Pirate Sam Mason

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Highlights of Sam Mason's Life

In the waning light of the 18th century, the border between hero and outlaw was as muddy as the Ohio River. Sam Mason stood astride it.

Walk through the key events of Sam Mason’s life—from his military roots to his notorious downfall. Explore historic moments and real frontier locations.

Age:0

  • 1739, Nov 8

Born in Virginia

1739, Nov 8
1754

Age:15

  • 1754

 

Living in father's home near Charles Town, WV, Jefferson Co, earlier Frederick Co and Berkeley Co

Age:19

  • 1758

Served in the French & Indian War in Frederick County, VA

1758
1762, Sep 5

Age:22

  • 1762, Sep 5

Incurred 4 pound 4 shilling debt to John Bozworth

Age:28

  • 1767

Married to Rosanna Dorsey

1767
1767, Jul 18 or 19

Age:28

  • 1767, Jul 18 or 19

Daughter, Elizabeth born

Age:31

  • 1771, Apr 29

Son, John born

1771, Apr 29
1773

Age:34

  • 1773

Moved to Ohio County, VA (now Wheeling Creek, WV), bought 2 claims from Paul Stull, 1 from James Clarke

Age:34

  • 1774, Mar 31

Son, Isaac born

1774, Mar 31
1774, May

Age:34

  • 1774, May

Arrested for killing an Indian at Fort Pitt, PA

Age:36

  • 1776, Aug 11 or 12

Son, Dorsey, born

1776, Aug 11 or 12
1777, Jan 7

Age:37

  • 1777, Jan 7

Named Captain of Militia in Wheeling, WV (Fort Henry)

Age:37

  • 1777, Jan

Attended council at Catfish, now Washington, PA

1777, Jan
1777, Jan-Mar

Age:37

  • 1777, Jan-Mar

Established road connecting Fort Henry to Shepherds Fort, at the first forks of Wheeling Creek via Mason's bottom

Age:37

  • 1777, May-Sep

Pursued Indians after attack

1777, May-Sep
1777, Jun 8

Age:37

  • 1777, Jun 8

Wrote letter to Genl Hand (see Crumrine)

Age:37

  • 1777, Jul 17

Wrote letter to Genl Hand about Grave Creek

1777, Jul 17
1777, Aug 12

Age:37

  • 1777, Aug 12

At Fort Henry, wrote to Genl Hand

Age:37

  • 1777, Aug 22 rev

Patrolled from Fort Henry to Grave Creek

1777, Aug 22 rev
1777, Sep 1

Age:37

  • 1777, Sep 1

Wounded in Indian ambush

Age:37

  • 1778

Paid for a drum
1778
1778

Age:38

  • 1778

On Ohio Co tax list (surety and appraiser several times)

 

Age:38

  • 1778

Moved 30 miles east, to Washington County, PA
1778
1078, Mar 1

Age:38

  • 1078, Mar 1

Witness of will of Thomas Worthington

 

Age:38

  • 1778,Apr 7

Administrator of Rodgers McBride estate
1778,Apr 7
1778, Jun 2

Age:38

  • 1778, Jun 2

Stole supplies from Fort Henry, sued by James Caldwell

 

Age:38

  • 1778, Jul

Accompanied General Clark on Illinois Campaign
1778, Jul
1778, Aug 4

Age:38

  • 1778, Aug 4

Hugh Sidwell a witness for Mason

Age:38

  • 1778, Nov 2

  

  

Sued by Joseph Tumbleston, paid fee to David McClure Ohio Co juror.

 

1778, Nov 2
1779, Mar 3

Age:39

  • 1779, Mar 3

  

  

Bought farm, moved from Wheeling Creek to Buffalo Creek

Age:39

  • 1779, Mar 14
     

Received 5 shillings ($50-100 today) from father's estate

 

1779, Mar 14
1779, May 3

Age:39

  • 1779, May 3
     

Witness for Samuel Williamson

Age:39

  • 1779, Aug-Sep

On Brodhead campaign

1779, Aug-Sep