Mason Family.

The family of Hale S. Mason, who came to Will County, Illinois, from Ontario County, New York, in 1834 with his wife Sabrina Codding Mason and their 3 young sons Hale, Edwin and William. After settling near Lockport and starting a boot and shoe business with his brother, he and Sabrina had four more sons, Stephen, John, Charles and George. In 1849 he left for California to find gold, leaving his family behind. George was a baby. He remained away for several years. He had started a nursery business before leaving and returned to that and the farm. William worked as a telegrapher and Edwin a school teacher. George served in the 14th Illinois Cavalry and died Dec. 1863.

From the description of Papers, 1848-1866. (Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library). WorldCat record id: 52707977