Richard Nelson Mason

Richard Nelson Mason (June 26, 1876 – November 22, 1940) was an American educator and school principal in Washington, D.C. He was the principal of Gunston Hall School, which was founded by his parents. Mason was a great-great-grandson George Mason.^[1]

Early life

Mason was born in Culpeper, Virginia on June 26, 1876.^[2][3][1] He was the only son of Beverley Randolph Mason and his wife Elizabeth Harrison Nelson.^[2][3] Mason was named after his grandfather, Dr. Richard Chichester Mason.^[2][3]

Mason and his siblings were first raised and educated at the family residence at 3017 O Street, N.W. in Georgetown.^[4] Mason's parents started a school to educate their children and friends' children.^[4] The school was named Gunston Hall School for Mason's great-great-grandfather George Mason.^[4][5][6] As Gunston Hall School grew, it became an institution of higher learning for girls and young ladies.^[4][5][6]

Career

Mason was an educator at and later become the business manager of the Gunston Hall School after it moved to its final location at 1906 Florida Avenue, N.W.^[6][7] Mason's management maintained the school's tradition and continued its high ranking among private schools for young ladies in the United States.^[4] He continued his role as business manager of the Gunston Hall School until his death.^[4]

Personal life

Mason married Blanche Andrews on October 31, 1925.^[2][3] They had one daughter, Elizabeth Nelson Mason (born 27 November 1935.^[2][3]

Mason was elected into the Sons of the American Revolution on 27 May 1915,^[7] due to his descent from his great-grandfather, Robert Randolph (1759–1825).^[7]

Mason died on November 22, 1940, at Garfield Hospital in Washington, D.C.^[2][3][1] He was interred on November 25, 1940, at Ivy Hill Cemetery in Alexandria, Virginia.

Ancestry

References