Collection: Thomson Mason Papers (MS135)

Content Description

This collection contains numerous documents, either personal or business, of Thomson Mason. All correspondence is Mason's unless otherwise indicated. Other documents found are legal ones dealing with all phases of Mason's practice, both in and out of Virginia. Several items are from his period as Mayor of Alexandria and President of Middle Turnpike Corporation. Early documents deal with the buying and selling of slaves.

Dates

1804 - 1912

Biographical / Historical

Thomson Francis Mason (1785 - 1838) was the grandson of George Mason IV of Gunston Hall and the son of Thomson Mason of Hollin Hall. He dedicated his life to public service for the town of Alexandria. Mason served on the Alexandria Common Council, was elected Mayor of Alexandria four times, served as Justice of the Peace three times, and was the first judge of the Criminal Court of the District of Columbia. He also practiced law and served as President of both the Alexandria Canal and Middle Turnpike Corporation.