Capt. Hugh Mason was baptized in Dorking, Surrey, England, on March 23, 1605/6, the son of Richard Mason and Joan (Allchin) Mason. His mother’s will, dated July 5, 1641, refers to “my son Hugh Mason now living in New England.” The earliest confirmed records place Hugh Mason in Maldon, Essex, where he was married and where his wife’s family resided. Despite exhaustive searches, no record of Hugh Mason bearing a coat of arms has been found, nor is there definitive proof of his descent from an armigerous family.
Hugh Mason married Hester Wells on January 13, 1632/3, at St. Peter’s Parish in Maldon, Essex. Hester was baptized at St. Peter’s on July 21, 1611, and was the daughter of Thomas Wells, a glover, and Helen (Pilgrim) Wells. Her family had been established in Maldon for at least two generations, and records indicate that her father, Thomas Wells, left land and property to Hester and her sister Helen in his will dated December 17, 1624. This inheritance formed part of the legal proceedings that involved Hugh and Hester Mason’s sons, John and Joseph Mason, in 1702, demonstrating their continued claim to English property.
Although Hugh Mason’s place of birth was long assumed to be Maldon, Essex, no record of his birth has been found there. It is now firmly established that he was baptized in Dorking, Surrey, instead. There are no known records connecting him to other Masons in Maldon, except for a potential relative named Joseph Mason, who married Mary Houatt in 1631 in St. Mary’s, Maldon. Additionally, an apprentice record from Ipswich, Suffolk, notes a John Mason, son of William Mason of Maldon, being apprenticed to a mariner in 1616, but no direct connection to Hugh Mason has been verified.
Given these records, it is likely that Hugh Mason moved to Maldon as a young adult, possibly for work or through family connections, before marrying Hester Wells and immigrating to New England.
Family
Hugh Mason and his wife, Hester Wells, had several children who continued his legacy in New England. Their children were:
- Hannah Mason, born 23 Sep 1636; married Capt. Joshua Brooks of Concord on 17 Oct 1653.
- Elizabeth Mason, born 3 Sep 1638, died young.
- Ruth Mason, twin to Mary, born 17 Dec 1640, died 17 Dec 1640.
- Mary Mason, twin to Ruth, born 17 Dec 1640; married Rev. Joseph Estabrook on 20 May 1668.
- John Mason, born 1 Jan 1644; married Elizabeth Hammond; died c. 1730.
- Joseph Mason, born 10 Aug 1646; died 22 Jul 1702.
- Daniel Mason, born 19 Feb 1648/9. Harvard graduate in 1666. sailed from Charlestown in 1679 in the capacity of ship doctor. The vessel was captured by a Barbary Corsair and carried into Algiers; he is alleged to have died in Algerian captivity in 1698, kept in slavery for 18 years.
- Sarah Mason, born 25 Sep 1651; married Capt. Andrew Gardner on 20 May 1668.
Migration to New England
On April 30, 1634, Hugh Mason and his wife, Hester, boarded the ship Francis at Ipswich, Suffolk, England, for passage to New England. The ship’s records list “Hugh Mason, tanner, aged 28, with his wife, Hester, aged 22.” Prior to embarking, both took the Oath of Allegiance, a mandatory requirement for emigrants departing England at that time. Their journey was part of the Great Migration, a period when thousands of Puritans left England seeking religious and economic opportunities in the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
Upon arrival, the couple settled in Watertown, Massachusetts, one of the earliest Puritan communities in New England. Hugh Mason was admitted as a freeman on March 4, 1634/5, signifying his full rights within the colony, including the ability to vote, hold public office, and church membership.
Mason’s trade as a tanner was instrumental in establishing his early prosperity. Leather goods were essential in colonial life, and his skill provided a steady income. His first inventory, recorded later in life, included “the tanfats” valued at £11 and “the leather in tanfats” valued at £120 1s. 8d., indicating a well-established tannery operation.
Land Holdings in Watertown
Hugh Mason became a significant landowner in Watertown through a combination of grants and purchases. He was grantee of six lots and purchaser of two lots at Watertown, his homestall of twenty-one acres, of which three were granted and the rest purchased, was bounded by School Street. His holdings eventually exceeded 150 acres, including:
- Homestall: 3 acres, forming the nucleus of his settlement.
