He was highly esteemed by the members of his j)rofession, who invariably found him candid and liberal in his jiractice, while zealous in behalf of his client and his cause. He was very patient and j)er8evering in his examination of intricate questions, and in that importan* branch of the law wliich relates to titles of real estate, was especially skilled. During most of his active professional life he was a constant sufferer from physical ailments, against which he struggled with an endurance and patience which exhibited, in a most striking manner, energy and resolution.

Mr. Mason took up his residence in Yonkers in 1854, and participated actively in every movement by which its growth and interests have been promoted. In announcing his death to School No. 6, Thomas Moore, principal, appropriately said : " I consider John M. Mason the father of the public-school system in Yonkers, and the main promoter of education in our county."

At the organization of School No. 6 in Yonkers, in I\Iay, 1861, Mr. Mason was elected one of the trustees, and he served for some fifteen years, most of the

time as president of the board. Neither the arduous duties of his profession nor bodily infirmity influenced him to neglect his duties to the school. In all weathers, and at all seasons, he was j^romptly in his place. His time and labor were given without stint, and the high standard of public-school education in that city is, no doubt, mainly due to Mr. Mason's devotion and influence. As counsel of the water commissioners, Mr. Mason rendered important services to that city in conducting the intricate proceedings for the condemnation of land and water rights.