Beverley Randolph Mason facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Beverley Randolph Mason
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| Born | 1 September 1834 Okeley Manor, Fairfax County, Virginia |
| Died | 22 April 1910 (aged 75) Washington, D.C. |
| Place of burial |
Ivy Hill Cemetery, Alexandria, Virginia
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| Allegiance |  Confederate States of America |
| Service/ |
 Confederate States Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1865 |
| Rank |  major |
| Commands held | Black Horse Cavalry 4th Virginia Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Other work | educator, founder and principal of Gunston Hall School |
Beverley Randolph Mason (born September 1, 1834 – died April 22, 1910) was a well-known teacher. He founded and led the Gunston Hall School for young women in Washington, D.C.. Mason was also the great-grandson of George Mason, who helped write the Virginia Declaration of Rights.
Early Life
Beverley Randolph Mason was born on September 1, 1834. His birthplace was Okeley Manor in Fairfax County, Virginia. His parents were Dr. Richard Chichester Mason and Lucy Bolling Randolph.
Serving in the Civil War
When the American Civil War began, Mason joined the Black Horse Cavalry. This group was from Fauquier County, Virginia. Soon after, he became a supply sergeant. He made sure his unit had enough food.
Mason later became a captain in the 4th Virginia Cavalry. He then earned the rank of major. He worked in Fitzhugh Lee's division, helping to get supplies. Everyone there liked and respected him. In 1864, he became a quartermaster, which means he managed military supplies.
A Career in Education
After the war, Major Mason worked in business. But he soon decided to become a teacher. For a while, he taught at the United States Military Academy at West Point in West Point, New York.
Later, he went back to Virginia. In 1875, he married Elizabeth "Bettie" Harrison Nelson. She was from Albemarle County, Virginia. Mason then taught math and Latin at the Norwood Institute.
Mason and his wife moved to Washington, D.C.. There, they both taught and started a school for young ladies. They named it the Gunston Hall School. It was named after Gunston Hall, the home of his great-grandfather, George Mason.
The school first opened in 1893. It was in a large yellow mansion in Georgetown, Washington, D.C.. This building used to be the home of Commodore Stephen Cassin. In 1905, Mason moved the school to a new building. This building was at 1906 Florida Avenue.
The Washington Post newspaper praised Gunston Hall School. They called it a top school for girls in Washington. The school was a successful boarding school for 50 years. After it closed, another school used the building. Today, it is the National Museum of American Jewish Military History. Mason's students admired him greatly. His teaching had a lasting impact on them.
Family Life
Mason married Elizabeth "Bettie" Harrison Nelson on August 18, 1875. They were married at St. Stephen's Church. They had six children together:
- Richard Nelson Mason (1876–1940)
- Julia Nelson Mason Matthews (1878–1964)
- Lucy Randolph Mason Moffett (1880–1965)
- Margaret Thornton Mason (1882–1884)
- Mary Wallace Mason Patchin (1884–1963)
- Susan Josephine Beverley Mason Easley (1888–1962)
Death and Legacy
Beverley Randolph Mason passed away on April 22, 1910. He was 75 years old. His funeral was held at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C. Many friends and former students attended.
Mason was buried at Ivy Hill Cemetery in Alexandria, Virginia. A group of Confederate Veterans from Alexandria, the Robert E. Lee Camp, attended his burial. They wore their uniforms to honor him.
