My Genealogy Hound

JAMES MASTERS, the present Secretary and Treasurer of the East Bangor Slate Mining Company, is numbered among the substantial business men and enterprising citizens of East Bangor. He is of English birth, and first saw the light of day May 17, 1853, in Cornwall, England. His parents, John and Catherine (Brown) Masters, were also natives of England, as had been their ancestors for generations past. John Masters, Sr., the grandfather of our subject, was a native of Bridgewater, Somersetshire, and emigrated to Cornwall when quite a young man. He was a slate-maker by occupation, and passed the greater part of his life in the quarries of Cornwall.

John Masters, Jr., the father of James, was born in Cornwall, and was also a slate-maker by trade. When a little past middle age he met with sudden death in the mines where he was at work. He left a wife and seven small children, the latter in order of birth as follows: Sarah, who died young; William; Thomas; John; Mary Ann; James, our subject; and Sarah. Only two of this family still survive: Thomas, who is living in Bangor; and James, the subject of this sketch. William lost his life in a quarry at Pen Argyl about a year ago.

James Masters received a common-school education in his native land, and at the early age of thirteen came to this country, locating first at Chapman Quarries, where he worked at his trade of slater for ten years. He then went to Pen Argyl, where he spent one year at the same employment, after which he came to East Bangor and located permanently. For sixteen years Mr. Masters has been prominently identified with the slate interests of Bangor. He was first employed by the Star Company of East Bangor, after which he was engaged as Superintendent of the Old East Bangor Company’s works, in which capacity he remained two years. In 1885 he, in conjunction with Messrs. Ford, Langmear and Head, became lessees of the Old East Bangor Quarry, and changed the name to that of the East Bangor Slate Mining Company, in which our subject has occupied the position of Secretary and Treasurer up to the present time. In connection with other interests he is a stockholder in the Merchants’ Bank, and at one time was a Director in the same. He is also half-owner of one of the best slate farms in Plainfield Township.

Mr. Masters was married, May 9, 1873, to Miss Anna, a daughter of Antony Jenkins, of Chapman Quarries. Mr. and Mrs. Masters became the parents of seven children, six of whom are living: Henry James, Emma Lydia, Mary Ann, John Erastus, Sarah Catherine, and Harriet Stowe. Alice Ruth died at the age of two years.

Politically our subject is a Republican, and an active worker in that party. He is at present serving as Chief Burgess of East Bangor, and was the first Inspector after the incorporation of the borough. He also held the office of School Director for a number of years, and takes a deep interest in school affairs and local politics. He is a valued member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and President of the Board of Trustees; he also held the office of Steward of the church for a number of years. Fraternally he is a member of the Knights of the Golden Eagle, Castle 183; Bangor Lodge No. 565, F. & A. M.; Bangor Chapter No. 174, R. A. M.; Hugh de Payen’s Commandery, and Knight Templars, of Easton, Pa. As a citizen Mr. Masters occupies a high place in the confidence and esteem of his townsmen, as well as of those whom he meets in a business and social way.