- 21 acres of upland, forming one of his principal land grants.
- 31 acres of upland in the Great Division, set aside as part of larger community allocations.
- 3 acres of remote meadow (Lot 8), used for grazing and hay production.
- 71-acre farm in the 9th division, one of his largest tracts for farming.
- 3 acres of plowland, designated for cultivation.
- 35 acres of upland from the Great Division’s second division and the 5th Lot, enhancing his agricultural resources.
- An additional parcel in Newton, an adjoining settlement, further extending his land influence.
Mason’s land acquisitions were strategic and positioned him as one of the town’s more prominent landowners. His properties included arable farmland, grazing pastures, and meadowlands used for hay and livestock. Several transactions highlight Mason’s active role in property dealings. In 1654, he sold a five-acre homestead and dwelling to Roger Willington. In 1672, he acquired half an acre from Deacon Henry Bright for his tannery operations. Another significant transaction in 1676 involved the sale of 58 acres of upland to John Livermore Jr., with his wife, Hester, consenting to the sale.
His landholdings played a key role in his economic stability and community status. As a major landholder, Mason was involved in disputes over property lines and land usage, often serving as an arbitrator.
Military Service
Hugh Mason was actively involved in the military defense of Watertown and the Massachusetts Bay Colony. He was appointed Lieutenant of the Watertown Train Band in 1644 and promoted to Captain in 1652, a position he held until his death in 1678. The Train Band functioned as the local militia, responsible for the protection of Watertown and nearby settlements.
During King Philip’s War (1675-1676), Mason played a crucial role in organizing and leading troops. In April 1676, at the age of 70, he led a company of men from Watertown to aid in the defense of Sudbury against an attack by Native American forces. Although it is unclear if he directly engaged in combat, his leadership and experience were instrumental in the town’s defense.
Mason also served on several military committees overseeing regional defenses, supply provisions, and militia organization. He was responsible for ensuring the town had sufficient stores of gunpowder, arms, and ammunition. In 1676, he was tasked with procuring bullets and powder for the town’s forces and was reimbursed for these expenditures.
His long-standing role as Captain made him a respected military leader, and he continued to advise and support military affairs even in his later years. His contributions to the defense of the colony were recognized by his peers, and he remains one of the notable military figures of early Watertown.
Death and Legacy
Hugh Mason passed away on October 10, 1678, in Watertown, Massachusetts, at the age of 73. His estate was settled through two separate wills and an extensive inventory of his possessions. His widow, Hester, survived him until May 21, 1692.
Capt. Mason and his wife are buried in the Arlington Street cemetery in Watertown, and the stones marking his grave is in great condition and The Massachusetts Society of Colonial Wars has placed a marker at his grave. The following inscriptions are on his stones :
Headstone
Here lies ye Body of
Capt. Hugh Mason Who
Deceased October ye Xth
1678 Anno Aetatis 73
He that has thought of Death
In Life’s Uncertentie
Hath Doubtless Now a Life
That Bringeth Eternity
Footstone
Mr. Hugh Mason
Capt. of ye Train Band
In This Town Aged
73 Years Died October
The Xth 1678. He Or
Her It Looks Here On
Live for to Learne
That Die Thou Must
And After Come
To Judgement Just
Will of Hugh Mason (1677)
The last will and testament of Hugh Mason of Watertowne, who though weake of body, yet of sound understanding and memory, desire to dispose of myselfe and estate as followeth, first of all I comit my soule into the hands of the eternal Jehovah from whom I expect exceptance through the greate Mediator the Lord Jesus and my body being dead unto the grave from whence I desire to waite for a glorious resurrection in the greate day of account and for my temporall estate I doe hereby give and bequeathe unto my loveing wife for her comfortable support dureing the time of her life, a third part of all my housing and land, garden, orchard, etc, as allso out of my moveables as dooth amount to the sum of twenty pounds of what she shall make her choise of as also my executor shall duely pay or cause to be paid yearley the just sum of three pounds during the time of her widowhood.
As for my son, John Mason, I do give unto him all that land I bought of Daniell Hudson, with all the houses, barnes and privileges thereto belonging.
As for my three daughters, viz, Hannah, Mary and Sarah, I doe give twenty pounds to each of them to be paid within thirteen months after my decease. As for my sonn Daniell, in regard of the liberal education I have given him, as also a deed of som land in England, I doe judg it an equal portion, pvided that if he cannot gaine that land in England then it is my will he should have twenty pounds of it ten of it to be paid out of what I have given unto John Mason, and the other ten by my executor.
