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			ORVILLE F. & MARY  E. (LEWALLEN) MASON

	Orville F. Mason was born in Homer, Cortland Co., N. Y., Sept. 18, 1842.  When Orville 
was eight years of age his father, Russell H. Mason, moved to Pennsylvania, finally settling in
Potter County, where Orville grew to manhood.  He received a good common school education, and 
when sixteen years old commenced teaching, and taught five terms.  In the spring of 1864 he came 
to Adrian, Mich., and worked around by the day and month until the fall of 1864.  He then went 
into Montcalm County on a hunting trip, and in one day, within two miles of where the county seat
now stands, killed five deer.  In the spring of 1867 he came to Ferris and bought one hundred and
twenty acres of land, on which there had not been a tree cut.  During that summer he cut off 
twenty acres, then returned to Pennsylvania, and the next spring, with his father and brothers, 
Coville G. and Ceville D., came to Ferris, where they now reside.  Orville was married, Aug. 20, 
1871, to Miss Mary E. Lewallen, daughter of Abner and Nancy E. (Gunniser) Lewallen.  She was born
Jan. 10, 1844.  Mr. Mason has cleared up sixty acres of his farm, and has built a good house, 
barns, etc.  In politics was a Republican until 1878, when he cast his lot with the Nationals.  
When but sixteen years old he was made deputy township clerk, which position he held until of 
age, when he was elected to that office.  After coming to Ferris he was elected school inspector,
which he held two years; then highway commissioner four years.  In 1875 he was made supervisor, 
which position he has since held to the entire satisfaction of his constituents.  He was the 
first town superintendent of school under the present law, and held it four years.  He was a 
charter member of the Ferris Grange, No. 440; is also Master of the Mount Gilead Lodge, No. 285, 
F. and A. M., and is now N. G. of Joy Lodge, No. 298, I. O. O. F.
	On the 15th day of February, 1865, Mr. Mason enlisted in Company F, One Hundred and 
Fifty-second Indiana Infantry, and was mustered out Aug. 30, 1865.  To Mr. and Mrs. Mason there 
has been born one child, Eliza May, born Dec. 25, 1872.



This biography is taken from "HISTORY OF IONIA AND MONTCALM COUNTIES, MICHIGAN"
by John S. Schenck. Philadelphia:  D. W. Ensign & Co., 1881.  Page 464.  Ferris Township.