Thomas Mason (1770–1800)
Thomas Mason (May 1, 1753 – September 18, 1800)[1][2] was an early American businessman, planter, and politician. As a son of George Mason, a Founding Father of the United States, Mason was a scion of the prominent Mason political family.
Thomas Mason | |
|---|---|
| Born | Thomas Mason May 1, 1753 |
| Died | September 18, 1800 (aged 30) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | planter, businessperson, Virginia House of Delegates member |
| Spouse(s) | Sarah Barnes Hooe |
| Children | 4 |
| Parent(s) | George Mason IV Ann Eilbeck |
Early life and education
Mason was born in Fairfax County, Virginia on May 1, 1770.[1][2] He was the youngest child and son of George Mason IV and his first wife Ann Eilbeck.[1][2]
Mason was tutored by Reverend Buchanan at his father's Gunston Hall plantation.[2] He remained a pupil of Reverend Buchanan's until he was sent to study at Fredericksburg Academy in Fredericksburg, Virginia in 1788.[2] After completing his education at Fredericksburg Academy, Mason trained to be a merchant under an apprenticeship with William Hodgson in Alexandria.[2] Following his apprenticeship in Alexandria, Mason's father set him up with a business in Richmond.[2]
Marriage and children
Mason married Sarah Barnes Hooe, daughter of Gerard Hooe and Sarah Barnes, at Lexington plantation in Fairfax County, Virginia on April 22, 1793.[1][2] Sarah was a sister of his elder brother George Mason V's wife, Elizabeth "Betsey" Mary Ann Barnes Hooe.[2] The couple had four children:[1][2]
Later life
In 1792, Mason inherited his father's properties on the southern side of the Occoquan River across from Colchester along with the rights to the Occoquan ferry.[2][3] Mason named his plantation Woodbridge after the wooden toll bridge he built in 1795 to replace the ferry.[2][3] Mason had hired renowned inventor and engineer Theodore Burr to design the toll bridge.[2][3] The toll bridge carried King's Highway (present-day U.S. Route 1) across the Occoquan River.[3] Woodbridge remained under the ownership of the Mason family until 1851 after the death of Mason's eldest son, Gerard Alexander Mason.[3]
Mason died on September 18, 1800, at his residence at age 30.[1][2] At the time of his death in 1800, Mason was serving his second term as a member of the Virginia House of Delegates representing Prince William County.[2]
References
- Gunston Hall. "Thomas Mason". Gunston Hall. Archived from the original on September 28, 2011. Retrieved March 25, 2009.
- Gunston Hall. "Children of George Mason of Gunston Hall". Gunston Hall. Retrieved March 25, 2009.
- Stephen E. Phinney, Prince William County Historical Commission (November 1997). "Woodbridge is 200 Years Old!". Historic Prince William. Archived from the original on September 28, 2011. Retrieved March 25, 2009.