A Medford schoolmaster and Athlete.
For six months in 1796 Medford had a Harvard student for schoolmaster. In later years he was described as a large and powerful man of dignified and commanding appearance. His name was Thomas Mason, and during the whole of his college life he was the champion wrestler of Harvard. Upon his graduation he was settled over the church at Northfield,1 Mass., when the parish included the whole town. He was ordained on November 6, 1799, with a settlement of 250 pounds and an annual salary of 400 dollars. The town thriftily made provision that if he left before twenty years elapsed he should return a pro rata amount of the 250 pounds, which was to be paid him within eighteen months. His dwelling was a large and substantial one, resembling the Train house, which he had ample opportunity to observe during his stay in Medford.During his ministry at Northfield a party of men came up the Connecticut River and challenged the town to a wrestling match. Mr. Mason attended, and remarked to the champion that he did not understand his art, whereupon he was himself challenged to a trial. He at [p. 80] first declined, whether from lack of practice or because of ministerial dignity is unknown; but on being much urged, accepted the challenge. Having noticed the weak points of his opponent, he soon threw him, but was challenged to a second trial, with the remark that he ‘could not do it again.’ He did so, however, and with much mortification at his defeat the challenger left the ground.
He had no occasion to refund any of his settlement money, as his ministry covered a period of thirty years. He served the town eight years in the General Court and one as selectman.
A century ago there were slaves in Northfield and Deacon Dutton had a native African who was tattooed on both cheeks before his capture—a witty and faithful servant. The Sabbath after his death the deacon sent up to the desk the usual request for prayers for the bereaved, and Mr. Mason's pathetic allusions to the faithful old slave were long remembered.
With such an one in the old Medford schoolhouse as master, it is safe to conclude that the Medford boys of 1796 ‘toed the mark’ as well as studied the three Rs.
