Source: Portrait & Biographical Album of Whiteside County, IL
Originally published 1885, Chapman Bros., Chicago, IL
Reproduced on CD purchased from OLD GLORY ACCENTS

Transcribed by: Denise McLoughlin
Tampico Area Historical Society
www.tampicohistoricalsociety.citymax.com

Page 351

John Mason, farmer, section 27, Coloma Township, was born Dec. 25, 1803, in Paisley, Scotland, and was the fifth child inhis father's family of 11 children, eight sons and three daughters. His parents were George and Elizabeth (Nelson) Mason, natives also of Scotland. His father was a manufacturer of silk and shawls, and died March 7, 1849, and his mother Feb. 29, 1832. When 17 years of age he emigrated to America, landing at Quebec. Going to Caledonia Co., Vt., he worked out by the month on a farm, remaining there until 1830. He then traveled for a while, in the meantime learning the mason's trade.

In September, 1836, he came to Chicago, and went thence to Joliet, where he worked on a farm. The next year he came to Sterling, this county, when it was wild prairied, there being there but one house - a log structure. Here he worked at odd jobs, until he took a claim of a quarter-secion of land three miles north of Sterling. After living there for four years he sold he sold the place, and then for two years drove a team, hauling to Chicago and return, and doing other jobs in the line of teaming. About this time he suffered considerably from inflammation of the eyes, trying many remedies, but without avail. Returning to Scotland, his eyes were cured, and he came again to Sterling, where he resumed his trade for two years. He then came to Coloma, and purchasd 80 acres of land, where he has since made his home. He has never been married, but has always had some of his friends living with him.

In politics Mr. Mason is a Jackson Democrat, and votes steadfastly with his party. In religion he was brough up a Presbyterian. He is a public-spirited man, as is evinced by the material and moral aid he has given public institutions of beneficence.

Robert McNeil, a nephew of Mr. Mason, who has lived with him ever since his immigration to this country, in 1849, superintends the work of the farm. He was married July 4, 1856, to Miss Jean Tyle, of Ogle Co., Ill., but formerly from Scotland. They have been the parents of eight children: Alexander J., Agnes J., Willie E. John M., Jennie L., Georgeiana M., Robert B. and Mary I. Mr. McNeil is a Democrat, and a member of the County Democratic Committee; also Chairman of the town Central Committee. He holds the Presbyterian faith, and his wife and daughter belong to the Presbyterian Church at Sterling.

Mr. McNeil was the first organizer of the Whiteside County Caledonian Club, consisting of 40 members, all of Scotch descent. They received a charter in 1878, and are still in existence. They have a library of 250 volumes, mostly of Scotch and English literature.