Joseph Mason (settler) facts for kids

Joseph Mason (born January 28, 1840, died February 11, 1881) was an explorer, businessman, and law enforcement officer. He was an early settler in the Colorado Territory. Many people know him as the "Father of Fort Collins, Colorado".

Mason was one of the first homesteaders in Larimer County, Colorado during the 1860s. He settled a large area of land along the Cache la Poudre River. This land is now part of north Fort Collins. He was very important in convincing the United States Army to set up Camp Collins near his property in 1864.

After Colorado became a territory in 1861, Mason was chosen for the first board of county commissioners. He became a key figure in politics and business in Fort Collins after the town was founded in 1867. He held several official jobs, including becoming the Sheriff of Larimer County in 1871.

Early Life and Moving West

Joseph Mason was born Joseph Messier on a farm near Montreal, Canada, on January 28, 1840. He was the youngest of 10 children in his family. He went to school in both Montreal and Sherbrooke. When he was 15, he moved to the United States. After living in the New England area, he changed his name to Mason.

After spending a year in Mississippi, Mason traveled to St. Louis, Missouri in early 1859. There, he joined the Raynolds Expedition. This group was exploring the source of the Yellowstone River. Mason left the expedition in the winter of 1859-1860 while they were staying at Deer Creek Station in central Wyoming.

From Wyoming, Mason traveled south to Laporte, Colorado. He arrived there on February 10, 1860. He found a settlement of mountain men, trappers, and Native Americans. Mason briefly left Laporte to work in mining camps. But he returned to the area in 1862 and settled about 4 miles downstream from the town.

When he came back to the Cache la Poudre valley, Mason bought 160 acres of land. He bought it from a Native American woman who was the recent widow of a man named Gangros. This land was on the south side of the river, about a mile northwest of where Fort Collins is today. In 1862, John Evans, who was the governor of the Colorado Territory, appointed Mason to the first board of county commissioners.

Helping Build Fort Collins

In June 1864, a flood destroyed the nearby Army camp called Camp Collins. Lieutenant James Hannah and his soldiers were looking for a safer place to move the camp. They met Mason, who suggested they move the camp to land near his property. He said this land was high enough to be safe from floods. It also offered a good view to spot any attacks from Native American groups.

Once the camp moved, Mason and Major Asaph Allen built the first store in 1865. It was called Old Grout. This was a two-story concrete store built on the south edge of the camp. Mason was made the sutler, or store keeper, for the camp. Mason and his business partner, Mr. Sherwood, also provided horses to the army camp.

When the post office was set up in the sutler's store, Mason became the first postmaster for the camp. In 1877, President Hayes reappointed Mason as postmaster. However, Mason resigned from this job in 1879.

In 1868, Mason was very important in moving the county seat of Larimer County to Fort Collins from Laporte. Once the county seat moved to Fort Collins, the courthouse was located on the second floor of the Old Grout sutler's store building.

In 1871, Mason was elected Sheriff of Larimer County. He was reelected to this position in 1873. During his time as sheriff, Mason arrested a known criminal named Happy Jack. However, Happy Jack later escaped from custody.

In 1872, Mason bought the Lindell flour mill. He purchased it from Elizabeth Auntie Stone and Henry C. Peterson.

Joseph Mason also donated 50 acres of land to help build Colorado State University. Mason Street in Fort Collins is named after Joseph Mason.

Personal Life

In 1861 in Denver, Mason had a disagreement with a Frenchman. The Frenchman fainted before either person could act, so nothing further happened.

Mason married Luella M. Blake on July 3, 1870. She was the daughter of George G. Blake. The couple had two children who grew up: Minnie Luella Mason and Albert J. Mason. They also had one child, Lizzie C. Mason, who died as a baby.

Death

On February 9, 1881, Mason was kicked in the head by one of his horses. Doctors removed 62 pieces of skull bone from the wound. However, they could not save him. On February 11, 1881, Mason died from his injuries. He is buried in Grand View Cemetery in Fort Collins.

In Popular Culture

Joseph Mason is the subject of the Country music song "I Remember Joe". This song was written and performed by Nanci Griffith.