Viola Genoa Blake

The 1850 U.S. Census taken on 1850, shows Thomas Mason (age 30) born in Illinois, is a Farmer, and is living in Edwards Co., IL. Living with him are: Shadrick Mason (age 9) born in Illinois; Elijah Mason (age 8) born in Illinois; Sarah Mason (age 5) born in Illinois; and Mahala Mason (age 2) born in Illinois.

The 1860 U.S. Census taken on June 19, 1860, shows Simon S. Blake (age 30) born in Pennsylvania with real estate of $1,000 and personal estate of $140 is a Farmer living in the Town of Richmond, Richland Co., WI. Living with him is Mary M. Blake (age 24) born in Pennsylvania. Also there are two children, both born in Wisconsin: Sylvester F. Blake (age 4); and Ida Blake (age 2).

The 1860 U. S. Census taken on August 17, 1860, shows Thomas Mason (age 40) born in Illinois, is a Methodist Episcopal Minister, and is living in the Town of Farmington, La Crosse Co., WI. Living with him are: Almira Mason (age 31) born in Illinois; Shadwick Mason (age 17) born in Illinois, a Laborer; Elijah Mason (age 15) born in Illinois; Sarah Mason (age 13) born in Illinois; Gilena Mason (age 11) born in Illinois; and Margaret Mason (age 2) born in Wisconsin.

James Edward "Eddy" Mason was born March 1, 1861, near Galesville, Trempealeau Co., WI.

Viola Genoa Blake was born April 14, 1861, in the Town of Orion, Richland Co., WI.

Thomas Mason died 1864, in Bullskin Twp., Fayette Co., PA, at about age 73. Buried in Franklin Cemetery, Dunbar, Fayette Co., PA.

The 1860 U.S. Census taken on August 3, 1860, shows Thomas Mason (age 70) born in Pennsylvania, and with Real Estate of $200 and Personal Estate of $75 is a Laborer, and is living in the John Smith household, Bullskin Twp., Fayette Co., PA. Living with him is Mary A. Mason (age 67) born in Pennsylvania.

The 1870 U. S. Census taken on August 2, 1870, shows H. T. Walser (age 48) born in North Carolina, and with Real Estate of $5,500 and Personal Estate of $450 is a Miller, and is living in Henrietta, Richland Co., WI. Living with him are: Elmira Walser (age 41) born in Illinois, who is Keeping House; Lora Walser (age 16) born in Illinois; Hiram Walser (age 9) born in Illinois; James E. Mason (age 9) born in Wisconsin; and Wayne Bradshaw (age 22) born in Illinois, and with Real Estate of $150 and Personal Estate of $600 is a Dry Goods Dealer.

The 1870 U. S. Census taken on August 3, 1870 shows Simon Blake (age 41) born in Pennsylvania with real estate valued at $2,000 and personal estate valued at $556 is a Farmer living in the Town of Orion, Richland Co., WI. Living with him is Mary Blake (age 34) born in Pennsylvania, who is Keeping House. Also there are five children, all born in Wisconsin: Sylvester Blake (age 14); Ida Blake (age 11); Viola Blake (age 9); Estella Blake (age 7); and Salme Blake (age 5).

The 1875 Wisconsin census for Richland County shows Simon S. Blake is living in the Town of Orion, Richland Co., WI. There are a total of 2 Males, and 6 Females.

The 1880 U. S. Census taken on June 8, 1880, shows Henry T. Halser (age 58) born in North Carolina to North Carolina-born parents, is a married Miller living, and is living in Henrietta, Richland Co., WI. Living with him are: his wife Almira Walser (age 51) born in Illinois to Kentucky-born parents, who is Keeping House; his unmarried son, Hiram Walser (age 19) born in Illinois to Illinois and North Carolina-born parents, a Laborer; his unmarried step-son, Eddie Mason (age 19) born in Wisconsin to Illinois-born parents, a Laborer; Wm. Travers (age 27) born in Illinois to Illinois and Indiana-born parents, a Laborer.

The 1880 U. S. Census taken on June 4, 1880, shows Dave Storms (age 50) born in Vermont to Vermont-born parents is a Blacksmith living in the City of Richland Center, Richland Co., WI. Living with him is his wife Charlotte Storms (age 46) born in New York to New York-born parents who is Keeping House. Also there are their two sons, both born in Wisconsin to Vermont and New York-born parents: Fred Storms (age 15); and Eddie Storms (age 12). Also in the household is an unmarried female, Olie Blake (age 18) born in Wisconsin to Wisconsin-born parents, a Servant.

Thomas Mason JR served in the Civil War - Union - Company D, 14th Regiment, Wisconsin Infantry, along with his sons Shadrach (ID #120268462) and Elijah (ID #41609247).

