Bennett Mason (1795-1873)

Name Variations
In researching various records, Mason is written or transcribed as Mason/Mayson/Maison/Maeson/Maron (transcription error where s looks like an r)

Birth
Bennett Mason is the son of [James Mason (1770-1815)|James Mason] & Jane Mason of St. Clair Co. Illinois. He was named in his father's will dated Nov 15 1815... " one horse, saddle, and bridal and a suit of clothes, the exact amount one hundred and fifty dollars is to be given to my son Bennit when he becomes of age". This indicates that Bennett was not yet 21 years of age. On Nov 21 1816, Bennett signed a receipt for the $150 left him by his father placing the year of his birth around 1795 not 1790 as indicated on his headstone.

Marriage and Children
Their marriage is recorded in Crawford Co. IL and eight of their children are named in Bennett's will written in 1872. The remaining children are listed in census or cemetery records

. Elizabeth Jane Mason (born on Sep 24, 1818).

. Alfred Mason (born on Jun 6, 1821).

. James Harrison Mason (born on Jan 5, 1823).

. Eliza Jane Mason (born on Mar 4, 1825).

. Edward Mason (born on Dec 5, 1828).

. Rev. Alexander Mason (born on Feb 13, 1829).

. Harrison Mason was born on Dec 23, 1831. He died on Jun 5, 1854.

. _____ Mason was born about 1833. He died before 1850 in Knox Co., Indiana.

. Martha Ann Mason (born on Jan 17, 1834).

. Lucinda Mason (born on Feb 8, 1835).

. Mary A Mason (twin) was born on Apr 7, 1836. She died in Nov 1836.

. Sarah Ann Mason (twin) (born on Apr 7, 1836).

Timeline
1795 Born in KY/NJ/VA to James & Jane Mason of St. Clair Co. IL

1812 Capt. Wood's Company, Illinois & Missouri Militia in War of 1812

1815 Mentioned in father, James Mason's will in St. Clair Co. IL as underage

1816 Signed receipt for money left to him in his father's will

1817 Married Mary Wesner in Crawford Co. IL

1818 Listed on Crawford Co. IL state census, no children

1820 Listed on St. Clair Co. IL census, one daughter

1826 Moved to Knox Co. IN per birth places of his children

1830 Listed on Knox Co. IN census along with a Jacob Mason

1840 Listed on Knox Co. IN census close to Samuel Mills

1850 Listed on Knox Co. IN census next to John C & Eliza (Mason) Mills

1860 Listed on Knox Co. IN census next to John C & Eliza (Mason) Mills

1870 Listed on Knox Co. IN census near to John C & Eliza (Mason) Mills

1872 Wife, Mary died Sep 29th & will written Oct 17th naming eight of his children

1873 Died May 12th & will proved May 24th

Death and Burial
[imageright|Becke's Cemetery, Bennett Mason Headstone|{UP}Bennett%20Mason.jpg]

Bennett Mason's will was written Oct 17, 1872 and proved May 24, 1873 -

In the name of the Benevolent Father of all I, Bennet Mason of Knox County in the State of Indiana make this my last will and testament to wit:

ITEM 1st - I will and bequeath to my daughter Elizabeth Brashears one dollar.

ITEM 2nd - I will and bequesth to the heirs of my son Alfred Mason deceased one dollar.

ITEM 3rd - I will and bequeath to my son James Mason one dollar.

ITEM 4th - I will and bequeath to my daughter Eliza Mills one dollar.

ITEM 5th - I will and bequeath to my son Alexander Mason one dollar.

ITEM 6th - I will and bequeath to my daughter Martha Colegrove one dollar.

ITEM 7th - I will and bequeath to my daughter Sarah Mills one dollar.

ITEM 8th - I will and bequeath to my daughter Lucinda Lankford, all my personal property remaining after my death with the condition that the said Lucinda Lankford and William Lankford support and take care of the said Bennet Mason during his life, also I will and bequeath to my daughtcr Lucinda Lankford all my money notes and accounts that remain after my death.

I also appoint Reuben D. Hubbard my executor

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand seal this seventeenth day of October 1872.

his

Bennet X Mason

Mark

Attest

George D. Kelty Elisha Perkins

State of Indiana Knox County SS

Before me Reuben D. Hubbard a Notary Public in and for said county this 17th day of October' 1872 personally came Bennet Mason and acknowledged the assignment of the within will.

Witness my hand and seal

I,S Reuben D. Hubbard

Bennett & Mary are buried in Beckes Cemetery overlooking the old White River bed. Beckes Cemetery is off the road on private land and can be found by taking SR67 North to Bicknell. In Bicknell, turn right on Main Street; left on SE300S; 0.4 miles turn right at the stop sign; 1.2 miles turn left (changes from blacktop to gravel road); 0.5 miles stop & park. Cross the field on the right to the top of the hill to find the cemetery. It is about a 1/4 mile off the road.