset, Suffolkshire, 1-jigland, a lineal descendant of Sir Kobert Lawrence of Ashton Hall, Lancasiiire. He came to New England, a young man, about 1630, and lived in Watertown, i\Iass., from whence he removed to Grot on, where he d. in .luly, 1601. Rev. Dr. Mason m. for his second wife, 9 Aug., 1S4<.», .-\nna Huntington, b. 15 Dec, 1821, dau. of Hon. Jonathan Huntington Lyman of Northampton, Mass., and Sophia, dau. of Judge Samuel Hinckley. Had Lssue: Anna Sophia Lyman, b. 4 Oct., 1853; m. 4 June, 1873, John Chipman Gray, son of Horace Gray and Sarah Russell Gardner. Rev. Phillips Brooks performed the ceremony. He graduated at Harvard in 1859, and from the Law School in 1861. He is a prominent memljer of the Boston bar. He has been Story Professor of Law in the Harvard Law School since 1875, and Royall Professor of Law since 1883. His grand- father was William Gray, a well known and wealthy Boston merchant, a state senator and lieutenant-governor in 1810. Judge Horace Gray of the Supreme Court of the United States was a brother. The family name has been associated with many of the most progressive movements in the City, as the establishing the beautiful Public Gardens of Boston; and Gray's Hall at Harvard is named for Francis Colley Gray noted for his bequests to the college. They have two children, one dau. and one son. r 42 A MASOX RECORD Charles Jeremiah, b. 25 Sept., 1855. Harriette Sargent, b. 2 May, 1858; m. 20 Sept., 1905, William Barbour Rodman of Lexington, Kentucky. He is the head of the Alaska Commercial Company at Tanana, Alaska. His wife died 21 June, 1883. ]\Ir. Lyman, one of the most successful practitioners of the bar in his day, was highly distinguished in his profession of the law. At the time of his earh^ death he was Chief Justice of the Court of Sessions, and had been a state senator and representative. He was born in 1783, the son of Rev. Joseph Lyman, D.D., of Hat- field, Mass., and Hannah Huntington. His father was one of the best known and most influential of the Congregational clergy in New England. He was a graduate of Yale College in 1802. He lived in North- ampton, where he died in 1825. He was a descendant of Richard Ljanan, one of the original proprietors of Hartford, who came from England in November, 1631, through his son Richard who d. in Northampton, Mass., in 1662. The Lymans were descended from an old Saxon family, inheri- tors of large estates, prior to William the Conqueror, being line- ally descended from Thomas Lyman of High Ongar, Navestock, Essex, who married Elizabeth, a great heiress, dau. of Sir Odel- phus Lambert, grandson of Lambert, Count of Loraine and Mons, a kinsman of the Conqueror. The Lyman estates were confis- cated by King Harold when he usurped the throne, but some of the same were afterwards, through this influence, restored by order of William. Gen. 6. DAVID LATHROP MASON, m. 27 Oct., 1827, Asenath Slocum, b. 21 Feby., 1805, dau. of Major Joseph Taylor of Hartford, Washington County, New York, and Lydia, dau. of Levi Adams. He resided in Binghamton, N. Y. where he was engaged in business interests for many years, and there d. the 26th June, 1839. A MASON UKCOliU 4ii Had Issuk: Daniel David, b. 26 Aug., 1829; d. 21 -Muy, 1853, uiua. Joseph Taylor, b. 29 Juny., 1835. Lydia Asenath, b. 20 Aug., 1837; in. 2G June, 1801, HurdsuU J. Lewis; he d. in Oct., 1S67. .She aft(M-\v;ir(l.s in. I'.l May, 1SS5, Judge Lyniau Hall Xorthup. His willow in. in 18-13, Cary Baker. She d. ;{ .June, 1n7S. Major Taylor resided in Hartford, and t)\\ned .several tracts of farm and tiniberland in Wa.shington County which he managed. He was prominent in public affairs, ])eing held in much esteem by his neighbours for exceptional executive ability. He was looked upon as a wealthy and influential man. He was tall and large, of fine physique, with a strong personality, and had a full and very flexible voice which had great carrying power when u.sed. He was 2nd Major in Lieutenant-Colonel James Green's regiment. His commission dated 11 Feby., 1811, is signed by Governor Tompkins, whose respect and intimate acquaintance he enjoyed. His regiment was engaged in the battle of Platts- burgh, where the American troops, under General Macomb, defeated the English forces, while at the same time the British squadron on Lake Champlain was compelled to surrender by Commodore Macdonough, the two battles being fought .simul- taneously, in sight of each other. He was b. 5 Apl., 1767, in Concord, Mass., and d. in Hartford, New York, in the sixty-ninth vear of his age. *&^ THEODORE LEWIS MA80X, M. D., m. 26 Dec, 1833, Katharine Van Vliet, h. 26 Dec, 1814, dau. of Peter DeWitt of New York City, and Janet, dau. of George Gos- man. He received a thorough English and classical education, and then entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York City, registering his name as student of medicine in the oflfice of the celebrated Dr. David Hosack. His degree of Doctor of Medicine was conferred on the 29th Mar., 1825. r 44 A MASON RECORD He practiced for a few years in Wilton, Conn., and for a short time remained in New York, but in 1834 removed to Brooklyn as his permanent home, in which city he was a practicing physi- cian and surgeon for nearly fifty years, and for more than a generation distinguished in his profession. His name is associated with the organizations that have given character to the city, and his marked executive ability was, to a large extent, the reason of their being, and the life of their development. He had a keen intellect, a read}'' discernment, and sound judgment; prompt of decision ^yhere action was required in any of the relations of life, his energy and resource were unfailing. The dignity of manner which marked his intercourse in the varying interests of his position, and the courtesy and cheerfulness of disposition which always influenced him, commanded the respect and regard of all. He w^as especially qualified for the performance of surgical operations, and although he successfully pursued both a medical and surgical practice, his skill and ability more frequently ex- pressed themselves in the latter branch of his profession. He became a member of the Kings County Medical Society, and was twice elected President, for the years 1842 and 1843. He was influential in framing the charter of the Brooklyn City Hospital founded in 1845, and in the selection of its board of directors, of which he was President, and of the medical staff, and as Senior Consulting Surgeon was active in its service until his health compelled him to tender his resignation. In 1858 several leading physicians of Brooklyn, including Dr Mason, devised the plan of establishing there a medical school with the advantages of a hospital in connection. It resulted in the organization of the Long Island College Hospital, the first medical school in the United States to make practical and success- ful use of this principle. He was not only actively engaged in perfecting the plan of organization, and in devising and exe- cuting the preliminary details, but his useful counsel and firm determination were of invaluable assistance in the prosecution of the design. He was one of the incorporators, and was chosen by his colleagues the first President of the Collegiate Department, continuing such until a j'ear before his death, a period of twenty- one years. A MASON RECORD 4') Duiiii<; the Civil War he was cxtrcMiicly active in directing the care of the sick and wounded men of the army and navy sent from the front to the Long Island College Hospital for medical treatment, and almost daily gave his i)ersonal attention to this patriotic work, evincing in his treatment of these defenders of their country his entire and warm sympathy with the cause for which they suffered. He was early identified with those interested in promoting a reform in the then defective sanitary regulations of the cities of New York and Brooklyn, and in 1864 by special request accom- panied a committee of "The Citizens' Association of New York" to Albany as one of the medical members to urge upon the Legis- lature the passage of a metropolitan health bill. It numbered among its members the most influential citizens and members of the medical profession in New York City. On the enactment of the measure, and the appointment of a Metropolitan Board of Health for the district comprising the three counties. Dr. Mason was nominated by a large number of the most prominent and respectable medical, professional, and mercantile residents of the city, for Health Commissioner of Brooklyn. He accepted the nomination, but finding the contest for the appointment was assuming a purely political aspect he withdrew, not wishing to engage in a competition of that nature. He was one of the incorporators, and the first President of the Inebriates' Home for Kings County established in Ma}', 1866. As consulting physician he was most active and efficient in the organization and oversight of this