Gaston, Joseph. "The Centennial History of Oregon, 1811-1912." Vol. 4. Chicago, Clarke Publishing Co., 1912. p. 267. JAMES W. MAST has been a prominent figure in political and business circles of Bandon, Coos county, for a number of years. He has served his city and county in various capacities with ability and success and has promoted the commercial progress of the city by his intelligent management of a growing grocery establishment. He was born in Sugar Grove, North Carolina, in 1866, and is a son of William P. and Charlotte H. Mast, both natives of North Carolina. His parents came to Oregon in 1872, locating immediately in Coos county, where the father purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land and acquired the twenty-three acres adjoining this tract as a preemption claim. This now constitutes the Mast homestead. A more extended mention is made of William P. Mast on another page of this work. He followed agriculture for many years and was a successful and prosperous farmer at the time of his death, on December 10, 1889. His wife survives him and is living upon the farm which he improved and developed. In their family were five sons, the brothers of our subject being: Rueben H., cashier of the Farmers & Merchants Bank of Coquille, Oregon; William L., a diver in the employ of the government, located at Bandon; Webb, who operates the old homestead near Myrtle Point, and who is mentioned at length on another page of this work; and Hardy W., who assists his brother Webb in the operation of the farm. James W. Mast was educated in the public schools of Oregon , whither he came with his parents when he was a child. He supplemented his primary course by attending the Monmouth Normal School at Monmouth, Oregon, from which institution he was graduated. He taught for several terms in the public schools of Coos county, following this line of occupation from 1898 to 1901. He worked for some time in the assessor's office in coquille and during the winters aided in the work of the home farm. In 1903 he obtained a position in the employ of the Prosper Mill Company, at Prosper, Oregon, and held the office of bookkeeper for two and a half years. At the end of that time he returned to the old homestead and resided with his mother, taking an active part in the operation of the farm. He engaged in the logging business for a short time but later became identified with the R. H. Rosa Company, as secretary and manager. He remained in Bandon and followed his duties in this capacity for four years, but eventually abandoned it and sold out his interests in order to establish himself in the grocery business, which he has operated since that time. His store is one of the largest of its kind in Bandon, Oregon, and his commercial methods are above reproach. His stock is always attractive and tastefully arranged and his patronage is constantly increasing as the quality of his goods becomes better known. Mr. Mast's identification with political life in Bandon and in Coos county forms one of the vital interests of his life. He has served his fellow citizens in various capacities and has always done able and faithful work. His father established the postoffice at Lee, Oregon, in 1886, and after his death Mr. Mast was appointed to succeed him and he has held the office continuously since that time, having been appointed every four years since he first became connected with this line of activity. Mr. Mast now holds this position but as he has established his residence in Bandon his mother has been appointed deputy in the postoffice. Upon his first arrival in Bandon Mr. Mast was elected to the city council and served for one year, beginning his term in 1909. He made such a successful and honorable record that he was elected mayor at the end of his first years. He has been three times reelected and is now serving with ability and efficiency. His popularity and talent along political lines are evidenced by the fact that each time he defeated experienced politicians who had been active in public capacity for many years and who were well acquainted with local conditions. After his first term he was the successful opponent of C. R. Wade, the former city recorder, and at the next election defeated Stephen Gallier, former sheriff of Coos county. In June, 1911, he opposed George P. Toppington and was elected by a large majority, qualifying for office on the first Wednesday in July. Mr. Mast has served his county in various other capacities. He served for two years as clerk of the school district, holding this office before he had established his residence. He was also active in educational affairs when he lived in Lee, Oregon, and was an influencing factor in the building of the large school in that city which is one of the best country educational institutions in Coos county. In 1908 he was elected school clerk in Bandon and has since served, being reelected every year. During this time he has handled the finances for the erection of the new schoolhouse in that city and has been an active figure in the enlarging of the school district. Under his able and honest administration the funds at the disposal of the school board have increased from eight thousand dollars a year to eighteen thousand, and this increase is steadily growing larger. Mr. Mast is prominent in fraternal circles of Bandon, where he has maintained his residence for the last six years. He is a Royal Arch Mason and holds membership in the Order of the Eastern Star. He is a prominent Knight of Pythias and is identified with the Pythian Sisters. He also belongs to the Elks and is well known in the affairs of that organization. Mr. Mast regards a man in public life as a servant of the people and he is using his influence to carry out the will of his constituents, having made a record in his political career for ability, never using his natural talents unworthily nor supporting dishonorable causes. ******************* Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in December 2006 by Diana Smith. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.