James Mason (Canadian politician)
James Mason (August 25, 1843 − July 16, 1918) was a Canadian banker, Senator and military officer.
The Honourable James Mason | |
|---|---|
| Senator for Toronto, Ontario | |
| In office 1913–1918 | |
| Appointed by | Robert Borden |
| Personal details | |
| Born | August 25, 1843 Toronto, Ontario |
| Died | July 16, 1918 (aged 74) Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
| Political party | Conservative |
| Children | J. Cooper Mason, Harry Mason |
| Military service | |
| Rank | Brigadier General |
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 (later the Home Bank of Canada) ultimately becoming its general manager and president in 1873.
He was appointed to the Senate of Canada 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.