James Mason

Who was James Mason?

James Mason was a Canadian banker, Senator and military officer.

Mason was born in Toronto and educated at private schools and the Toronto Model School where he was head boy. After graduation, he joined the Toronto Savings Bank which ultimately became the Home Bank ultimately becoming its general manager and president in 1873.

He was appointed to the Canadian Senate in 1913 by Prime Minister Robert Borden and sat as a Conservative. Mason retired from the bank and was appointed its honorary president with his son, Harry G. Mason, succeeding him as general manager.

The Home Bank collapsed in the early 1920s in part due to questionable practices it had engaged in beginning under Mason's tenure.

Mason was one of the founders and funders of the Toronto Mechanics' Institute which ultimately evolved into the Toronto Public Library.

Mason died at home following an operation for appendicitis.