The Descendants of John Heywood of Concord, Massachusetts

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EDWARD GAY MASON was born at Bridgeport, Conn., Augsut 23, 1839; came with his father's family, in 1852, to Chicago, where he attended school for several years, after which he entered Yale College, graduating there in 1860. He then studied law, and, later, became a member of the law firm of Mattocks & Mason, but subsequently, in conjunction with two brothers, organized the firm of Mason Brothers, for the prosecution of a real-estate and law business. In 1881 Mr. Mason was one of the organizers of the Chicago Musical Festival, which was instrumental in bringing Theodore Thomas to Chicago. in 1887 he became President of the Chicago Historical Society, as the successor of Elihu B. Washburne, retaining the position until his death, Dec. 18, 1898. During his incumbency, the commodious building now occupied by the Historical Society Library, was erected, and he added largely to the resources of the Society by the collection of rare manuscripts and other historical records. He was the author of several historical works, including "Illinois in the Eighteenth Century," "Kaskaskia and Its Parish Records," besides papers on La Salle and the first settlers of illinois, and "the Story of James Willing -- An Episode of the American Revolution." He also edited a volume entitled "Early Chicago and Illinois," which was published under the auspices of the Chicago Historical Society. Mr. Mason was, for several years, a Trustee of Yale University and, about the time of his death, was prominently talked of for President of that institution, as successor to President Timothy Dwight.