James Mason (Canadian politician)

James Mason
Born	Toronto, Canada
Died	July 16, 1918(1918-07-16) (aged 74)
Occupation(s)	Banker, military officer, senator
Years active	1860s–1918
Known for	General manager and president of Toronto Savings Bank/Home Bank of Canada; Canadian Senator; military leadership during Fenian Raids and North-West Rebellion

James Mason (August 25, 1843 – July 16, 1918) was a prominent Canadian figure known for his roles as a banker, Senator, and military officer.

Originating from Toronto, Mason received his education at private institutions and the Toronto Model School, where he held the position of head boy. He began his career with the Toronto Savings Bank (which later became the Home Bank of Canada), eventually advancing to the roles of general manager and president by 1873.

In 1913, Prime Minister Robert Borden appointed Mason to the Senate of Canada, where he represented the Conservative faction. After stepping down from active management at the bank, he was named its honorary president, with his son Harry G. Mason taking over as general manager. The Home Bank ultimately failed in the early 1920s, partly due to controversial policies introduced during Mason’s leadership.

Mason was instrumental in founding and financially supporting the Toronto Mechanics' Institute, an organization that later developed into the Toronto Public Library.

He passed away at his residence following surgery for appendicitis.

Military career

During the Fenian Raids of the 1860s, Mason enlisted with the Queen's Own Rifles. By 1882, he had become captain of the 10th Royal Grenadiers, leading No. 2 Service Company during the North-West Rebellion. He sustained serious injuries at the Battle of Batoche. Elevated to lieutenant colonel in 1893, Mason commanded his regiment and represented Canada at Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations in London in 1897.

Around the turn of the century, Mason assumed leadership of the 4th Infantry Brigade and retired with the rank of colonel in 1910. In 1915, he was promoted to brigadier-general for his role in organizing the Reserve Militia of Canada and spearheading recruitment during wartime.

As a founding member and president of the Royal Canadian Military Institute, Mason was a dedicated imperialist and co-established the Empire Club of Canada. He also significantly contributed to creating Toronto’s South African War Memorial located on University Avenue.

Personal life

Mason maintained a close friendship with Toronto railway entrepreneur Hugh Ryan. He served as one of Ryan’s pallbearers at his funeral in 1899 at St Michael's Cathedral Basilica, alongside notable figures such as Sir Oliver Mowat, businessman Eugene O'Keefe, politician William Harty, and banker W.S. Lee.