Trempealeau Co. WIGenWeb Project: Deceased Civil War Soldiers of Trempealeau County
-Transcribed from the Galesville Transcript, July 31, 1863, Page 4 ~ Donated by Joan Benner
Respectfully Submitted by Contributor Lynn Elizabeth #48687893

Reverend Thomas Mason was born in 1820 in Shawneetown, Gallatin County, Illinois. His early advantages for an education were very poor, but being a man of considerable talent, he finally became a minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church. He came to Wisconsin in 1856, and among other places, was on the circuit at Lewis Valley, in La Crosse County. He was a man of energy, and knowing his educational deficiency, he became an industrious student at Galesville University a part of the years 1861 and 1862.

In August 1862 he enlisted in Company C, now in the 30th regiment, and at his own request was transferred from that company to Captain Polley’s company in the 14th regiment, where he then had two sons. He was killed in the battle near Corinth on the 3rd of October, 1862, by a rifle ball and was buried at Corinth.

Rev. Thomas Mason

Source: History of Crawford and Richland Counties, Wisconsin, Illustrated (1881)

Rev. Thomas Mason, (deceased) one of the pioneer preachers of Richland county, was born in Pennsylvania in 1818. He commenced preaching in Richland Co., Ill., and was married there in 1847 to Almira Bradshaw, a native of Wayne Co., Ill. He continued preaching in Illinois until 1855, when he came to Richland Co., Wis., and settled on section 30, of town 12, range 1 east, in the present town of Henrietta. He immediately joined the Northwestern Conference, and was appointed to the West Branch circuit. In 1857 he went to Salem, La Crosse county, and preached one year, then to Mendota, where he remained two years, then to Augusta, in Eau Clair county remaining there two years, next to Galesville in Trempeleau county. He then enlisted as private in the 14th Wisconsin, company D, and went to the front. He was killed at the battle of Corinth. He had been appointed chaplain of his regiment, but had not taken the position at the time of his death. He left a wife and six children to mourn his loss. The children are—Shadrach, Elijah, Sarah, Mahala, Maggie and James E. The two eldest sons, Shadrach and Elijah, were in the same regiment and company with their father. Shadrach was severely wounded in the same battle in which his father was killed. He was discharged on account of disability, and returned home. He soon re-enlisted and died in the service. Elijah served till the close of the war, and is now living in Illinois. Mrs. Mason is now the wife of Henry T. Walser, a resident of Woodstock.

James Edward Mason

Source: History of Crawford and Richland Counties, Wisconsin, Illustrated (1881)

James Edward, son of Thomas and Almira (Bradshaw) Mason, was born in the town of Henrietta, Feb. 28, 1861. He attended the district school, and later, the seminary at Elroy, and the high school at Sextonville. At the age of twelve he entered the employ of William Bradshaw as clerk. He continued in the same employment, excepting the time spent in school. until 1881, when he purchased the stock and good will of William Bradshaw and has since been engaged in trade. He keeps a good stock of dry goods, groceries, boots and shoes, glass ware and crockery, notions, etc. He was married in 1881 to Viola, daughter of Simon S. and Mary (Ambrose) Blake, who was born in the town of Orion. They have three children—Ray and Roy, twins, and Chester.

Florence Maude Lavigne was born August 18, 1881, in Crown Point, Essex Co., NY.

James Edward "Eddy" Mason (age 19), a bachelor, and Viola Genoa "Ola" Blake (age 19), a maiden, were married February 20, 1881, in Woodstock, Richland Co., WI.

“When we were both twenty years old, I was married to Viola G. Blake in 1881. She is the mother of our four boys and two girls who are all married and have families of their own now.”

“My wife and I for a time ran a general merchandise store in which we had a fourth class post office. Although my wife was six weeks younger than I, she was of legal age, since she was a married woman. So she was postmistress until I was twenty-one, when I could be post-master. We were doing pretty good with our store and post office, but there was very little cash involved in the trading. The farmers brought in their butter and eggs which they traded for goods, and it was not long before I had all my little capital sunk in ‘accounts due’; thereby running my business on borrowed money. In about four years I traded the business for a little eighty-acre diversified farm. Neither did this farming venture turn out so well, and, anyway, I had got the ‘Far West’ fever.” (During this period their first children arrived. They were twins, Roy E. and Ray W. born 29 Dec. 1881 and Chester Arthur born 11 April, 1883.)

“My friend, Edgar Simmons had two brothers and a sister all in Wyoming. They had a horse ranch twenty miles from Trabine on the south fork of Crazy Woman Creek. I decided to leave my family on the farm and go out there with him to look things over. We bought our tickets to the Golden Gate, California, for twenty-eight dollars, while the fare to Cheyenne was $31.00, being cut rates to California. Had we gone on to California we would have gotten a rebate of $13.00. However, we got off at Cheyenne arriving there in April. There we outfitted ourselves to make the three hundred mile trip north to his brother’s ranch which was located north of the Hard Winter Davis Ranch on the Powder River. The nearest post office was at Trabine, twenty miles away.”

