Roswell B. Mason served as mayor of Chicago, Illinois (1869–1871) for the Citizens Party.
Occupation
politician
Position held
Mayor of Chicago
Citizenship
United States
Born
September 19, 1805
Died
January 1, 1892
Overview
Roswell B. Mason (September 19, 1805January 1, 1892) served as mayor of Chicago, Illinois (1869–1871) for the Citizens Party.
Early life
Mason was born on September 19, 1805, in New Hartford, New York to Arnold Mason and Mercy Coman. His mother was a lineal descendant of Roger Williams, the founder of Rhode Island. His father Arnold, born in Swansea, Massachusetts, was an engineer instrumental in the construction of the Erie Canal, the Morris Canal, and the High Bridge in New York City.
He married Harriet Lavinia Hopkins on September 6, 1831, and they had eight children.
Professional life
Mason began his career as an engineer working with his father at the age of 17 on a canal construction project in Albany, New York related to the Erie Canal. He subsequently attended an engineering school in Utica, New York. Mason was the first Chief Engineer of the Illinois Central Railroad.
