Among the representative farmers of LaSalle county, Illinois, certainly one of the most progressive and popular is the gentleman whose history it is our privilege and pleasure to present on this page. He was born May 9, 1857, on the old Mason homestead in this county, and has grown to man's estate among the friends who have known and loved him from boyhood. His father, Joseph Mason, was born in the state of Ohio, and there remained until he had reached mature years, when he came to Illinois and here was married to Mrs. Rosanna Pickens, a sister of Captain J. J. McKernan, who was a well-known resident and an early settler of this locality. She had first married Henry Pickens and become the mother of two children, Maranda, now deceased, and Celestia Jane. Mr. Pickens died six years previous to the marriage of his widow to Mr. Mason. By the latter marriage there were five children, namely: Isaac F.. our subject, and James, twins; Justice, who died in childhood; Luella, also deceased; and Joseph F. When Isaac was about seven years of age his father died, and his widow took for her third husband Mr. Henry Slater.
Isaac F. Mason received his educational training in the public schools and early learned habits of industry and thrift which have been characteristic of his entire life. His attention has been given to farming and his farm of four hundred acres is so well improved and cared for that it is sure of attracting attention, even from the most casual observer. The residence is a large, pleasant one, and the barn, the main part of which is thirty-two by thirty-two, has an L of almost equal size, thirty-two by thirty, furnishing ample room for stock and grain. Another feature, seldom found on private grounds, but none the less desirable, is a large reservoir, which is well stocked with fish, from which a mess of the finny tribe can be transferred to the owner's table on short notice.
He was married September 4, 1879, to Miss Jennie Fair, a native of Pennsylvania and a daughter of John Fair. Her father died in his fifty-eighth year and her mother when one year younger. Mrs. Mason was one of nine children, eight of whom are living, viz.: Samuel C, Wesley, Mary Robinson. Ella Williamson, Jennie Mason, William, Emma, and Cora. Mr. and Mrs. Mason are the parents of five children, namely: Arthur F., a young man of nineteen; Bessie J., a school-girl of fourteen; Isaac R., who is in his eighth year; Zelma, a child of two summers; and Letha, an infant that died at the age of eleven months. Mr. Mason is a Republican in his political proclivities. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, and one of the most highly esteemed residents of this county.
Extracted by Norma Hass from Biographical and Genealogical Record of LaSalle County, Illinois published in 1900, volume 1, pages 381-382.
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