John Mitchell Mason papers, 1798-1814

Summary Information

Abstract

This small collection consists of letters and reports, chiefly drafts, relating to the Reverend John Mitchell Mason's involvement with Columbia College as a Trustee, 1795-1821 and Provost 1811-1816.

At a Glance

Arrangement

Arrangement

This collection is arranged in one series: Series I: John Mitchell Mason papers, 1798-1814.

• Series I: John Mitchell Mason papers

Description

Scope and Contents

The collection is by no means complete, but adds some depth to knowledge of Mason's interest in the College and in his planning abilities, as well as his political connections in that very political age.

• Series I: John Mitchell Mason papers

Using the Collection

Rare Book and Manuscript Library

Conditions Governing Access

You will need to make an appointment in advance to use this collection material in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library reading room. You can schedule an appointment once you've submitted your request through your Special Collections Research Account.

This collection is located offsite. You will need to request this material at least three business days in advance to use the collection in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library reading room.

This collection has no restrictions.

Conditions Governing Use

Single photocopies may be made for research purposes. The RBML maintains ownership of the physical material only. Copyright remains with the creator and his/her heirs. The responsibility to secure copyright permission rests with the patron.

Preferred Citation

Identification of specific item; Date (if known); John Mitchell Mason papers; Box and Folder; University Archives, Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Columbia University Libraries.

Related Materials

Additional correspondence can be found in the Columbia College papers (UA#0224) and in the David C. Humphrey Collection of Revolution-Era King's College and Columbia College Student Information (MS#0634).

Accruals

No additions are expected.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

This collection was the gift of Mason's descendants, Mrs. Karen Lerner and Gilbert D. Brinckerhoff, M.D., to the University Archives in 2000.

About the Finding Aid / Processing Information

Columbia University Libraries, Rare Book and Manuscript Library

Processing Information

This collection was processed by Marilyn H. Pettit in December 2002.

Revision Description

2020-04-16 Full finding aid (JR)

Subject Headings

The subject headings listed below are found in this collection. Links below allow searches at Columbia University through the Archival Collections Portal and through CLIO, the catalog for Columbia University Libraries, as well as ArchiveGRID, a catalog that allows users to search the holdings of multiple research libraries and archives.

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Genre/Form

Subject

History / Biographical Note

Biographical Note

John Mitchell Mason was a graduate of Columbia College, A.B. 1789, and his careful reports and enthusiasm for changing the college curriculum and raising admission standards merged with his leadership in the same period of the "Scotch" (or Cedar Street) Presbyterian church, a small Presbyterian seminary that was the forerunner of Union Theological Seminary, teaching in the College, and outspoken Federalist political views.

Mason became de facto head of the college although given the title "provost" as a convention, since preexisting agreements with Trinity Church in the City of New-York required the head of the College to be of the Anglican/American Episcopalian communion, while Mason was a Presbyterian and an eminent Protestant leader during the period known as "the Second Great Awakening." He resigned from the Columbia College in 1816 because of his health and later served as President of Dickinson College, 1821-1830.