institution. He was one of the founders in 1870 of the American Association for the Cure of Inebriates, and in 1875 was chosen President, retaining the position for several successive years. He frequently prepared papers upon this subject in its various aspects, and one of his addresses entitled "Inebriety a Disease" was afterwards published and extensively noticed abroad as well as in this country, being quoted as authority in the British House of Commons in arguments urging the establishment of inebriate homes in Great Britain, and exerted no small influence on the Continent among those who were giving thought to the cure of intemperance. r 46 A MASON RECORD He was a permanent member of the Medical Society of the State of New York, and his name is conspicuous in many impor- tant measures connected with the society. He was also a member of the American Medical Association, and a Resident Fellow of the New York Academy of Medicine. He was a delegate to the International Medical Convention held in Philadelphia in 1876. He was one of the incorporators, a life member, and a director of the Long Island Historical Society. In 1874 he was elected one of the vice-presidents of the American Colonization Society of which he had been a member for some years. For a few years Dr. Mason attended the Henry street Presby- terian church, Rev. Dr. Samuel H. Cox, but his earl}^ life having been closely associated with the worship of the Congregational Church, his preferences were strongly inclined thereto, and when it Avas determined by a number of those of similar views to establish such a church in the city of Brooklyn, he was made chairman of the committee that organized the Church of the Pilgrims in 1844, in which position he was most energetic and efficient in influen- cing the Rev. Dr. Richard S. Storrs to become its minister. The latter part of his life he was a member of the Reformed Dutch Church, and prominently identified with its interests. A memoir prepared by Alfred De W. Mason was printed for private distribution. His wife d. 11 June, 1859. He d. 12 Feby., 1882, and was buried in the private graveyard in Greenwich, Conn. Had Issue: Mary Elizabeth, b. 26 Oct., 1834; d. 27 Jany., 1842. Jaxet Duncan, b. 23 Jany., 1836; d. 7 Jany., 1842. Peter DeWitt, b. 27 Oct., 1837; d. 31 Dec, 1841. Katharine, b. 22 Sept., 1839; d. 3 Feby., 1842. Theodore West, b. 9 Mar., 1841. Lewis Duncan, b. 21 Jun., 1843. Edward DeWitt, b. 7 July, 1845; d. 26 Feby., 1900, unm. He graduated at the University of the City of New York A MASON UECOHU 47 in 18G4, ami afterwanl was engagetl in business for some years in New York City ami in lUiffalo, N. Y. He was of exact and niethoclical hal)its, which qualities he exhibited both in his private affairs and in tlie management of important financial trusts whicii he was called upon from time to time to admin- ister. He was a member of the Hamilton Club of lirooUlyn, of Altair Lodge No. GOl, F. and A. M. aiul of several similar organizations. He belonged to the Reformed Dutch Church and was connected with the Young Men's Christian Associa- tion of his native city. Elizabeth Duncan, b. 9 Jan}-., 1847; m. 13 Dec, LS6o, Clarence Alexander Blake, son of Alexander \'. lilake of Brooklyn, and Elizabeth Matilda Everinghim. He was educated at the Polytechnic in Brooklyn. A short while after leaving the Institute when a company of recruits for the Seventh regiment of New York was formed and sent in May of 1861 to Washington, he enlisted and went with them. Upon the return . of the regiment he remained, acting as quarter-master assistant under Captain Robert 0. Tyler, U. 'S. A. He came back in the autumn of 1861, taking service as lieutenant in tlie 103d New York Volunteers, which regiment very soon joined the army. He was with the regiment but a few months when he w^as appointed an aide-de-camp on the staff of Brigadier-General Nagle, with the rank of captain, on which service he continued for about a year, receiving honourable discharge in the winter of 1863 for reasons of health. He was in all the severe engagements around Washington, and active on staff duty from Newberne until the brigade Avas again stationed near Harpers Ferry. His name. Captain Clarence A. Blake, appears on the roll of honor of the Seventh regiment, N. G. S. N. Y. of m3mbers who served during the war for the Union. For some time he was connected, in the New York office, with the concern of his uncle, George F. Tyler of Philadelphia. He eventually conducted business on his own account for a number of years in several connections. He was b. 12 May, 1842, and d. 16 ApL, 1887. She has four children, one dau. and three sons. John, b. 1849; d. in infancy. 