As for my son, Joseph Mason, I doe hearby make him sole executor and doe give him all my housing and lands after his mother’s decease, with all the remaining goods and debts, having first discharged all my just debts provided alwaies that if my sonn Joseph doe die without any issue of his body, that then the housing and lands shall bee distributed among the brothers and sisters by proportion, that this is my owne act witness my hand.
3 day 12 month, 1677
[signed] Hugh Mason
Second Will of Hugh Mason
The last will and testament of Hugh Mason of Watertowne who though weake of body yet of sound understanding and memory doe desire to dispose of myselfe and estate as followeth — first I comit my soule into the hands of the eternal Jehovah from whom I expect exceptance through the greate Mediator the Lord Jesus Christ and my body being dead unto the grave from whence I desire to waite for a glorious resurrection in the great day of account and for my temporall estate I doe hereby give and bequeathe unto my beloved wife for her comfortable support during her life a third part of all my housing, barns, lands, orchards gardens meadowes etc as also out of all my moveables as much as is worth thirty pounds in what shee shall make choyse of as also my executor shall duly pay unto her yearly dureing the time of her widowhood the full sum of four pounds in currant pay. As for my sonn John Mason I doe freely give unto him all that land that I bought of Daniell Hudson lying in Cambridge Village with all the housing barns and apurtenance thereto belonging to him and his heyres forever. As for my three daughters viz hannah brooks mary estebrook and sarah gardner I doe hereby give the full sum of twenty pounds to be duely paid by my executor within thirteen months after my decease. As for my sonn Daniell Mason in regard of the liberall education I have given unto him as also a deede of some land in England I doe judge it an equal portion provided that if hee cannot gaine that land in England then it is my will hee should have twenty pounds out of the estate heere to be paid by my executor within a yeare after my decease. As for my sonn Joseph Mason I doe hearby make him sole executor and doe give unto him the other halfe of housing and lands for present and after his mother’s decease all my housing lands with the remayning goods and debts having first discharged all my just debts — provided always that if my sonn Joseph Mason doe die without any issue of his body that then the housing and lands given him shall be distributed amongst the brothers and sisters by proportion — that this is my owne act and deede I do confirm by setting to my hand and seale.
Testimony of Hester Mason
The testimony of Hester Mason the Relict of Capt. Hugh Mason. The deponant testifieth and saith that the will drawn by her late husband Capt. Hugh Mason and dated ye 8 of ye 12 mo 77 hur said husband the said day called this deponant and did read ye said will to hur and that it was his will : and that he made it by ye advise of his son Esterbrook, further after this this deponant saith that hur foresaid husband did tell the deponant that he would alter something in his will because he thought that he ought to doe more for this deponants comfort duering hur life and when her husband had made a 2nd draft he called this deponant and read it to hur further this deponant saith that she asked hur husband if his will was firme that there might be no trouble, his answer Wife dost thou think that any child that I have will rise up against what I have done
the mark of
[her mark]
Ester Mason
Inventory of Captain Hugh Mason (1678)
This is an inventory of the houses, lands, and moveables of Captain Hugh Mason, lately deceased. The appraisal was conducted on October 28, 1678, by John Sherman, William Bond, and Walter Hastings.
