John Mason (outlaw) facts for kids
John Mason (born sometime in the 1800s – died April 1866) was a leader of a group called the Mason Henry Gang. He worked with Jim Henry. This gang was put together by Judge George Gordon Belt, who supported the idea of states leaving the United States (a "secessionist").
The gang pretended to be Confederate soldiers called "partisan rangers." These rangers were supposed to be like special forces during the American Civil War. However, John Mason's group acted more like outlaws. They committed robberies and thefts in areas like the San Joaquin Valley, Monterey County, Santa Clara County, Santa Cruz County, and later in Southern California.
John Mason's Early Life
We don't know much about John Mason before he joined the Mason Henry Gang. He was born in the Southern United States. He used to be a "hostler," which means he took care of horses at places where stagecoaches stopped. People said he was involved in many arguments and fights.
In the spring of 1864, the gang traveled to Santa Clara County. This area had many people who supported the "Copperheads." These were people in the North who wanted to make peace with the South during the Civil War. The gang hoped to find more members there, but they didn't succeed. They went back to the San Joaquin Valley.
By October 1864, the Civil War was nearing its end. The Mason and Henry gang became more like simple criminals. But because they claimed to be Confederate soldiers, some Copperheads still supported them. The gang even threatened people who supported the Union.
The Gang Breaks Up and Mason's Death
The Civil War ended in April 1865 when General Lee surrendered at Appomattox. With the war over, the Mason Henry Gang could no longer hide behind the idea of fighting for the South. They faced a lot of pressure in Central California. So, they moved to Southern California and split up.
John Mason continued his criminal life in Los Angeles County, near Fort Tejon, and in what is now Kern County. There was a $500 reward for his capture.
In April 1866, a man named Ben Mayfield was riding from his mine to Fort Tejon. Mason joined him on the ride and tried to get Mayfield to join his gang. When Mayfield refused, Mason threatened to harm him. Mason also threatened another man, W. H. Overton, and tried to take his horse.
That night, the three men were in the same house. No one went to sleep right away. In the early morning, Mason lay down under a blanket but was still awake. Overton stepped outside to check on his horse. Mason then tried to shoot Mayfield from his bed. However, Mason's pistol got caught in his blanket. This gave Mayfield a chance to shoot Mason first.
News of Mason's death was printed in the Stockton Daily Independent newspaper on April 26, 1866.
