Mason, John M.

Mason, John M. MAGA © 2000-2014
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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY ILLINOIS - 1915

Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co.

Page 925

MASON, JOHN M. - The construction of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad brought many excellent men to Cass County, who remained after this work was completed and developed into representative citizens of this section. Among these is John M. Mason, an engineer who resides at Beardstown. He was born at Delaware, Newcastle County, Dela., July 7, 1843, a son of John and Mary (Cordrice) Mason, natives of Delaware. The father was a stage driver during his early life, when people traveled by stage coach, but later became a farmer engaging in that line of work after a railroad was built.

John M. Mason attended a country school and afterward learned engineering. He came to Cass County to work on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad and continued with it until 1861, when he enlisted for service during the Civil war. On July 3, 1863, he was wounded at Spottsylvania Court House, but continued his military service until he was mustered out July 12, 1865, at Munsonhill, Va., when he returned to Brandywine Springs, Dela., and later returned to Cass County. In 1866 he went into the railroad roundhouse at Beardstown, worked first as a fireman and later as an engineer. In addition to his residence Mr. Mason owns four other houses, and is a man of independent means.

On November 10, 1868, Mr. Mason was married at Wilmington, Dela., to Ruth Anna Richison, born in Kent County, Dela., in 1842, a daughter of John and Ruth (Jerold) Richison, the former of whom was a farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Mason became the parents of the following children: John H., Wesley R., Frank E., Mary, Henry S. and Gene. Mr. Mason is a member of the Knights of Pythias. He is a Methodist in religion and is active in his church. The Republican party receives his support. Faithful, capable and experienced. Mr. Mason is one of the most trusted employees of his road, and is appreciated by his associates, and when he relates stories of the earlier days regarding times through which he lived and concerning events now historic, he has many interested listeners, for his memory is remarkable.