Personal Items
| Item | £ | s | d |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wearing clothes (linen and woolen) | 08 | 00 | 00 |
| Hats, boots, and shoes | 04 | 00 | 00 |
| Money in his purse | 04 | 00 | 00 |
| Arms and ammunition | 04 | 00 | 00 |
In the Parlor
| Item | £ | s | d |
|---|---|---|---|
| A small parcel of books | 00 | 08 | 00 |
| Feather bed, 2 feather bolsters, 2 feather pillows, coverlet, rug, pair of sheets, a bed filled with hair underneath, curtains and valance, and bedstead as it stands | 08 | 00 | 00 |
| Trundle bedstead, straw bed, hair bolster, old rug | 00 | 15 | 00 |
| Cupboard and cupboard cloth | 00 | 18 | 00 |
| Table and carpet, form, 4 stools, and a chair | 01 | 05 | 00 |
| Pair of cobirons, fire shovel, and tongs | 00 | 15 | 00 |
| Parcel of shoes | 05 | 10 | 06 |
| Remnant of fabric (5 yards) | 00 | 14 | 00 |
In the Hall
| Item | £ | s | d |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small table, form, table chair, 5 chairs, 2 joined stools, 5 cushions | 01 | 04 | 00 |
| Two brass kettles, 2 brass skillets, brass pan, brass mortar with pestle, warming pan, pair of brass scales and beam | 03 | 10 | 00 |
| Twelve pewter platters, five porringers, 3 pewter pots and a cup, one salt suffer, candlestick, pewter basin | 03 | 10 | 00 |
| Two latten pans, brass skimmer, 12 earthen vessels, 3 dozen trenchers, 5 earthen pots | 00 | 06 | 03 |
| Cupboard | 01 | 00 | 00 |
| Pair of cobirons, pair of tongs, peel, two tramills, iron spit, smoothing iron, iron fender | 01 | 04 | 00 |
| Three iron porridge pots, 2 pot hooks | 00 | 15 | 00 |
In the Lodging Room
| Item | £ | s | d |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feather bed, 2 feather bolsters, 2 feather pillows, rug, pair of blankets, pair of sheets, curtains and valance, bedstead as it stands | 06 | 00 | 00 |
| Chair and cushion | 00 | 03 | 00 |
In the Cellar
| Item | £ | s | d |
|---|---|---|---|
| About ten bushels of apples, 25 small cheeses, 28 barrels of cider (including barrels) | 12 | 00 | 00 |
In the Lean-To
| Item | £ | s | d |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small parcel of beef with tub | 01 | 00 | 00 |
| Churn, frying pan, powdering tub, half bushel, other lumber | 01 | 00 | 00 |
In the Chamber
| Item | £ | s | d |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flock bed, 2 feather bolsters, cotton rug, pair of blankets, pair of sheets, old bedstead | 02 | 10 | 00 |
| Five bushels of peas, small quantity of Indian corn, ground malt, rye, 2-3 old barrels | 03 | 00 | 00 |
| 5 pairs of sheets, 1 odd sheet | 04 | 00 | 00 |
| Three tablecloths, dozen napkins, 5 pillowcases | 01 | 10 | 00 |
Utensils for Husbandry
| Item | £ | s | d |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old horse cart with a pair of shod wheels | 02 | 10 | 00 |
| Bar of iron, 3 pairs of fetters, old axe, pitchfork, dung fork, old spade, old saddle, 2 old collars, old cart saddle, pair of tugs, pair of old trace panel | 01 | 10 | 00 |
| Two cows, three horses, hay in the barn | 15 | 00 | 00 |
| Eight swine (young and old) | 05 | 00 | 00 |
Land and Property
| Item | £ | s | d |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dwelling house, barn, ~20 acres of land on both sides of the highway | 100 | 00 | 00 |
| 25 acres of upland (Dividend Land) | 12 | 10 | 00 |
| 3 acres of remote meadow | 03 | 00 | 00 |
| Tanfats (tanning vats) | 11 | 00 | 00 |
| Leather in the tanfats | 120 | 01 | 08 |
| Stock of leather with the mill | 23 | 00 | 00 |
| 350 clabbord boards | 00 | 14 | 00 |
| 350 deal boards | 00 | 14 | 00 |
Debts and Credits (March 29, 1679)
Debts Owed by the Estate
| Debt Location | £ | s | d |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debts at Boston | 39 | 00 | 00 |
| Debts at the Eastward | 14 | 00 | 00 |
Debts to be Received
| Debt Location | £ | s | d |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debts at Woburn | 11 | 04 | 00 |
| Other debts | 01 | 00 | 00 |
| Other debts | 01 | 00 | 00 |
| At John Holbrook, Roxbury | 10 | 18 | 00 |
| Two-thirds of thirteen hides and stock value with a house | 74 | 00 | 00 |
Final Appraisal
Total value of all items is not explicitly calculated in the original document, but it includes substantial real estate holdings, livestock, household goods, and debts owed to and by the estate. The total value of Captain Hugh Mason’s estate, from what is provided, after subtracting debts owed and adding debts receivable, is £323.79.
Hugh Mason Probate Images
Page 1 is left out, it is just a cover page.
