I'm John Thomson Mason. I was born in 1787, in the Commonwealth of Virginia, into a family with deep roots in American politics and law. From a young age, I pursued a career in law, following the Mason tradition of public service, much like my distinguished relatives before me.

I served as the Secretary of Michigan Territory, appointed in 1830 by President Andrew Jackson. It was a time of great expansion and opportunity for our young nation. While I was there only briefly, my work laid the foundation for further development in the Michigan Territory, an area that would soon take on greater prominence with the arrival of my son, Stevens T. Mason. He became the first governor of Michigan, a role I took immense pride in watching him embrace.

My life, however, was not confined to the borders of Michigan. I ventured into the lands of Texas, becoming an agent for the Galveston Bay and Texas Land Company. I had the honor of supporting the Texas Revolution, helping finance the cause that would ultimately lead to the independence of the Republic of Texas. I even had the privilege of attending the Congress of the Republic of Texas, as my commitment to liberty and freedom was unwavering.

Yet, life is often unpredictable. In the year of our Lord 1850, while in Galveston, Texas, I fell victim to the scourge of cholera, a disease that claimed many lives in those days. It was a difficult end, but I left behind a legacy of service to my nation and my family. My children carried on the Mason name, and through them, my contributions to endure. And I'm father of 1st governor of Michigan, Stevens T Mason(1811-1843). It is nice to meet you.