48 A MASON RECORD Sarah, b. 20 July, 1851; d. in infancy. Alfred DeWitt, b. 21 Mar., 1855. Peter DeWitt was a prominent lawyer in New York City, practicing there from 1804 until the year of his death 1851. He Avas son of John DeWitt and Katharine Van Vliet of Duchess County, New York. He was especially noted for the success with which he conducted intricate questions in real estate interests, and his opinion in such matters was often sought as final in deter- mining many of the largest and most far reaching transactions of the day. His reputation for sound legal judgment, sterling integ- rity, and fidelity to the interests of his clients commanded the largest practice in that particular branch of any member of the bar. With him originated the custom of preparing for clients an abstract of title. During Mr. DeWitt's life time he associated with him in practice his sons Cornelius John, and Edward, and after their father's death they continued his business. Mr. Elbridge T. Gerry in his memorial notice of Edward DeWitt, speaks of him as "A man of singularly sound judgment and great quickness of perception, his modesty prevented him from exhibit- ing in the courts the elegant learning and scholarly attainments which were so peculiarly his own. Devoted to the study of the law, he loved it to the last. Indeed for years he has deservedly occupied the position of the safest chamber counsel at the bar, and of being one of the best equity lawyers in the State." In his address before the Supreme Court of the State in New York City moving that the Court do now adjourn out of respect for the memory of Cornelius John De Witt, the Hon. Clarkson N. Potter said, " He was the son of that distinguished lawyer and con- veyancer Peter De Witt, who began to practice in this city about the beginning of the present century. Although a well read, studi- ous, and competent lawyer, Mr. De Witt, like his brother Edward, had from natural modesty an aversion to the contests of the Forum — but he was none the less actively engaged in the dis- charge of grave professional duties which have connected the name of his firm with very many of the most important titles in our city. He was a man of such probity, amiabihty and intel- A .MASON HKCOlil) 49 ligence as commanded the confidence of the coininunity, and will cause his loss to he felt hy many of our most worthy families, whose adviser or friend his father, l)rother, or hims(>lf had been for three generations." Mr. John S. Woodward in s(M-onding the motion remarked that "During a long pei-iod the l)e Witt family, commencing with the father, the venerable, learned and high- minded Peter De Witt, had borne a prominent and honourable part in the practice of those branches of the law more immediately connected with titles to real estate, trusts and wills, and none in the profession had repute for greater precision, care and diligence, high-toned integrity, and honour, than this family." The building 8S Nassau St., ever since occupied as offices l)y his descendants in succession in the firm, was erected in 1.S.S4. JOHN WEST .MASON, m. 1S41, Hannah Turner, b. 20 Aug., ISOl, dau. of Andrew Gautier of Hanover, New Jersey, and Hannah, dau. of John Turner. He entered Yale College in 1828, and continued attendance, though always in delicate health, until a severe illness required his withdrawal a few months before the time of graduation. It had been his intention to enter the legal profession, but entire cessation from study, change of climate, and the freedom of country life were thought by his physicians to be needful for permanent benefit. He remained a short while at home, and in the summer of 1832 went to the W^est where he spent a year in different parts, eventually purchasing an estate of about a thous- and acres near Newark, Kendall County, Illinois, where he resided for upwards of fifty years. He was a man of scholarly mind and literary tastes, and owing to the almost complete deafness which came upon him in the most active part of his life, his chief relaxation during many years was in reading for direct information or mental stimulus. A master of the English language, he wrote or spoke it with equal facility and admiralile expression. A clever comprehension of what might be said, did nmch to replace in conversation the effect of his deafness. 