Genealogy of the Fitch family in North America - citizen hylbom blog

APPENDICES. 109
Windsor and Saybrook. And he was also one of the early
and influential settlers of Dorchester, in Massachusetts.
Major John Mason possessed all the elements of greatness.
His purposes were high and noble ; his will was strong and
determined. He was possessed of remarkable firmness and
promptitude, a courage that was absolutely fearless, united
with a prudence and moderation the most considerate and
reflecting. He was yet a man of moderation and a friend of
peace ; and by his firm cautious and resolute, and yet pacific
course he prevented or checked in the outset every tendency
to disorder or violence. These high qualities made him not
only a great soldier, but an admirable legislator and Magistrate,
and caused him, as we have seen, to be selected as the master
mind in all the important measures undertaken by the Colony
for a long series of years. Never do we find recorded a
single manifestation of an intolerent or persecuting spirit.
Envy, hatred and malice seemed to find no place in his heart.
He was virtuous in his life and habits, and in the relation of
husband and father he was without reproach.
His form was suited to the noble and devoted character of
the man. He is described as large in size, lofty in stature,
and of a commanding presence. There was certainly nothing
feeble or effeminate in his composition ;
and whatever excess
of sternness, or harshness or impetuosity, there may have
been in his character, there was never anything bordering on
tyranny or injustice; and those rougher and harsher features
were moderated and tempered by the sinsere faith and humble
life of the christian. He suffered during the last year of his
life with one of the most painful of diseases, and died on the,
30th day of January, 1672, in the seventy second year of his
age.