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.

Early life

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

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

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. Mason's management maintained the school's tradition and continued its high ranking among private schools for young ladies in the United States. He continued his role as business manager of the Gunston Hall School until his death.

Personal life

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

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

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

Ancestry

References