James and Katherine Mason correspondence and book of poetry

Collection

Collection number: ahc.MSS1155

Scope and Content

This collection contains correspondence between James Walter Mason and Martha Katherine (nee Christian) Mason. These letters cover their courtship and first three years of marriage. Contents include poems that James wrote to Katherine, as well as topics such as the death of Katherine's mother and everyday life while James was away on business. James used a variety of names and nicknames for his wife, including Katherine, Kate, Mattie Kate, Sweetheart, and Kiddy. The collection also includes a small book of poetry titled Hobbies of 1927.

Dates

1902-1927, undated

Creator

Mason, James Walter (Person)
Mason, Martha Katherine Christian (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Reproduction and Use

Unpublished manuscripts are protected by copyright. All requests to publish, quote, or reproduce must be submitted through the Kenan Research Center.

Administrative/Biographical History

James Walter Mason (1874-1957) was born in Dallas, Georgia, to James Miles Mason (1840-1914) and Amanda Jane Riley (1844-1925). He graduated from the University of Georgia School of Law in 1899. Later, Mason worked at the Atlanta Title Guarantee Co., serving as the vice-president before leaving the company in 1918 to practice law. In 1905, he married Martha Katherine Christian (1874-1925), the daughter of William Dempsy Christian (?-1880) and Rosa Lee Overby (1849-1902). After Katherine's death, James married Lucy Bowie Thompson (1892-1950).