Thomson Francis Mason was born into the prestigious Mason family of Virginia in 1785. He was educated at Princeton and became a successful lawyer. He served as a judge, planter, councilman, and mayor of Alexandria. His leadership was marked by efforts to enhance the city’s infrastructure and legal framework.
Early Life and Education
Thomson Francis Mason was born in Gunston Hall, the estate of his grandfather, George Mason IV, a Founding Father of the United States. He was educated at Princeton University, where he graduated in 1804.
Career
After graduating from Princeton, Thomson Francis Mason began a career in law. He was admitted to the bar in 1806 and practiced law in Alexandria. He also served as a judge of the Alexandria Court of Common Pleas from 1817 to 1825.
In addition to his legal career, Thomson Francis Mason was also active in politics. He served as a councilman in Alexandria from 1819 to 1823 and as mayor of the city from 1827 to 1830. He was also a delegate to the Virginia Constitutional Convention of 1829.
Legacy
Thomson Francis Mason died in Alexandria in 1838. He was survived by his wife, Elizabeth Clapham Mason, and their eight children. His legacy includes his contributions to the legal system, the city of Alexandria, and the Mason family.
| In memory of THOMSON FRANCIS MASON Died Dec. 21, 1838 Aged 53 years. his wife BETSEY CLAPHAM Died May 7, 1873 Aged 71 years. Their infant children ARTHUR and CLAPMAN their daughter MATILDA E RHETT Died Feb 22, 1871 A. CAMPBELL MASON Died April 18, 1888 Aged 18 years I know that my Redeemer liveth. CAROLINE M. MASON youngest daughter of THOMAS F. and BETSEY CLAPMAN MASON Born March 9, 1832 Died January 31, 1919. |
Sources of Information
The Alexandria Association. (1956). Our Town 1749 – 1865. At Gadsby’s Tavern Alexandria, Virginia. The Dietz Printing Company.
Pippenger, W. E. (1992). Tombstone Inscriptions of Alexandria, VA (Volume 3). Family Line Publications. Westminster, Maryland.
Powell, M. G., & Pippenger, W. E. (Indexer). (2000). The History of Old Alexandria, VA, from July 13, 1749 – May 24, 1861. Westminster, Maryland: Willow Bend Books.
