Mason was the son of George Mason, an American patriot, statesman, and delegate from Virginia to the United States. Constitutional Convention. Mason was born on 22 October 1757. He was the fourth child and third eldest son of George Mason and his wife Ann Eilbeck.
Like his brothers, Mason was educated by tutors at Gunston Hall.
During the, Mason served in the Fairfax Militia fighting under Henry Lee III in South Carolina. He was commissioned a Captain. In 1780, Mason"s father declined an offer by Lee to continue his military service because his father felt Mason"s "lot must be that of a farmer and gentleman." Mason was presented with a sword by General George Washington, which was said to have been given to him by Charles III of Spain.
Mason returned to private life between December 1780 and June 1781.
The Mason family occupied Araby until 1849. In 1849, 402 acres (163 km2) including the mansion were sold by Mason"s daughter Mary Elizabeth Mason to William Thompson.
Mason also received all his father"s properties in Charles County. These properties were located along Chicamuxen and Mattawoman Creeks.
Mason died on 7 February 1818 at Mattawoman in Charles County, Maryland at age 60.
