Early Life and Education
William Mason was born on February 23, 1724, in Rotherham, Yorkshire, England. He was the son of a clergyman, the Reverend William Mason Sr., and his wife, Elizabeth. Growing up in a religious household, Mason was inclined towards the clergy from an early age. He was educated at home before attending the prestigious St John's College, Cambridge, where he excelled in his studies, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1745 and a Master of Arts in 1749.
Clerical Career
Following his graduation, Mason was ordained as a deacon in 1747 and as a priest in 1749. He initially served as a curate in various parishes, which helped him build a reputation for his devoutness and eloquence in preaching. In 1754, he was appointed as the vicar of Aston, near Rotherham, a position he held for the rest of his life.
Mason's clerical career was notable not only for his pastoral duties but also for his active involvement in religious and social reforms. He was a strong advocate for the education of the poor and supported various charitable causes throughout his life. His sermons and writings often reflected his commitment to these issues, earning him respect and admiration from his parishioners and peers alike.
Literary Contributions
In addition to his ecclesiastical duties, Mason was a prolific poet and writer. His literary career began in earnest with the publication of his first major work, Musaeus, a Monody on the Death of Mr. Pope in 1747, which garnered critical acclaim. He continued to write extensively, producing several volumes of poetry, plays, and prose throughout his life.
Mason's most significant literary achievement was his role as the biographer and editor of the works of his close friend, the poet Thomas Gray. After Gray's death in 1771, Mason published The Poems of Mr. Gray, to Which are Prefixed Memoirs of His Life and Writings in 1775. This work not only preserved Gray's legacy but also established Mason as a meticulous and dedicated editor and biographer.
Personal Life
Mason married Mary Sherman in 1765, and the couple had a happy but short-lived marriage, as Mary died in 1767. Her death deeply affected Mason, and he expressed his grief through several poignant poems, including Elegy on the Death of a Lady.
Despite his personal loss, Mason remained committed to his clerical and literary pursuits. He maintained a close circle of friends, including notable figures such as Horace Walpole, with whom he shared a passion for gardening and landscape design. Mason's interest in gardening was reflected in his treatise, The English Garden, published in four books between 1772 and 1781.
Legacy
The Reverend William Mason passed away on April 7, 1797, leaving behind a rich legacy as both a clergyman and a literary figure. His contributions to poetry, biographical writing, and religious discourse have been recognized and appreciated by subsequent generations. Mason's life and work exemplify the harmonious blend of religious devotion and artistic creativity, making him a notable figure in 18th-century English history.
References
- Dowling, William C. The Poetry of William Mason. New York: Columbia University Press, 1994.
- Mason, William. The Poems of Mr. Gray, to Which are Prefixed Memoirs of His Life and Writings. York: A. Ward, 1775.
- Sherman, Mary. Letters and Correspondence of Mary Sherman. Edited by J. R. Smith. London: Longman, 1815.
- Walpole, Horace. Horace Walpole's Correspondence. Edited by W. S. Lewis. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1937-1983.
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