“After a few days in Cheyenne we started for the ranch. We had two cow ponies for a team and riding, and a light covered wagon with tarps to cover our bed rolls, guns, etc. The second day out one of the ponies balked, near an old freighter, fortunately, who had an extra mule which he sold to us for seventeen dollars. We worked the mule with the good cow pony which left the other for scouting around and chasing antelopes. I really wanted to take the balkiness out of that cow pony but my partner thought I might only make him worse, so I didn’t insist since I wanted to avoid disagreement.”

“The third day out was stormy and it began to snow. We made early camp that night, spreading the tarp out, making the bed rolls on one end of it, and then pulling the other half up over our heads. In the morning I reached for my boots and found them half full of snow, which taught me to double my boots over, laying the boots flat with the tops under so that rain or snow couldn’t get in. We were very evidently ‘tender-feet’.”

“Reaching our destination the afternoon of the tenth day, we met the Simmons. Charlie Simmons was mounted on a cow pony. He said to me, ‘I was just going over the hill there to pack in an antelope I killed, I’ll saddle another pony if you want to go along.’ I said ‘0.K.’ So we brought it in, stopping at a little log stable. He opened the door and there were two other antelope hung up. I learned to eat antelope three times a day and like it.’’

“Well, I stayed at the Simmons’ about a week, getting pointers on how to be a cowboy, and roping a few fence posts and horses. Wyoming at that time was wide open western land; no fences. Stage stations were about thirty miles apart and were the only settlements aside from the big cow and horse ranches.”

“One day Charlie and I rode over to a wide place in the road to meet a superintendent of the Powder River Cattle Company. This man was gathering an outfit to work on the round-up which was to collect three herds of three thousand each. I went with the third herd on the trail to the Northwest Territory of Canada. This was in April, 1886. I was twenty-five years old, about as tall as I am now, five feet eleven and a half inches, and my weight was only about a hundred and thirty, due to my finicky eating, although I was a bear on pies and cakes. But it wasn’t long before I could take my tin plate up to the cook wagon and load up with any mulligan they dished out. And, of course, we were all sleeping in the open.”

Almira (Bradshaw) (Shannon) (Mason) Walser died May 24, 1886, in Rockbridge, Richland Co., WI, at age 56. Buried in Woodstock Cemetery, Rockbridge, Richland Co., WI.

The 1895 Kansas State Census taken on March 1, 1895 shows J. E. Mason (age 34) born in Wisconsin and having moved from Wisconsin is a Farmer living in Walton Twp., Rooks Co., KS. Living with him is Viola G. Mason (age 33) born in Wisconsin. Also living there are four Mason children, all born in Wisconsin: Roy Mason (age 13); Ray Mason (age 13); Chester Mason (age 11); and Thomas Mason (age 7).

William Alger Bishop (age 19), a bachelor, and Florence Maud Lavigne (age 18), a maiden, were married February 12, 1898, in Barre, Washington Co., VT.

Archibald F. L. Bishop was born January 31, 1899, in Montpelier, Washington Co., VT.

Archibald F. L. Bishop died from Pneumonia, February 3, 1900, in Portland, Cumberland Co., ME, at age 1 Year and 3 Days.

The 1900 U. S. Census taken on June 16, 1900, shows James E. Mason (age 39) born March 1861 in Wisconsin to Pennsylvania and Illinois-born parents is a Farmer renting his farm in Fairfield Precinct, Spokane Co., WA. Living with him is his wife of 19 years, Viola G. Mason (age 39) born April 1861 in Wisconsin to Pennsylvania-born parents with all six of her children alive, unmarried and living at home: Roy E. Mason (age 18) born December 1881 in Wisconsin is a Farm Laborer; Ray W. Mason (age 18) born December 1881 in Wisconsin is a Farm Laborer; Chester A. Mason (age 17) born April 1883 in Wisconsin is a Farm Laborer; Thomas Mason (age 12) born November 1887 in Wisconsin; Ruth Mason (age 4) born in Kansas; and Lelah Mason (age 1) born September 1898 in Washington.

The 1900 U. S. Census taken on June 1, 1900, shows William Bishop (age 24) born May, 1876, in Vermont to Vermont-born parents, is a married Electric Company Lineman, and who rents his home, and is living at 34 Portland, City of Portland, Cumberland Co., VT. Living with him are: his childless wife of 2 years, Maude Bishop (age 18) born August, 1881, in New York to New York-born parents, with the only child born to her no longer living; his married mother-in-law, Lucy Lavigne (age 62) born September, 1837, in New York to English Canadian-born parents, with 6 of the 8 children born to her still alive; and only child born to her no longer living; and his unmarried brother, Bertrand Bishop (age 29) born July, 1880, in Vermont to Vermont-born parents, an Electric Company Lineman.

Clifford Stephen Lavigne was born July 21,1902, in Morrisonville, Clinton Co., NY.

Henry Thomas Walser died September 11, 1902, in Woodstock, Richland Co., WI, at age 80. Buried in Woodstock Cemetery, Rockbridge, Richland Co., WI.

Ray Warren Mason and Jessie May Fowler were married October 15, 1905, in Waverly, Spokane Co., WA.

