John M. MASON, The present deputy Recorder of Chariton County was born four miles south of Salisbury, March 28, 1867, to Benjamin F. and Margaret Mason, who were the parents of eight children--seven boys and one girl--five of whom are still living. The father was born in Virginia and removed to Missouri about 1839 or 1840, and settled in this county where he married Margaret FREEMAN, a native of Chariton County. Our subject is a sturdy, industrious and intelligent young man who has strived to attain the position he now has, and has held since February 1892. He was reared on a farm and attended the public schools of the district for a number of years, but finished his education in the Salisbury Public Schools under Prof. L. B. COATES, after which he returned to farm life for a short time before taking up clerkship in the mercantile establishment of J. T. MASON, of Salisbury, where he remained for eighteen months. He then accepted the position of Deputy Recorder as above mentioned. On July 3, 1892 our subject was united in marriage to Miss Cordie PATTERSON, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. D. R. PATTERSON, who now live in Salisbury. The fruits of this union were two children--David B., deceased, and Howard M., who is now "a little streak of sunshine" in this most happy household. Socially, our subject is an esteemed member of the following secret societies, viz: Warren Lodge A. F. & A. M., Knights of Pythias, I.O.O.F., and K.O.T.M. of Keytesville, also a member of the Baptist Church. He is a staunch free silver democrat and having been raised up according to that doctrine he has never veered from his course of training.