James Mason

James Mason (August 25, 1843 − July 16, 1918) was a Canadian banker, Senator and military officer.

Background Mason was born in Toronto and educated at private schools and the Toronto Model School where he was head boy. After graduation, he joined the Toronto Savings Bank (later the Home Bank of Canada) ultimately becoming its general manager and president in 1873.

He was appointed to the Senate of Canada in 1913 by Prime Minister Robert Borden and sat as a Conservative. Mason retired from the bank and was appointed its honorary president with his son, Harry G. Mason, succeeding him as general manager.

Military career Mason joined the Queen's Own Rifles during the Fenian Raids of the 1860s. In 1882, he was gazetted captain of the 10th Royal Grenadiers and commanded No. 2 Service Company during the North-West Rebellion In 1893, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel and put in command of his regiment.

Around the turn of the century, he was put in command of the 4th Infantry Brigade and retired with the rank of colonel in 1910.