John Mason

John Mason (April 4, 1766 – March 19, 1849) was an early American merchant, banker, officer (armed forces), and planter. As a son of George Mason, a Founding Father of the United States, Mason was a scion of the prominent Mason political family.

Early life and education Mason was born on April 4, 1766, at Mattawoman plantation, the estate of his maternal grandparents William Eilbeck and Sarah Edgar Eilbeck. Despite the onset of the French Revolution, Mason remained in France until 1791 and only then left due to his ill health. Around the time of George Mason V's death, John Mason both built a house on Analostan Island which he inherited from their father. He and Thomas then become their father's executors, the other named executor, neighbor Martin Cockburn who had become the Prince William county sheriff, then judge, declining to serve.

John Mason also served on the board of directors of the Bank of Columbia and became its president in 1798.

In 1807, Mason was appointed Superintendent of Indian Trade, and held that position until 1816. Mason also became the first Commanding General brigadier general of the District of Columbia militia, which is today's District of Columbia National Guard. Mason continued to operate the foundry until his death in 1849.

Marriage and children Mason married Anna Maria Murray, daughter of James Murray and his wife Sarah Ennalls Maynadier, in Annapolis, Maryland on February 10, 1796. Mason inherited the Island from his father upon his death in 1792 and owned it until 1833. The island was famous for its gardens, which were designed and installed by English gardener David Hepburn. Mason continued the operation of the ferry which crossed the Potomac River from Georgetown to the Virginia. After suffering a series of financial setbacks, Mason was forced to give up Analostan Island, and in 1833, the family moved to Clermont in the Cameron Run valley in Fairfax County, Virginia. Mason and his family had already vacated the island in 1831 when a causeway stagnated the water in the Potomac River.

Later life Mason died on March 19, 1849, at age 82. His body was interred at Christ Church Cemetery in Alexandria, Virginia.