Roswell B. Mason facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Roswell B. Mason
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| 25th Mayor of Chicago | |
| In office December 6, 1869 – December 4, 1871 |
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| Preceded by | John B. Rice |
| Succeeded by | Joseph Medill |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 19, 1805 New Hartford, New York, United States |
| Died | January 1, 1892 (aged 86) Chicago, Illinois, United States |
| Resting place | Rosehill Cemetery |
| Political party | Citizens Party |
| Spouse |
Harriet Lavinia Hopkins
(m. 1831; died 1891) |
| Children | 8 |
| Residences | Chicago, Illinois |
| Signature | .png){kind=small} |
Roswell B. Mason was an important figure in American history. He was born on September 19, 1805, and passed away on January 1, 1892. Mason is best known for serving as the mayor of Chicago, Illinois, from 1869 to 1871. He was part of the Citizens Party.
Contents
Early Life and Family Background
Roswell B. Mason was born on September 19, 1805. His hometown was New Hartford, New York. His parents were Arnold Mason and Mercy Coman.
Roswell's mother, Mercy, was a direct descendant of Roger Williams. Roger Williams was famous for founding the state of Rhode Island.
His father, Arnold Mason, was an engineer. He helped build some very important projects. These included the Erie Canal, the Morris Canal, and the High Bridge in New York City.
Roswell B. Mason married Harriet Lavinia Hopkins. They got married on September 6, 1831. Together, they had eight children.
Roswell Mason's Engineering Career
Mason started his career as an engineer at age 17. He worked with his father on a canal project. This project was in Albany, New York, and was linked to the Erie Canal.
Later, he went to an engineering school. This school was located in Utica, New York. Mason became the first Chief Engineer of the Illinois Central Railroad. This was a very important job.
In 1865, Mason and his family moved to Chicago. He was one of several engineers who worked on a big project there. They helped reverse the flow of the Chicago River. This was done to make Lake Michigan cleaner. It also helped improve health conditions in the city.
Mason held a high position with the Illinois Central Railroad. He worked there until he decided to run for Mayor of Chicago.
Becoming Mayor of Chicago
Mason decided to run for mayor of Chicago. He ran on a reform ticket in 1869. A reform ticket means he promised to make big improvements.
Roswell B. Mason was sworn in as mayor. This happened on December 6, 1869.
The Great Chicago Fire
A major event happened during Mason's time as mayor. This was the 1871 Great Chicago Fire. It was a huge and destructive fire.
Mason responded quickly to the disaster. He asked General Philip Sheridan for help. General Sheridan then placed the city under martial law. This meant the military took control to restore order.
Mason was the last mayor of Chicago who was not from the Republican or Democratic parties.
Mason's time as mayor ended on December 4, 1871. He was followed by Joseph Medill.
Later Years and Passing
Roswell Mason's wife, Harriet, passed away. She died on March 29, 1891.
Mason himself died at his home in Chicago. This was on January 1, 1892. He was buried at Rosehill Cemetery.
Roswell Mason's Legacy
Roswell B. Mason is remembered in a few ways.
The town of Mason, Illinois is named after him.
Also, an elementary school in west Chicago is named in his honor.
