Mason, Richard Lee, 1785-1824

Philadelphia, Penn. physician who traveled to St. Louis, Mo. passing through much of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana and Illinois to receive a land grant for serving as surgeon in the War of 1812. He traveled with a Dr. Hill, who returned to Philadelphia after a short time in St. Louis. They met with a few sick people, several criminals and some Indians. In Kaskaskia, Illinois Mason met with Pierre Menard and the "king" of the remaining Kaskaskia Indians and observed the birth of twins to a Kaskaskia mother.

From the description of Diary, Oct. 4-Dec. 13, 1819. (Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library). WorldCat record id: 52751205

Richard Lee Mason earned his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania. As the result of service in the war of 1812, he was awarded a large tract of land near Alton, Illinois. To take possession of this land, Dr. Mason made the long journey described in this journal from Philadelphia to St. Louis in 1819. He decided to send for his family and to practice in St. Louis. Mason practiced in St. Louis from 1820 to 1824 when he died. He was buried in St. Louis.

From the description of Richard Lee Mason journal, 1819. 1819. (Washington University in St. Louis). WorldCat record id: 183330246