My Genealogy Hound

Newton C. Mason, merchant, Nelson, Ark. The mercantile trade has long constituted one of the leading features in the commercial pursuits of our country, and in this line we have in Nelson a thoroughly representative house controlled by the firm of Terry & Mason. Mr. Mason was originally from Holmes County, Ind., where his birth occurred April 2, 1848, and his parents, David B. and Martha Ann (Hichman) Mason, were natives of Tennessee. David Mason was born January 10, 1817, and is the son of Bennett Mason, who was of Scotch-Irish descent. David Mason was a successful agriculturist, and moved to Mississippi in 1843. From there he moved to Arkansas in 1851, settled in Drew County (which was then a part of Desha County), and there he still continues to reside, engaged in farming. He is the owner of 240 acres of land with about fifteen acres under cultivation, and is prepared to spend his declining years in peace and comfort. Of the eleven children born to his marriage, nine are now living: Jesse (deceased), Jabez (deceased), Darinda Jane (Mrs. Myland, of Drew County), Elizabeth (married and lives in Drew County), James (merchant of Florence, Drew County), Newton C., Sally C. (Mrs. Daniel, of this township), Martha Ann (now Mrs. George Terry, who is a partner of Mr. Mason’s). Newton C. Mason was educated in the country schools of Drew County, and commenced for himself by farming at the age of twenty-two years, renting some land in Drew County. In 1875 he bought 200 acres of land in Franklin Township, with fifty acres under cultivation. He still owns the farm and rents it out for cash rent. In 1884 he came to Nelson, started a saw mill in partnership with George A. Terry, and this they still continue to operate. They also own a planing-mill and cotton-gin, and have the largest trade in the township. They opened up their present store in 1886, and do a general mercantile business of about $10,000 annually. They carry a stock of goods valued at about $2,000. Mr. Mason was married, October 28, 1874, to Miss Anna E. Tilghmon, who was born in Mississippi, September, 1856, and is the daughter of Andrew G. and Catherine M. (Boyett) Tilghmon. To Mr. and Mrs. Mason have been born seven children, five now living: Martha (deceased), Edward P. (deceased), John T., May, Linnie, Effie C. and David B. Mr. and Mrs. Mason are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and are much respected citizens. Mr. Mason has been a member of the Masonic fraternity, and in his political views affiliates with the Democratic party. He was appointed postmaster at Nelson by President Cleveland in April, 1887.