Biography of Abraham Mason

Abraham Mason
Company B
1828-1864

Abraham Mason, son of John Mason and Charity Borton, was born at Hartford, New Jersey, 18-7 mo., 1828 [July 18, 1828], and came, while a lad, to Ohio, with his parents. He united in marriage with Mary Ann Borton, daughter of Asa Borton and Elizabeth Hazen, 21-2 mo., 1850 [February 21, 1850]. In 1853 he purchased his homestead, one hundred sixty acres of land in Gorham Township, Fulton County, Ohio, of E. C. Chester, for $1000. He also at this time owned eighty acres of land in the township of Rasin, Lenawee County, Michigan. He enlisted 3 mo., 1864 [March, 1864], in Company B., 60th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under command of Captain Eddy. His regiment was a part of the infantry corps of the Army of the Potomac under General Burnsides. His first experience in battle was at the Wilderness, Virginia. His whole time while in the service was spent in and around Petersburg, Virginia, and the engagements were Battle of the Wilder-ness, Spotsylvania Court House, North Anna River, Cold Harbor, battles at Petersburg, battles at Weldon Railroad, Battle of Richmond and Petersburg, and Hatcher's Run, where on the 27-10 mo., 1864 [October 27, 1864], he was shot through the bowels, was sent to the City Point hospital, where he died at 7 o'clock a. m., 29-10 mo., 1864 [October 29, 1864], and lies buried at City Point, Virginia. This patriot might have enlisted in a new regiment, and have seen but comparatively little service, but he went as a recruit in a regiment that had seen much previous service. This veteran regiment was kept at the front, which was according to his wish and desire. He was ready for sacrifice or service. He left a wife and six little children to enter the service of his country.

We append an extract written by Abraham Mason to his brother, Reuben B. Mason, on 13-9 mo., 1864 [September 13, 1864]. At this time his father, John Mason's home and that of Reuben were in the throes of an epidemic of yellow fever, which had been brought into the country from Philadelphia, Penna. The younger brother, Bethuel, had died with it in 8 mo., previous, while Reuben Mason, with most of his family, were down with the disease, also his brother, John C. Mason. The letter in question is written just after Abraham has learned of the death of his brother, Bethuel.

Petersburg, Va., 13-9 mo., 1864 [September 13, 1864].
Dear. Brother: --

I take this opportunity of writing a few lines to let thee know that I am just middling well, hoping that when thee gets this, it will find thee and all thy family, and all the rest of my folks, and also others, all enjoying good health, as that is one of the greatest blessings we have in this world. I heard of Bethuel's death, which was sad news to me to think that one so young and in the prime of life should be called away; but the Lord knows best, and what is best for us; so let His will be done, not ours. Tell Father not to fret about it for all things are for the best. I heard that John was very sick, and that thee was not much better. I almost forgot to tell thee that I received a few lines from Rhoda Ann, which was a great pleasure to me to think that she thought enough of her uncle to write to him, for a letter always does a soldier good, if it is but a short one.

I suppose thee would like to know something about what we are doing here at the present time. Well, today ,we are lying still, but have orders to clean our guns, and be ready for any emergency. We are back about one mile from the front where we have been building forts, and breast works, for a week or over, and we have to work every day, and some of us stand guard every night, so thee can see that we have not much time to write. Well, I must bring my letter to a close, so farewell for this time. Please write as soon as thee gets this and let me know how you all are.

From thy brother,

ABRAHAM MASON.

Abraham Mason biography from his nephew Freeman Mason's writings in 1908.

A special thanks to Lyle Borton for contributing this biography.