Determined purpose and indefatigable energy have brought John J. Mason to a substantial position among business men of New Haven, where he is engaged in manufacturing dies, stencils, seals, rubber stamps, etc., at 33 Center street. He was born October 14, 1866, in Preston, England, a son of the late Robert Mason, who was also a native of that country, whence he came to America in 1869 accompanied by his wife and two children. He made his way direct to New Haven, where he obtained employment as a skilled mechanic, being for twenty-three years connected with the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad in charge of the wheel department. He died in this city in 1906 at the age of sixty-six years. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Agnes Furnival, was a native of England, and by her marriage became the mother of six children, five of whom are yet living, John J. being the eldest. The mother passed away January 20, 1890, at the age of fifty years.

  John J. Mason was educated in the public and high schools of New Haven and when a lad of eighteen started out to earn his own livelihood, being first employed as an apprentice with George B. Hoggson, with whom he learned all branches of the business in which he has since successfully continued. He was with the firm in New Haven for four years, when, desiring a broader field and wishing to acquire further training in that line, he went to New York, where he entered the employ of the New York Stencil Works, spending four years in that connection. On the expiration of that period he returned to New Haven and was employed by John & Benjamin Draine, the founders of the present business. Since becoming the owner of the enterprise Mr. Mason has continuously enlarged the plant and extended his trade until it now covers New England and the states of New York and New Jersey, having today a business second to none of its kind in size and importance in Connecticut. His methods of manufacture are most modern and efficient, and his output finds ready sale.

  On the 29th of April, 1893, Mr. Mason was married in New Haven to Miss Mary L. Shea, a native of this city and a daughter of the late John and Johanna (Murphy) Shea, representatives of old and prominent New Haven families of Irish lineage. Mr. and Mrs. Mason have three children: Madeleine, who was born August 27, 1894, and is a graduate of the College of New Rochelle, which conferred upon her the Bachelor of Arts degree; Marie, born August 6, 1896; and Robert E., born August 5, 1898. The son spent two years in the Sheffield Scientific School at Yale University, and before the declaration of war enlisted in the United States Naval Reserve force serving as quartermaster and is proud of the opportunity to aid in the defense of the country with the hope of doing his part toward making democracy safe for the world.

  Mr. and Mrs. Mason are members of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic church. Mr. Mason casts an independent ballot. His interest in community affairs is manifest in his membership in the Chamber of Commerce and his endorsement of its various measures to promote the public good. He belongs to the Yacht Club and in every relation of life is loyal to duty and appreciative of his opportunities.