Milwaukee, WI Newhall House Fire, Jan 1883 - Prof Mason's Death

PROF. BENJAMIN MASON'S DEATH.

Mrs. Benjamin Mason, who was reported among the missing at the Milwaukee fire, telegraphed to her son, Mr. Elliot Mason, of this City, Wednesday, that she was at St. Louis visiting friends on the morning of the disaster, and announcing that her husband, Prof. Louis visiting friends on the morning of the disaster, and announcing that her husband, Prof. Benjamin Mason, was lost in the burned hotel. Mrs. Mason immediately started for the scene of the conflagration on hearing the sad news. Mr. Mason had been for a short time Professor of English Literature and the English Language at the German-American Academy in Milwaukee, and was just entering upon his second term of service there. During his residence at Milwaukee he had lived at the Newhall House, as he was a personal friend of Mr. Antisdel, and occupied a room near that of the proprietor. It is a matter of wonder to his friends that he was not aroused at the same time as Mr. Antisdel and did not escape with him. Prof. Mason was born in the Winter of 1826 in this City. Early in life he removed to Troy, N. Y., where his youth was spent. He came to this City, however, to acquire an education, and was graduated from the New York University, being a member of the same class with Dr. Howard Crosby. After leaving the university Mr. Mason was a teacher for a short time on one of the grammar schools in the City, afterward removing to Astoria, there becoming the Principal of the public school. From there he removed to Yonkers, and for the 20 years previous to his accepting the Professorship in the Milwaukee German-American Academy had been Principal and owner of the Yonkers Military Institute. Prof. Mason was well known for his thorough, studious habits, and was an especially fine linguist. His success as Principal of the military institution at Yonkers was marked. Although a strict disciplinarian he always treated the young men under his charge with great kindness, in this way making hosts of friends among his students. Prof. Mason was also well known among religious circles in all places of his residence, being a faithful member of eh Methodist denomination. In politics he always took and interest, although he was not ranked among active politicians, Prof. Mason had many friends in this City, especially in literary circles. That he was appreciated in Milwaukee is evident from the many telegrams of condolence and expressions of sorrow at his loss, as well as testifying to his brilliant literary accomplishments, that have been received by his near relatives in this City. Prof. Mason leaves a family of four children and a widow. Two sons, Mr. Elliot mason and Mr. Crawford Mason, reside in this City, and are the managers of the Columbia Bicycle School, at No. 214 East Thirty-fourth-street, all the male children of the family having taken a great interest in athletic sports. Even Prof. Mason himself only last Summer ran foot-races with his sons at the sea-shore, and was an expert bicycle rider. His health was excellent and his constitution robust. On leaving for the West his sons wanted him to take a tricycle, but he answered that "tricycles were for old ladies," and demanded the two-wheeled vehicle. Of the two daughters in the family, one is married to Mr. George Mirick, of this City, and the other, Miss Anita Mason, is the well-known concert singer.

The New York Times, New York, NY 12 Jan 1883