50 A MASON RECORD He was high-minded and generous in his impulses, and noted for his hospitahty. With a natural dignity he combined a most agreeable manner, and in his public as well as private relations of life was much respected and honoured. Though the difficulty of hearing interfered much with his public usefulness, he always evinced a keen interest in the develop- ment and importance of the State, contributing as he could thereto, and to the end of his long life he remained a man well known in his county. He was a prominent and efficient member of the Convention called in 1848 to revise the Constitution of the State. He was active in aiding to organize in Newark the first Con- gregational church established in that part of Illinois, and an influential member in furthering the growth of that communion. His wife d. 20 Oct., 1865, s. p. He d. 25 July, 1884, at his estate near Newark. The remains of both were interred in the private graveyard in Greenwich. Andrew Gautier was the great-grandson of Jacques Gautier, a French gentleman, the first of the name in New York City, who came to America after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes. He was the descendant of a noble family of that name of Saint Blanchard, in the Province of Languedoc, France, and one of considerable prominence in the wars of the Huguenots. His family were among the early members of the Huguenot church L'Eglise du St. Esprit in New York City. They after^vards became parishioners of Trinity church in 1724, and members are buried in the family vault in Trinity churchyard. He was educated at Kings College, now Columbia, entering at the age of fourteen in 1769, and was a lawyer by profession, though not practicing. He was twice married, his first wife being Mary, the only child of Captain Thomas Brown of Bergen County, New Jersey. Gen. 7. JAMES FITCH MASON, m. 5 Nov., 1861, Frances Gay, b. 18 Apl., 1833, dau. of Samuel Hoxie of Lebanon. A MASON RECORD 51 He resides in Franklin noai- Norwich, Conn. Had Lssue: William Alfred, 1). 25 Mar., 1868; m. 2G Jany., 1888, Mary Reed Gay, b. 15 Nov., 1S5S. He has several cliildrcn three of whom are sons, and resides in FrankHn. Frances Fitch, b. 12 Aug., 1871; ni. 16 Nov., 1893, Frederick Wa3dand Hoxie of Franklin. Gen. 7. AMOS LAWRENCE MASON, M.D., m. 30 Sept., 187-4, Louisa Blake, 1). 9 Apl., 1852, dau. of Rear- Admiral Charles Steedman, U. S. N., and Sarah, dau. of James Bishop, and adopted dau. of Richard Ronaldson of Philadelphia. He graduated at Harvard L'niversity in 1863, and was for one year a student of law at the Harvard Law School and in the office of Mr. Horace Gray, who was afterwards a Judge of the Supreme Court of the L'nited States. He then engaged in literary pursuits until the spring of 1865, when he spent several years in European study and travel. He entered the Harvard Medical School in 1868, where he remained four years, during the last of which he was house-officer in the Massachusetts General Hospital, and received the degree of M.D. in 1872. After a year's study in Germany he returned to Boston, and since then has practiced his profession there. He has been for many years one of the medical staff of the great City Hospital of Boston, has served as one of the physicians of the Carney Hospital, Channing Home for Incurables, and Boston Dispen- sary; has held the positions of Clinical Instructor in Auscultation and Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine in the Harvard Medi- cal School, and is one of the Standing Committee on the course of study. He has been president of the Suffolk District Medical Society, and of the Boston Society for Medical Improvement. He has made several journeys to Europe for study and travel, and one to the Nile and Syria in 1867-68. Dr. Mason has written many articles for medical publications, 52 A MASON RECORD including various papers on typhoid, typhus, and the acute fevers. His wife d. 3 Aug., 1908. Had Issue: Marion Steedman, b. 17 July, 1S75; m. 11 Mar., 1902, Richard Thornton Wilson, Jr., son of Richard T. Wilson of New York City and Melissa Clementine Johnston of Macon, Ga. He graduated at Columbia College in 1887. He is a banker, and has held the office of Commissioner of Municipal Statistics in his native city. He has residences in New York City, Newport and near Beaufort, S. C. They have two daus., Louisa Steedman and Marion Mason. Admiral Steedman was born in 1811 at St. James, Santee, S. C. He