George Mason I facts for kids

George Mason I (born June 5, 1629 – died 1686) was an important early American leader. He was the first person in the famous Mason family to live in America. This family became well-known for owning land and being involved in politics. George Mason I was the great-grandfather of George Mason IV, who was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States.

Who Was George Mason I?

George Mason was born in Pershore, England, on June 5, 1629. He was the third of seven children. His parents were Thomas Mason, a farmer, and Ann French. George Mason was baptized at Pershore Abbey, Holy Cross Church, in England.

Why Did George Mason Leave England?

George Mason I was a supporter of King Charles I of England during his rule. His father also opposed the king's execution in 1649. George became a captain in King Charles II's army. However, Oliver Cromwell and his army won a big battle in 1651. After this, George and his younger brother William Mason quickly left England.

Moving to Virginia

The Mason brothers likely arrived in Norfolk, Virginia, in 1652. They traveled with cousins and neighbors from England. George Mason settled in Westmoreland County in the early 1650s.

Helping to Create Stafford County

In 1664, George Mason helped create Stafford County. The area's population was growing, so the Virginia government decided to form a new county from Westmoreland County. Mason settled permanently near a Native American village in Stafford County. He named his home Accokeek. Later, the Mason family renamed it "Rose Hill." This property was named after the Accokeek tribe. The Accokeek plantation started as about 650 acres and grew to 1,150 acres.

George Mason's Leadership Roles

George Mason I took on many important roles in the new colony.

Military and Local Leadership

In 1670, Mason was elected as Stafford County's second sheriff. Five years later, he became the county lieutenant, an important military position. He continued to lead the local militia (a group of citizen soldiers). Because of his leadership, he earned the title of colonel.

Serving in the House of Burgesses

In 1676, settlers elected Mason and Thomas Matthew to represent Stafford County in the Virginia General Assembly. This assembly included the House of Burgesses, which was like a local parliament. Mason served again from 1680 to 1682, and from 1684 to 1685. He helped set up traditions of land ownership and political leadership in Virginia.

Mason also served as a Justice of the Peace for Stafford County. This meant he helped keep law and order. He was also a vestryman for the local Church of England parish. Records show that Colonel Mason was active in defending his county from Native American attacks.

Family Life

George Mason I married Mary French in 1658. They had one son:

• George Mason II (1660–1716)

Mason married Margaret Allerton in 1661 in Stafford County, Virginia. They had three sons:

• Isaac Mason (1661-1689)
• Richard Mason (1662-1693)
• William Mason (1663-1686)

Mason married Frances Norgrave in 1669 in Stafford County, Virginia. They had one daughter:

• Sarah E. Mason (born 1672)

Later Years and Legacy

George Mason I passed away in 1686. He was buried on a hillside at his home, Accokeek, in Stafford County, Virginia. His grave is not marked today.

Masonvale at George Mason University

George Mason University is named after George Mason IV, George Mason I's great-grandson. The university named a faculty and staff housing area "Masonvale." The "vale" part of the name comes from Pershore, George Mason I's birthplace in England. Pershore is in a farming area called the Vale of Evesham.

To continue this theme, streets in Masonvale are named "Pershore" and "Evesham." Other street names like "Bredon Hill," "Cotswolds Hill," and "Staffordshire" also come from areas in England where Mason's ancestors lived.