Background
Mason was born in 1830 in Fort Washington, Maryland. After the death of his father in 1837, he moved with his mother to her home town of Providence, Rhode Island.
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Charles Mason
Edit ProfileEducation
Mason graduated with honors from Brown University in 1850, and was recommended for the bar shortly after.
Career
After the establishment of Washington Territory in March 1853, Mason was appointed Secretary of State and came west, arriving in September 1853. As Acting Governor he served the state in time of war, from October 1855 to January 1856, as hostilities between settlers and First Nations peoples erupted in Snohomish, King, Pierce, and Thurston counties. Historians assess his efforts during this time as "marked with energy, decision, and wisdom." Mason called for volunteers, maintained peaceful relations with non-hostile bands, and treated all parties with fairness.
From May 15, 1855, Mason assisted Stevens in the negotiations of the Medicine Creek and Point Number Point Treaties and was credited as the secretary of the treaty commissions.
Mason transported documents to the nation"s capital and secured funding for territorial aid. In all he served four stints as acting Governor:
March 26, 1854 – December 1854
May 12, 1855 – January 19, 1856: Government.
Stevens was in eastern Washington to establish treaties. August 1857 – September 1857: Government.
Stevens resigned to become the delegate in Congress for Washington Territory.
Mason acted as governor until Government. Fayette McMullen arrived. August 1858 – July 1859: Government.
McMullen was removed from office.
Mason acted as governor until Government. Richard Doctorate. Gholson arrived.
Mason died after a brief illness at Olympia, Washington Territory. Isaac Stevens gave his eulogy at the funeral.
His burial location was established by the Washington State Archivist from primary source material and his grave marked in 1997 following an extensive search.
Mason County, Washington was renamed in 1864 in his honor. Mason Lake, in that county, was also named for him.
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Born
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Died
July 29, 1859 (aged 29) -
Nationality
United States