Mason

Mason is a town in Hillsborough County, New Hampshire, United States. The population was 1,147 at the 2000 census. Mason, together with Wilton, is home to Russell-Abbott State Forest. Mason was first known as "Number One", the first in a line of border towns including area allotted to this state by Massachusetts upon establishment of New Hampshire as a separate state in 1741. The town's charter was granted in 1749 by Colonial Governor Benning Wen... more

Mason is a town in Hillsborough County, New Hampshire, United States. The population was 1,147 at the 2000 census. Mason, together with Wilton, is home to Russell-Abbott State Forest. Mason was first known as "Number One", the first in a line of border towns including area allotted to this state by Massachusetts upon establishment of New Hampshire as a separate state in 1741. The town's charter was granted in 1749 by Colonial Governor Benning Wentworth, and in 1768 his nephew, Governor John Wentworth, named it in honor of New Hampshire's founder, Captain John Mason. Captain Mason was the holder of patent with title to the land that became New Hampshire. Greenville would be set off from Mason in 1872. Near the town's center is the boyhood home of Samuel Wilson, the meat-supplier who is believed to have inspired the Uncle Sam character. The private house is today identified by a state historical marker. Another prominent local figure was Elizabeth Orton Jones, an author, illustrator and... less