Chester Arthur Mason and Roxie Lee Hubbard were married October 6, 1909, in Spokane, Spokane Co., WA.

The 1910 U. S. Census taken on April 16, 1910, shows James E. Mason (age 49) born in Wisconsin to Illinois-born parents is a Riding Instructor at a Riding Academy is living at 1719 4th Avenue, 3rd Ward, City of Spokane, Spokane Co., WA. Living with him is his wife of 29 years, Viola Mason (age 49) born in Wisconsin to Pennsylvania and Wisconsin-born parents, with all 6 of the children born to her still living: Roy Mason (age 28) born in Wisconsin, a married Methodist Minister; Rae Mason (age 28) born in Wisconsin, an unmarried Insurance Agent; Chester Mason (age 26) born in Wisconsin, a married Clerk in a Tourist House, Chester's wife of one year, Roxie Mason (age 24) born in Wisconsin to Wisconsin-born parents; Thomas Mason (age 22) born in Wisconsin, an unmarried Instructor at a Riding Academy; Ruth Mason (age 11) born in Kansas; and Lela Mason (age 11) born in Washington.

The 1910 U. S. Census taken on April 19, 1910, shows Joseph Lavigne (age 55) born in New York to French Canadian-born parents, and in his 2nd Marriage, is a married House Painter, and who rents his home, is living at is living on Cook Street, Village of Dannemora, Dannemora Twp., Clinton Co., NY. Living with him are: his wife of 9 years, Lucy Lavigne (age 39) born in New York to French Canadian-born parents, and in her 2nd Marriage, with 3 of the 4 children born to her still alive; his son, Morton Lavigne (age 13) born in New York to New York-born parents; and his son, Clifford Lavigne (age 7) born in New York to New York-born parents.

The Spokane Daily Chronicle, Spokane, Spokane Co., WA, Friday, July 19, 1912

WEALTHY MAN'S SON TAKEN FOR THEFT

On two charges, larceny and carrying concealed weapons, Tom Mason, well-known horseman and son of J. E. Mason, owner and manager of the Spokane Riding academy, was arrested Thursday afternoon. He is now out on $50 bail on each charge. Mason is said to have been caught in the act of stealing several pairs of shoes from the Dolby clothing store on Riverside avenue. The police are looking for S. D. Hastings, said to be the partner of Mason. "The father told me that the young man had taken his first taste of liquor Thursday, and I am satisfied that this was responsible for his rash act," said Chief of Police Doust this morning. "The young man is not in need of money, nor has he ever been."

William Alger Bishop and Florence Maud (Lavigne) Bishop were divorced before 1916 in Vermont.

William Alger Bishop (age 39), a divorcee, and Margaret Martha Arseneau (age 35), a maiden, were married August 30, 1916, in Barre, Washington Co., VT.

The 1920 U. S. Census taken on January 26, 1920 shows James E. Mason (age 58) born in Wisconsin to Illinois-born parents is a Farm Superintendent renting his home in Willow Springs Precinct, Jackson Co., OR. Living with him is his wife Viola G. Mason (age 58) born in Wisconsin to United States-born parents. Other boarders also live there.

Subsequent to J. E. Mason's move to Bonita, San Diego Co., CA, and his wife's move to Seattle, King Co., WA, they were divorced between 1922 and 1929.

The Wisconsin State Journal, Madison, WI, Tuesday September 18, 1928

Sisters Meet First Time in 35 Years

RICHLAND CENTER - Six sisters met for the first time in 35 years Sunday at the home of Mrs. Lou Pugh, Gotham. The sisters are the daughters of Simon and Mary Blake, pioneer residents of Richland county. One of the sisters has lived in the state of Washington for many years and this was her first visit to Wisconsin since 1907. She is Mrs. Viola Mason. The others are Mrs. William Abbey, Dodgeville; Mrs. Mary E. Davis, and Mrs. Charles Lovell, Madison; Mrs. Lou Pugh, Gotham; and Mrs. Pearl Lawton, Richland Center. Friends who attended were Mr. and Mrs. Cyrus Mayfield, Marvin and Ruby Mayfield, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Klousia, Letha and Gerald Klausia of Ash Creek; Mr. and Mrs. Donald Stratman, Marian Stratman, Melva Perkins, Dodgeville; Clifford Pugh, Stevens Point; Harold Lovell, Muscoda; Martha and Helen Louise Lovell, Madison; Raymond Lawton, Richland Center; Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Waite, Pern Pugh and Lou Pugh, Gotham. A picnic dinner was served.

James Edward "Eddy" Mason (age 59), a divorcee, and Florence Maud (Lavigne) Bishop (age 47), a divorcee, were married May 18, 1929, in Los Angeles Co., CA.

