Thomson Mason Papers (MS135)

Access and use

Location of collection:
Alexandria Library
Alexandria Library
Local History/Special Collections
717 Queen Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Patricia Walker, Branch Manager
Phone: (703) 746-1719
Phone: (703) 838-4577
Fax: (703) 706-3912
Preferred citation:

[Item identification], Thomson Mason Papers, MS135, Alexandria Library, Local History/Special Collections, Alexandria, VA.

Summary

Extent:
.71 Cubic Feet 2 boxes
Creator:
Mason, Thomson Francis, 1785-1838
Language:
English .
Preferred citation:

[Item identification], Thomson Mason Papers, MS135, Alexandria Library, Local History/Special Collections, Alexandria, VA.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains numerous documents, either personal or business, of Thomson Mason. All correspondence is Mason's unless otherwise indicated. Other documents found are legal ones dealing with all phases of Mason's practice, both in and out of Virginia. Several items are from his period as Mayor of Alexandria and President of Middle Turnpike Corporation. Early documents deal with the buying and selling of slaves.

Biographical / historical:

Thomson Francis Mason (1785 - 1838) was the grandson of George Mason IV of Gunston Hall and the son of Thomson Mason of Hollin Hall. He dedicated his life to public service for the town of Alexandria. Mason served on the Alexandria Common Council, was elected Mayor of Alexandria four times, served as Justice of the Peace three times, and was the first judge of the Criminal Court of the District of Columbia. He also practiced law and served as President of both the Alexandria Canal and Middle Turnpike Corporation.

Arrangement:

Arrangement is chronological by year.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard