Canadian politician from Ontario
Robert Mercer Mason was a Canadian politician from Ontario. He was a member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario for the ridings of Victoria East and Victoria North between a 1909 by-election and the 1919 Ontario general election.[1]
Biography
Mason was born in South Simcoe, Ontario. After graduating from the Ontario Veterinary College in 1884, he practised in Mono Mills, Ontario for 5 years. He moved to Fenelon Falls in the spring of 1889. Before his arrival in the village, there was no regular veterinary service; sick animals were tended by the local blacksmith, treated by vets passing through the area, or taken to Lindsay, Ontario. While saw mills and factories using horses often had a resident vet, they did not stay long and may not have been available to the community.[2] Mason may have come to the village on a trial basis: the Fenelon Falls Gazette wrote that he “has done so well since he came to the Falls that he has decided to stay” [3]. He took up residence at the corner of Colborne and Louisa Streets. By 1891 his practice had grown so large that he hired an assistant, Mr. J.W. Smelser [4].
He served on the Fenelon Falls Council several terms, and was reeve for 2 years. He was a member of the present School Board, and was the President of the Fenelon Falls Agricultural Society.[5]
He died in July 5th, 1920, and was buried in the Fenelon Falls Cemetery.
References
See also