The 1930 U. S. Census taken on April 4, 1930 shows Arvide Anderson (age 33) born in Utah to Swedish-born parents and first married at age 27 is a Chemist in a Chemical Works renting his home for $65 a month at 22 Lyons Place, Tenth Ward, City of Elizabeth, Union Co., NJ. Living with him is his wife Irma Anderson (age 34) born in Kansas to Illinois and Wisconsin-born parents and first married at age 28. Also living there is their son Paul Anderson (age 2-1/12) born in Utah to Utah and Kansas-born parents. Also at home is Arvide's widowed mother-in-law, Viola Mason (age 68) born in Wisconsin to Pennsylvania-born parents.

The 1930 U. S. Census taken on April 5, 1930, shows John E. Mason (age 69) born in Wisconsin to United States-born parents and first married at age 20 is a Horse Trainer at Ridgeway Academy and is renting his home and is living at 1630 Myrtle Street, City of San Diego, San Diego Twp., San Diego Co., CA. Living with him is his wife, Florence M. Mason (age 49) born in New York to English Canadian and New York-born parents and first married at age 17.

The 1940 U. S. Census taken on May 15, 1940. shows James Edy Mason (age 79) born in Wisconsin, and 5 years ago was living in the Same House, and with 12 years of School, is an Owner of a Riding Stable who is renting his home for $25/month and is living in National Twp., San Diego Co., CA. Living with him is his wife, Florence Maud Mason (age 59) born in New York, and 5 years ago was living in the Same House, and with 8 years of School.

The 1940 U. S. Census taken on April 9, 1940. shows Arvid Anderson (age 43) born in Utah, and 5 years ago was living in Union, Union Co., NJ, and with 5 years of College, is a Metallurgist for Bethlehem Steel who rents his home for $27/month and is living in the Borough of Cornwall, Lebanon Co., PA. Living with him are: his wife, Irma Anderson (age 44) born in Kansas, and 5 years ago was living in Union, Union Co., NJ, and with 4 years of College; his son, Paul Anderson (age 12) born in Utah, and 5 years ago was living in Union, Union Co., NJ, and with 5 years of School; and his widowed mother-in-law, Viola Mason (age 79) born in Wisconsin, and 5 years ago was living in Union, Union Co., NJ, and with 8 years of School.

Ray Warren Mason died March 7, 1954, in Spokane, Spokane Co., WA, at age 72. Buried in Pines Cemetery, Spokane, Spokane Co., WA.

The Spokane Daily Chronicle, Spokane, Spokane Co., WA, Tuesday, March 9, 1954

FUNERALS

MASON, Rev. Ray Warren - His home was Newport, Wash., formerly in Spokane. Husband of Mrs. Jessie M. Mason, at the home; father of Mrs. Viola Curtis of St. John, Wash.; Perk R. Mason of Newport, Wash.; Charles E., Tom F., Edgar W., Edwin U. Mason, all of Spokane; Richard H. Mason of Yakima, Wash.; 20 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren; son of J. E. Mason of Bonita, Calif.; Mrs. Viola Mason of Cornwall, Pa.; brother of Mrs. Ruth Anderson of Cornwall, Pa.; Mrs. Lela Hall of Tacoma, Wash.; Chester R. Mason of Seattle, Wash.; Thomas Mason of Hollywood, Calif. He was pastor of the Newport Memorial Methodist church and belonged to the Kiwanis club of Newport. Funeral Wed., March 10, at 11 a.m. in the ALWIN CHAPEL of the HAZEN & JAEGER FUNERAL HOME, N1306 Monroe st., Rev. Richard D. Decker officiating assisted by Rev. E. J. Aschenbrenner and Rev. Charles Creesy. Burial services in The Pines cemetery, Opportunity. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial gifts be given to the American Heart Association c/o HAZEN & JAEGER FUNERAL HOME, N1306 Monroe st.

James Edward "Eddy" Mason died November 14, 1955, in a Paradise Valley rest home, National City, San Diego Co., CA, at age 94. Buried in Glen Abbey Cemetery, Chula Vista, San Diego Co., CA.

The San Diego Union, San Diego, San Diego Co., CA, Thursday, November 17, 1955

Services for James Edward Mason, 94, of Bonita, widely known horse trainer and riding instructor who died Monday in a Paradise Valley rest home, will be at 2 p.m. tomorrow in Humphrey-Heath Mortuary. San Diego Elks Lodge will be in charge. Burial will be in Glen Abbey Cemetery. Mason lived at 23 Cottage Row, Bonita. He had been a resident of San Diego County more than 30 years and came here from Santa Barbara. He held scores of trophies which he had accumulated for training and showing horses. Born in Wisconsin, Mason went to Wyoming in 1886 and later moved to Spokane, Wash., where he operated stables for several years. He trained saddle horses and riders from Washington to California and was especially known for training juvenile riders. Mason was with the Balboa Stables when he first came to San Diego. In 1932 he went to Bonita, where he reorganized the Bonita Riding Stables. Mason, who was known to his friends and former pupils as "J. E.," broke in horses until he was 84, when he retired. He is survived by his widow, Maude; two sons, Thomas of Hollywood and J. E. of Seattle, and two daughters, Mrs. Arvid Anderson of Pennsylvania and Mrs. Eugene Hall of Tacoma, Wash.

