Genealogy & Family History
John Mason Watchmaker & Jeweller
Living at Woodlea, Moorgate, Rotherham in 1881 was John Mason,Watchmaker & Jeweller and local Councillor. John Mason was born in Worksop in 1831. He married Mary born 1839 at Rotherham. They had seven children living with them in 1881:
- Margaret MASON aged 18
- Robert H. MASON aged 16, a Watchmakers Apprentice
- John H. MASON aged 14
- William MASON aged 12
- Mary MASON aged 10
- Thomas B. MASON aged 7
- Oliver P. MASON aged 4
Also there on census night was Emily W. BARLOW, a Cousin aged 25 from Worksop. They employed a servant Eliza DODSON aged 22 From Rawmarsh.
At some stage, he built a house and shop on High Street Rotherham, the shop was described as one of the finest jewellers’ shops in the North of England. ( The shop was there in 1863)
Although the town received its Charter of Incorporation in 1871, ten years elapsed before any insignia of office graced the shoulders of Rotherham’s Mayors. On the initiative of Alderman Tozer, of Sheffield (a member of the firm of Messrs. Steel Peech and Tozer), steps were taken to supply this symbol of civic rank. The necessary funds were subscribed by members of the Council and others, and Mr. John Mason, was entrusted with the order to provide the insignia of office. The coat of arms on the mayoral chain was added after the first year. Some of the subscribers felt that special recognition was due to Alderman Habershon, Rotherham’s first Mayor, and they decided to carry out the idea. The crest and arms of the Earl of Effingham, Lord of the manor of Rotherham, were placed in the centre, with the arms of Alderman Habershon on the right and those of Alderman Marsh, the then Mayor, on the left, all being exquisitely enamelled in proper heraldic colours.
John Mason was a member of the local Liberal party.
He retired from his position on the Council in 1901.
He was cousin to Alderman Fred Mason and his brother Bob, a butcher.
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