An Illustrated History of the State of Washington, by Rev. H.K. Hines, D.D., The
Lewis Publishing Co., Chicago, IL., 1893, pages 331-332
	
	
	DR. DARIUS MASON, a prominent physician of Spokane, Washington, was born in
the old and wave-washed town of New Bedford, Massachusetts, in 1830, the
youngest in a family of nine children, his parents being Olney and Lillice
(Pierce) Mason, natives of Massachusetts. The Doctor's father was an architect
and builder of New Bedford, and owned a country estate in that county. His
grandfather, Noble Mason, was also a native of Massachusetts, and was a farmer
by occupation. The family are descended from the English, their ancestors being
among the early settlers of New England. His material grandfather, Preserved
Pierce, a Baptist minister and a native of Massachusetts, was a cousin of
President Pierce, the Pierces also being of English descent. The Doctor's father
died in 1850 or 1851, and his mother passed away in 1854. Both were members of
the Baptist Church.
	In the Friends' Academy at New Bedford, Dr. Mason received his early
education and graduated there in 1849. In 1850 he began the study of medicine
under the instruction of a preceptor. He then spent one term in the medical
department of Harvard College, after which he entered the College of Physicians
and Surgeons at New York, where, three years later, he graduated with the
highest honors. After becoming a full-fledged M. D., the young physician began a
course of practical training in that most thorough of schools, the New York City
Hospital, from which place he was subsequently transferred to the Children's
Hospital on Randall's Island, where he remained fifteen months, mastering every
type of disease known to youthful organism. Believing that he could win his way
in the West, he went to Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, in 1856, and quickly built
up a lucrative practice there, his remarkable skill bringing him at once into
prominent notice and favor. At the beginning of the war Dr. Mason reported for
duty, and was appointed surgeon of the Thirty-first Wisconsin Regiment. Through
all the engagements in which that regiment participated during the long
struggle, Dr. Mason was ever at the front, doing excellent service. He was
mustered out in August, 1865, and returned to Prairie du Chien, resuming his old
practice. In 1878 he removed to Milwaukee, and during his eight years' residence
there was considered one of the most capable members of the profession.
	Since 1886 Dr. Mason has been a resident of Spokane, and here as elsewhere
he has met with eminent, success in the practice of his profession. He does a
general family practice, at the same time making a specialty of gynecology. He
is a member of the State and county medical societies, helped to organize both,
and was the first President of the latter, serving two years. While in Wisconsin
he was a member of the State Medical Society there, and served as its President
in 1878. He is also a member of the American Medical Association and has been
made an honorary member of both the California State Medical Society and the
Rocky Mountain Medical Association. He is an occasional contributor to medical
magazines.
	Dr. Mason has been twice married. First, he wedded a Miss Brisbois, of
Wisconsin, who died in 1882, and in 1886 he married Miss Bean, a native of
Pennsylvania.
	The Doctor is a member of the Masonic fraternity, being a Knight Templar. He
is also a member of the military order of the Loyal Legion of the United States,
of Wisconsin Commandry.
	
	
Submitted to the WA. Bios Project in September 2003 by Jeffrey L. Elmer
	
	
	
	
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Notice: These biographies were transcribed for the Washington Biographies
Project.  Unless otherwise stated, no further information is available on the
individual featured in the biographies.