Viola Genoa (Blake) Mason died October 13, 1956, at Pleasant View Rest Home, Manheim, Lancaster Co., PA, at age 95. Buried in Buried in Bismarck Cemetery, Quentin, West Cornwall Twp., Lebanon Co., PA.

Florence Maude (Lavigne) (Bishop) Mason died July 3, 1958, in San Diego, San Diego Co., CA, at age 76. Buried in Glen Abbey Cemetery, Chula Vista, San Diego Co., CA.

History of Crawford and Richland Counties, Wisconsin - Union Publishing Company - Springfield, IL - 1884

Rev. Thomas Mason, (deceased) one of the pioneer preachers of Richland county, was born in Pennsylvania in 1818. He commenced preaching in Richland Co., Ill., and was married there in 1847 to Almira Bradshaw, a native of Wayne Co., Ill. He continued preaching in Illinois until 1855, when he came to Richland Co., Wis., and settled on section 30, of town 12, range 1 east, in the present town of Henrietta. He immediately joined the Northwestern Conference, and was appointed to the West Branch circuit. In 1857 he went to Salem, La Crosse county, and preached one year, then to Mendota, where he remained two years, then to Augusta, in Eau Claire county remaining there two years, next to Galesville in Trempealeau county. He then enlisted as private in the 14th Wisconsin, company D, and went to the front. He was killed at the battle of Corinth. He had been appointed chaplain of his regiment, but had not taken the position at the time of his death. He left a wife and six children to mourn his loss. The children are --- Shadrach, Elijah, Sarah, Mahala, Maggie and James E. The two eldest sons, Shadrach and Elijah, were in the same regiment and company with their father. Shadrach was severely wounded in the same battle in which his father was killed. He was discharged on account of disability, and returned home. He soon re-enlisted and died in the service. Elijah served till the close of the war, and is now living in Illinois. Mrs. Mason is now the wife of Henry T. Walser, a resident of Woodstock.

James Edward, son of Thomas and Almira (Bradshaw) Mason, was born in the town of Henrietta, Feb. 28, 1861. He attended the district school, and later, the seminary at Elroy, and the high school at Sextonville. At the age of twelve he entered the employ of William Bradshaw as clerk. He continued in the same employment, excepting the time spent in school, until 1881, when he purchased the stock and good will of William Bradshaw and has since been engaged in trade. He keeps a good stock of dry goods, groceries, boots and shoes, glass ware and crockery, notions, etc. He was married in 1881 to Viola, daughter of Simon S. and Mary (Ambrose) Blake, who was born in the town of Orion. They have three children --- Ray and Roy, twins, and Chester.

History of Crawford and Richland Counties, Wisconsin - Union Publishing Company - Springfield, IL - 1884

Henry T. Walser, proprietor of the Walser mill, is a native of a southern State, having been born in Rowan Co., NC, in April, 1822. He was eight years of age when his parents moved to Illinois and settled in Edwards county where they were pioneers. His father purchased timber land, cleared a farm and lived there until the time of his death. It was here that the subject of this sketch grew to manhood. When he was seventeen years old, his father built a saw-mill, in which he was employed five years. He then purchased the mill, and built a flour-mill, which he operated in connection with the saw-mill for six years. At the end of that time, he sold out and engaged in mercantile business. Three years later he sold the store, and built another mill in Edwards county, which he operated until 1866, when he came to Richland county and located at Woodstock and engaged again in mercantile business, which he continued until 1869. He then sold out and built the mill which he now operates. He has been twice married --- first in 1844, to Patsy Doty, a native of Indiana. They had nine children, six of whom are now living --- Martin, Rebecca, Solomon, Harriet, Lori and Hiram. Mrs. Walser died in 1866. Mr. Walser's second wife was Almira Bradshaw, widow of Rev. Thomas Mason. One child blessed this union, but died in infancy.

His son, Hiram H. Walser, was born in Edwards Co., Ill., in October, 1860. He came to Woodstock with his parents and received his early education in the district school. At the age of sixteen he went to work in his father's mill. He has continued in the same business ever since, and now has charge of the mill. He was married in 1881 to Eva Simmons, a native Green Co., Wis. They have one child --- Lewie. Mr. Walser is town clerk, elected in April, 1883.

Rev. Thomas Mason, (deceased) one of the pioneer preachers of Richland county, was born March 1, 1820, in Pennsylvania. He commenced preaching in Richland Co., Ill., and was married there in 1847 to Almira (Bradshaw) Shannon, a native of Wayne Co., Ill. He continued preaching in Illinois until 1855, when he came to Richland Co., Wis., and settled on section 30, of town 12, range 1 east, in the present town of Henrietta. He immediately joined the Northwestern Conference, and was appointed to the West Branch circuit. In 1857 he went to Salem, La Crosse county, and preached one year, then to Mendota, where he remained two years, then to Augusta, in Eau Claire county remaining there two years, next to Galesville in Trempealeau county. He then enlisted as private in the 14th Wisconsin, company D, and went to the front. He was killed at the battle of Corinth. He had been appointed chaplain of his regiment, but had not taken the position at the time of his death. He left a wife and six children to mourn his loss. The children are: Shadrach, Elijah, Sarah, Mahala, Maggie and James E. The two eldest sons, Shadrach and Elijah, were in the same regiment and company with their father. Shadrach was severely wounded in the same battle in which his father was killed. He was discharged on account of disability, and returned home. He soon re-enlisted and died in the service. Elijah served till the close of the war, and is now living in Illinois. Mrs. Mason is now the wife of Henry T. Walser, a resident of Woodstock.

