Biographical Sketch of

Arthur H. Mason

Transcribed by Robert Schieber

Source: Memorial and Biographical Record and Illustrated Compendium of Biography of Citizens of Columbia, 
Sauk and Adams Counties, Wisconsin, published 1901 by G. A. Ogle & Co., Chicago, 1901, Page 616


Arthur H. Mason, deceased, was one of the most ambitious, enterprising and industrious men of Big Spring, 
Wisconsin, as well as one of its highly respected and honored citizens.  His influence was always found on 
the side of right, and he cheerfully gave his support to every enterprise calculated to advance the moral 
or material welfare of his town and county.

Mr. Mason was born in Pacific, Columbia county, Wisconsin, March 8, 1861, a son of Hiram H. and Emeline (Bump) 
Mason, of whom further mention is made on another page of this volume.  He was educated in the common schools 
of Adams county, Wisconsin, and worked for his father until sixteen years of age, when he bought his time and 
started out to make his own way in the world, following various occupations until after his marriage.

On the 19th of May, 1887, Mr. Mason wedded Miss Mina L. Clark, who was born October 25, 1865, in Hammond, 
Pennsylvania, of which state her parents, Lewis C. and Harriet (Higley) Clark, were also natives.  For 
generations her ancestors have followed the occupation of farming.  Her parents were married in 1864, and in 
1870 they removed, with their family, to Wisconsin, locating first in Portage and later making their home in 
Black River Falls and Marshfield.  In this state the father engaged in lumbering.  Mrs. Mason was educated 
in the public schools of Portage and at the age of nineteen commenced learning the dressmaker's trade, in which 
she became very proficient and which she followed for three years before her marriage.  To our subject and his 
wife were born three children:  Eugene A., born August 2, 1888; Lana E., born July 7, 1894; and Hiram L., born 
July 22, 1896.

After his marriage in 1887, Mr. Mason located in West Superior, Wisconsin, where he made claim of one hundred 
and sixty acres of land and lived thereon for several years, but finally lost it through railroad litigation, 
which was a sad blow to his business prospects for a time.  He then removed to the Phillips farm in Big Spring, 
Adams county, where he successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred July 7, 1898.  
In 1894 he and his wife had united with the Methodist Episcopal church, and at the time of his death he was 
serving as trustee of the church and superintendent of the Sunday school.  He was instrumental in organizing 
the good Templars lodge at Big Spring, took an active part in carrying forward the work, and was the worthy 
chief templar of the lodge.  He also held offices in the Modern Woodmen camp, of which he was a prominent member, 
and was a Republican in politics.  He was greatly attached to his family and found his greatest enjoyment in the 
home circle.  He was public-spirited and progressive, and in his death the community realized that it had lost a 
valued citizen.

Mrs. Mason has since purchased a good farm of eighty acres, know as the Braley farm, which is improved with good 
buildings, and which she successfully operates.  She is a most estimable lady, and, like her husband, makes many 
friends.


Transcribed by Robert Schieber






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