James "Jim" MASON, Hastings MI, b. 1878 d. 1951
The following is from a 2007 Hastings newspaper article about my grandfather's "Cousin Jim:"
“James Mason was born in Hastings in 1878 at his grandparents, J.P. Robert’s, home which is located on the southeast corner of Broadway and Center Street. This well maintained home still stands and is a fine example of the Greek Revival style popular at the time.
“’Jim’ was the only child of Charles C. Mason and Anna Roberts Mason. Jim’s father died when he was 9 years old. He received his education in Hastings public schools and at Howe Hall, Lima, Ind.
“When 21, he enlisted the U.S. Infantry and fought in the Spanish-American War. His regiment was one of the first to reach Cuba. He took part in the battle of San Juan Hill, which became famous because of Theodore Roosevelt’s involvement. The Americans won the day under heavy fire with heavy loss of life. Jim Mason contracted yellow fever in Cuba and was critically ill for many weeks. He received an honorable discharge from the Army and was awarded a citation for excellence from his commanding officer.
“After leaving the service he worked in Boston, Mass., ranched in Colorado and worked as a staff photographer for one of the well known studios in Hollywood, Calif. Most of his life however, was spent in Hastings, living in his ancestral home on Broadway Avenue where he maintained a photographic studio. He was an original member of the Hastings Country Club, was a Rotarian and a member of the Emmanuel Episcopal Church.
“James Mason died in Hastings on July 3, 1951, at the age of 73. He is buried in Riverside Cemetery. His obituary published in the Hastings Banner said that he was survived by his wife, Marjorie Gage Mason, his aunt Sarah Rogers [Roberts] Cook, wife of William R. Cook. Other families were Mr. and Mrs. Roberts Barton Cortright; Mr. and Mrs. Robert Walton, Miss Gertrude Bentley at Kalamazoo, Walter Powell, Grand Rapids; Harry Bowser, of Fort Wayne, Ind.; Frank Haugh, of Ionia, and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Lewis of Battle Creek.”
[from “From TIME to TIME: A look down memory lane…Broadway bridges, Hastings: A brief history; James Mason, Hastings photographer,” by Esther Walton; a recent/2007 article in a Hastings, MI newspaper—the Banner?]