The History of Battery H First Regiment Rhode Island Light Artillery in the War to Preserve the Union 1861-1865

by Earl Fenner

CHARLES F. MASON.

First Lieut. Charles F. Mason, son of Earl P. and Ann (Larcher) Mason, was born in Providence, R. I., March 30, 1842. He is descended from good stock, his ancestor, Sampson Mason, being a dragoon in Cromwell’s army, the famous “Ironsides.” He came to this country in 1649, and settled in Dorchester, Mass., and afterwards removed to Seekonk, and thence to Rehoboth. The father of Lieutenant Mason was a prominent business man in Providence, being intimately identified with various railroad, steamship, and commercial interests, besides being connected with the celebrated firm of Mason, Chapin & Co., a house which still controls an immense trade in drugs, dye-stuffs, and chemicals.

The subject of our sketch was educated at Merrick and Emory Lyon’s University Grammar School, in this city, and subsequently entered Brown University, graduating in the class of ’61.

Lieutenant Mason entered the service as second lieutenant of Battery A, First Rhode Island Light Artillery, Dec. 24, 1861. He was present with his battery in the Peninsular campaign, and distinguished himself by his gallantry at the battle of Antietam, Md., where he personally assisted in working the guns, rendered necessary by the want of men. He was promoted to first lieutenant Oct. 1, 1862, and was subsequently transferred to Battery H, and mustered in Oct. 15, 1862.

Upon the resignation of Captain Hazard, Lieutenant Mason assumed command of the battery until the arrival of Capt. Crawford Allen, Jr., who had been appointed to succeed Captain Hazard.

In November, 1863, he was appointed on the staff of Col. Charles H. Tompkins, Chief of the Artillery Brigade, Sixth Army Corps, where he served with honor until he resigned his commission, April 21, 1864.

Lieutenant Mason is now prominently engaged in business in Providence, R. I. He is President of the Rhode Island Locomotive Works, and Treasurer of the Bolton Manufacturing Company. He is also connected with various commercial and mercantile enterprises. He is a member of the Providence Board of Trade.