was the grandson of James Steedman who came to South Carolina from Ely, Fifeshire, Scotland, about 1768. James Steedziian was a soldier in the war of the Revolution. On his mother's side the Admiral was descendant from the Blake and Jeannarett families, the Jeannaretts being among the early Huguenot refugees. His grandfather. Captain John Blake, was also a Revolutionary officer of distinction. He was appointed midshipman in 1828. He was a gallant officer of great professional merit, and throughout his long period of service always exhibited a zeal and perserverance in every instance deserving of all praise. During the Mexican war he commanded one of the siege guns at the bombardment of Vera Cruz. He had commands in the Brazilian and Paraguayian expeditions. When the Civil War opened, though of southern birth. Commander Steedman re- mained loyal to the Government. He was on leave at the time, but volunteered to Admiral Du Pont for any service, and ren- dered great and timely assistance in keejoing open railroad com- munication between Washington and the North, commanding the gun boat Marjdand. Later he served in many important com- mands, aiding in the capture of the southern ports, and the blockade of Charleston. After being on special service for some time he was for several years in command of the Boston Navy Yard, and was placed on the retired list in September, 1873. His A MASON RECORD 53 last sea iluty was as Roar Admiral coiiiitiand'ma: tho Soutli Pacific squadron 1872-7.'^. Gen. 7. T^KV. CIIAKLKH JKRKMIAII MASOX, m. 10 ^lay, 1S92, Angelina Augusta, h. 7 .luno, iSf)'), dau. of Hon. William Lawrence Merry of San Francisco, and Aletlicu Blan- chard, dau. of William Stewart Hill of New York City. He graduated at Harvard University in 1S79, studied for the ministry of the Protestant Episcopal Church at Berkeley Divinity School, Middletown, Conn., where he received his degree in 1883, and was made deacon by liishop Padtlock of Massachusetts. He was received into the priesthood by Bishop Stevens of Penn- sylvania the following year. He is Rector of Calvary church, Stonington, Conn., of which parish he was instituted minister in May, 1906. Before then he was curate of St. Ann's, Brooklj^n Heights, for some six years; and previous to that at St. Mark's, West Orange, New Jersey. He formerly had been curate or assistant at St. Mark's, Berkele}', California, at Grace church, San Francisco, at St. James, Phila- delphia, at L'Eglise de St. Sauveur in that city, and at St. Anne's, Annapolis, Maryland. Had Issue: Blanche Lyman, b. 31 May, 1893. Harriet Sargent, b. 10 June, 1894. Charles Jeremiah, Jr., b. 26 Oct., 1899. Mr. Merry was member of a New York City family. He had commanded steamships in the California trade until the year 1870; at which date he resigned from the Pacific Mail Steamship Company. He engaged in commercial interests at San Francisco until 1897, when he was appointed United States Minister Plenipoten- tiary and Envoy Extraordinary to Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Salvador, with residence at San Jos6, Costa Rica. He has been a promoter of the Interoceanic Canal since 1872. 54 A MASON RECORD Gen. 7. JOSEPH TAYLOR MASON, m. IS June, 1862, Mary Elizabeth, b. 24 Apl., 1842, dau. of John Darling of Conklin, New York, and Naomi, dau. of Rev. John G. Lowe. Had Issue: Lydia a, b. 11 Nov., 1865; m., 29 Oct., 1885, William Crawford Swanton, son of WilUam Swanton of Iowa City, Iowa. They have four children. George Daniel, b. 7 Oct., 1869; unm. (1903). Edward L., b. 7 May, 1887, d. 6 Aug., 1888. He died 28 July, 1896, in Binghamton, N. Y. Gen. 7. THEODORE WEST MASON, m. 5 Dec, 1865, Elizabeth Matilda, b. 22 Mar., 1845, dau. of Alexander Viets Blake of Brooklyn, and Elizabeth Matilda, dau. of Gilbert Everinghim of New York City, and Mary Woods Davis. The ceremony was performed in Grace church, Brooklyn Heights, by the rector the Rev. Dr. Eugene A. Hoffman, assisted by the Rev. Dr. Francis Vinton and the Rev. Dr. Greenleaf, the Right Rev. Dr. Whitehouse, Bishop of Illinois, giving the blessing. He graduated in the special course of study at the New York University in June of 1861, after which he entered the Law School in the city of Albany, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Laws in 1863 and was admitted to practice at a General Term of the Supreme Court in May of the same year. For a time he remained in the office of his uncles, Messrs. C. J. & E. De Witt. He became