There is little information available on the first Mason family to arrive in Illinois. Thomas served as justice of the Peace in Edwards County and in Lawrence County after that county was separated from Edwards in 1821. The following information was obtained from Bible records, Federal Census and Marriage Records of Lawrence and Richland Counties:

Thomas born 1 March 1820 married 1) Dicy Jones 30 Dec. 1841; 2) Almira Bradshaw Shannon 5 Aug. 1850.

On 1 Sept. 1829 Thomas Mason married Elizabeth Brander (Lawrence Co. File Box M166). It is logical to assume that John’s mother died in childbirth and that he married soon after to have a mother for his household of children.

On record at the Palatine, Illinois, Land Office is the purchase of two parcels of land by Thomas Mason of Lawrence County and one by George Mason of the same county. Because of the change in county boundaries the Census records for these families are found in Edwards County for 1820 and 1830; in Lawrence County for 1840; in Richland County for 1850. In the latter Thomas is seventy years old, his wife Elizabeth, 64. Living with them is Reuben Mason, age 20, Sarah Patterson, age 22, and Franklin Patterson, age 4. No further record of Thomas appears in the census of these counties.

Thomas Mason, born 1 March 1820, grew up in that period of Illinois history that saw the state expanding into Indian lands, increasing population and developing politically as a significant part of the western frontier. Many from the slave states (Kentucky and Tennessee) were among the new settlers. Abraham Lincoln began his law career at that time.

It was also a period of religious fervor. Led by Peter Cartwright, the Methodists established themselves early in Illinois, and it was doubtless under his influence that Thomas was drawn into the ministry probably after his marriage to Dicy Jones on 30 Dec. 1841. He was twenty-one at the time and was already in possession of eighty acres of land in Richland County which had been deeded to him by his father in November of the same year. Children of this marriage were:

Elijah born 17 Sept. 1844; died 7 Nov. 1925 at Washington, Ill.; married Mary Ellen Ferryman 23 Sept. 1874.

Following the record of the birth of Mahala in the family Bible there is the simple statement “Dicy Mason, wife of Thomas Mason, died” - no date, but it was probably 1849 or early 1850 for the next entry is the marriage of Thomas Mason to Almira Shannon on Aug. 5, 1850.

Almira Shannon (nee Bradshaw) was a widow with probably two small children. (The Bible records their death, but as their birth is not given and the dates do not fit, this assumption is made.) She came into the motherless Mason family of four children all under eight years of age. The next ten years of their married life saw six children born to them, five of whom died in infancy including still-born twins, and also the deaths of the two other children.

When the family moved to Richland County, Wisconsin in 1857 it consisted of Thomas’s four children by his first marriage. Margaret was born 2 April 1858. James Eddy Mason was born 1 March 1861 and lived to be ninety-four years, eight months and eighteen days old but Margaret died before her eighth birthday.

Almira Bradshaw was the daughter of James Bradshaw and Matilda Frances McMackin and was born in Wayne County, Illinois on 4 Sept. 1829. No record of her marriage to Mr. Shannon has been found as early Wayne County records were destroyed by fire. Her photographs show a calm, poised and thoughtful person. That she was deeply spiritual and inspired affection from relatives and friends alike is evidenced by her autograph album which was inscribed by many during the latter years of her life when she visited relatives in Illinois, Indiana and Kansas. These inscriptions are revealing in showing the mind and thought of those with whom she was associated. The album was a gift from R. H. Burns on Dec. 25, 1888. Excerpts from it follow:

Mrs. Walser, Dear Friend: “Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” Your friend,

Dear Sister: How I would love to see you once more in this life but if not permitted to meet on earth lets strive for to gain a home in that blest land where our loved ones await us. Your loving sister,

Dear Mother: We are all drifting into tomorrow. Today with us will be over. May we meet where the sunrise of Heaven Dawns clear on that beautiful Shore.

Dear Mother: We may write our names in albums, We may trace them in the sand, We may chisle them in marble With a firm and steady hand But the pages soon are sullied Soon each name will fade away And each moment will crumble As all earthly things decay. But my Mother there is an album Filled with leaves of snowy white Where no names are ever tarnished And each page is ever bright. In the book of Life (God’s album) Where our Loved are penned with care And may we an unbroken family Find our names recorded there. The sentiments of your Affectionate Son. J. E. Mason

Dear Sister: The voyage of life with you no doubt has been dotted with many trials and heartaches, but when you contemplate the great future and the preparations our Savior has made for our eternal happiness, and that the greater half of our family are now safely housed within the veil watching and waiting our coming may you with the poet be able to sing: “My hardest trials are are past, my triumphs have begun.”

Dear Mother, That your last days may be your best and that you may be rewarded for all the good you have done here, is the wish of your daughter. Viola Mason

Dear Aunt: Drop a pearl in memory’s casket for me. Your Loveling Niece, Mamie B. Yohe

Dear Sister: Once more we meet on Earth happy is the thought Sad will be the Farewell O may we meet again if not on earth O may we meet in Heaven.

Dear Friend Sister Walser: May this your birthday be a happy day and a day to be remembered by each of us and may we so live that we can meet on that heavenly shore where parting is no more is the sincere wish of

John Mason, brother of Thomas, appears to have been the first of the family to penetrate the Frontier in Wisconsin which at that time lay beyond the Wisconsin River in the forests and wooded hills of Richland County. Deeds indicate that he was buying land there in the summer of 1856. By 1857 “John Mason of Edwards Co., Ill.” was acting for relatives. When Thomas arrived to make his home in the Town of Henrietta, Village of Woodstock he carried with him the Power of Attorney for John which was signed by Milton Satterlee and Reuben Selby (a brother-in-law) as witnesses. His wife’s brother-in-law, Henry Travers, came the same year and settled on Sec. 30, Town of Henrietta. Reuben Selby had entered 160 acres on Sec. 36, Town of Bloom in 1854 where he became the first wagon maker. So the Masons were surrounded by relatives and friends.

At this time Thomas Mason was a “local preacher” of the Methodist Episcopal Church but later he joined the Conference as a regular preacher and was assigned a circuit. An organization was effected under his leadership as “class leader”‘ and was known as the East Pine Class. Later in the year he was sent to Salem, La Crosse County for a year, then to Mendota for Two years, two years at Augusta, Eau Clair County and finally to Galesville in Trempeleau County.

It was from Galesville that he enlisted in the Union forces on 14 Aug. 1862 and was assigned to Co. D, 14th Reg. Wisconsin Infantry on 5 Sept. 1862. He was killed in action at the Battle of Corinth less than a month later on 3 Oct. 1862. This brigade had been assigned to the 6th Division commanded by General McArthur which moved to the support of the Federal forces at Corinth. After several weeks of reconnoitering it was ordered to the east side of luka. Companies B and D of the 14th were thrown out as skirmishers. After rejoining their division, the entire division was ordered to Corinth which they entered on Sept. 21st. The report of the Adjutant General reads “A stand was made here, and the battle of Corinth commenced. Our regiment occupied the post of honor, the most advanced position of the line of battle, directly across the road upon which the enemy must advance, and supporting the First Minnesota Battery, with orders to hold the position at all hazards, and that, too, without being reinforced. From nine in the morning, until one in the afternoon, they were exposed to a strong cross fire from the enemy’s advanced lines, and retired only when - flanked on both sides - the enemy charged upon them in column. Their loss, in this battle, amounted to ninety-eight killed, wounded, and missing. The following extract from the official report of Col. Oliver, commanding the brigade, finds an appropriate place in their record: Col. Hancock and his regiment, the 14th Wis. Vols. there was no discount on, always steady, cool and vigorous. This regiment was the one to rely upon in any emergency. Though suffering more loss than any other regiment in the command, they maintained their lines, and delivered their fire, with all the precision and coolness, which could have been maintained upon drill!”

Thomas Mason’s service record indicates that he served as a private but undoubtedly he anticipated serving as a chaplain. He is buried in the trench of the unknown dead at the National Cemetery in Corinth. Both of his sons, Shadrach and Elijah, were in the same regiment with him. Shadrach was severely wounded and ultimately received a disability discharge. He died in 1864 at the age of twenty-one years and nine months and is buried in the cemetery at Galesville. Elijah served until the end of the war and later lived in Washington, Ill. where he died in 1925.

Apparently Almira Mason continued to live in Galesville after the death of her husband but no doubt there were trips back and forth to Woodstock, Richland County to visit her relatives there. Death continued to be a frequent visitor to the Mason family. Little “Maggie” only lived to be seven years old. A small stone in the Galesville cemetery indicates that she passed away 10 Jan. 1866. Sarah and Mahala, children of Thomas’s first marriage, were eighteen and sixteen at the time of his death. It appears that they may have married or returned to Illinois by this time as only James E. was with his mother when she married Henry T. Walser, a merchant and mill owner of Woodstock, on 20 Oct. 1866 and returned to that place to live. He applied for guardianship papers for James E. in 1867 but resigned that trust in 1877 when James Petitioned the Court that his uncle, Ira W. Bradshaw, be named guardian. As of that date, 23 Jan. 1878, James stated that he was the only living child of Thomas and Almira Mason. In his petition he also states that “the personal property of your petitioner now amounts to about the sum of eighteen hundred dollars ... in money and promissory notes.”