interested in business with his brother-in-law, forming the firm of Blake, Mason & Co. but eventually retired to a country life in Greenwich, Conn., where he has mainly resided since the spring of 1866. He and his family are members of Christ church parish. Had Issue: Katharine Maud, b. 2 Nov., 1867; m. 9 Dec, 1885, James A MASON mccoui) 55 Pott, Jr., son of James Pott of New York City, and Josephine, dau. of the Rev. Francis L. II;i\\ks, I).l)., Id..l)., ;it (jnc time rector of St. Thomas church and afterwards of Calvary church, and esteemed very eloquent as a preacher. He is at the head of the old New Ynik publisliinp; house of James Pott & Co., established by his fatiiei-. Mr. Pott, who tl. in 1905, had been treasurer of the Protestant ]<^pisoopal Diocese of New York for more than forty years, and (illed other important offices in the Church. Tliey are oi the Potts of Dodd and Knowesouth, Roxburgh, Scotland, estates that have long been in the family. The first of the name in this country was Gideon, the father of Mr. James Pott, who came over in 1805 to New York Cit}'. They have three daus., Maud Eleanor, Josephine Hawks, and Helen Mason. John Meredith, b. 17 Aug., 1S69. Theodora Evelyn, b. 15 Feby., 1871; m. 18 A\)\., 1907, Beach Adonijah Laselle, at the church of St. Edward the Martyr, New York City, son of Arthur W. Laselle of St. Albans, Vermont. He is a mining engineer and owner, and is engaged in developing certain interests in British Columliia. Albert Woods, b. 6 Nov., 1882; d. 18 Mar., 1884. ' Mr. Alexander \. Blake was the son of Rev. Dr. John Lauris Blake, who was well known in the Episcopal Church and an author of repute. Mr. Blake was widely respected for his many excellent quali- ties, and was most pleasant to meet. In the various connections which his private and public relations of life brought him, there were many proofs of the unlimited confidence which was placed in his integrity and fidelity. He was prompt and decided in the dispatch of buisness, and exact in its methods and requirements. For a few years he was occupied as a publisher, but early in life became a member of the concern of A. B. & D. Sands & Co. the wholesale drug house, and for more than thirty years continued in that connection until the firm was dissolved. He had been identified with the Brooklyn Savings Bank for many years, first as Trustee, then as Vice-President, and subse- quently as Comptroller. He was a vestryman of Grace church,. 56 A MASON RECORD and was the first treasurer of the Diocese of Long Island, being elected to that office continuously. Mr. Blake m. again in ApL, 1858, Maria Elizabeth, dau. of Edward Whitehouse of Remsen St., a prominent New York City banker. He had always been a resident of Brooklyn. He d. the 25 June, 1881. Gen. 7. LEWIS DUNCAN MASON, M.D., m. 20 Dec, 1883, Mrs. Mary Frances Dickson, b. 10 June, 1845, dau. of Col. Isaac Donnom Witherspoon of Yorkville, South Carolina, and Ann, dau. of Col. Joseph Reid of Virginia. He graduated in the special course of study at the New York University in June of 1863, and entering the Long Island College Hospital in the city of Brooklyn, received the degree of M.D. in 1866. He was appointed Attending Surgeon in the Out-Door-Depart- ment followed by the position of Adjunct Surgeon in the In-Door Department, and chief of surgical clinic. In the year 1875 he was appointed surgeon in full on the Hos- pital staff and instructor in surgery to the College classes. This last position he retained up to 1882, when he resigned his con- nection with the Long Island College Hospital. He became a member of the medical staff of the Inebriates Home at Fort Hamilton, Kings County, in 1866, as Visiting Physi- cian, and continued such to the year 1882. He was then appointed Consulting Physician, which position he filled until the spring of 1894, when he retired from further connection with the institution. Since Jany, of 1894 he has been connected as head of the consulting staff with Ardendale, a private sanitarium near Brook- lyn for patients of the better class. Besides the time devoted to his official duties, a general practice has occupied his attention and, while influenced by his interest in the progress of medicine, his preference has always been for the science and practice of surgery. f He has been a frequent contributor to medical periodicals, and has also published several papers on surgical topics. A MASOX UKCOUI) 57 He has writtiMi extensively on the effect (jf ah-ohul up