Philip Hawe Mason – businessman

In which our roving researcher Noel goes to great lengths to follow a Swindon story.

Philip Hawe Mason was born on December 5, 1827, the son of Wesleyan Minister John Mason and his wife Anne. His baptism appears in the Methodist Register of Births & Baptisms as having taken place on February 1, 1828 at his father’s house in Saint Luke’s Parish, London, performed by John Stephens.

An enterprising young man, Philip had arrived in Swindon by 1851 when he has his own grocer’s shop in the High Street. He later opened a second shop in Regent Street and by 1871 he is no longer living over his business premise but at Sanford House, a sizeable property on the corner of what is now Springfield Road and Croft Road. In 1871 he describes himself as a Grocer and Provision Merchant employing 15 men and 5 boys. Philip was an active member of Swindon’s society serving as Chairman of the Swindon School Board and heavily involved with the Wesleyan Church in Swindon, when tragedy struck.

His wife Martha, whom he had married in 1853, took ill (possibly worn down by 10 pregnancies). Medical advice was to move to a warmer climate so in the 1880s Philip, Martha and several of their children, moved to Devonport, Auckland, New Zealand.

Here too Philip took an active part in the local community, serving as an elected Councillor of the Borough of Devonport.

Martha died in 1904 aged 72 and Philip in 1908 aged 80.

Death of Mrs P.H. Mason

The news of the death of Mrs P.H. Mason, at Devonport, Auckland, New Zealand, will be received with undisguised feelings of regret in Swindon by those who were acquainted with that lady and her family during their residence in the old town.

According to a cablegram received by the deceased lady’s daughter, who resides at Bristol, Mrs Mason’s demise took place last Monday, May 9^th. The first intimation of the sad event was conveyed to Swindon in a letter addressed to the Mayor (Ald. James Hinton), by Miss Mason. The letter supplies a pathetic fact as to the suddenness of the news, for Miss Mason states that a letter intimating that Mrs Mason was quite well arrived simultaneously with the cablegram announcing her death.

Some little time must necessarily elapse before a further letter explaining the cause of Mrs Mason’s sudden demise can be expected.

The deceased lady, who was 72 years of age, was highly esteemed during her residence in Swindon. She was a prominent Wesleyan, and took an active interest in the welfare of that body. Mr Philip Hawe Mason was also held in high esteem. He held the position of Chairman of the School Board, and was Circuit Steward in connection with the Wesleyan body for many years.

Mr and Mrs Mason left Swindon in 1881 and such was Mrs Mason’s state of health that she had to be carried on to the boat.

During the time she was abroad, Mrs Mason enjoyed excellent health. It is only recently that Mr and Mrs Mason celebrated their golden wedding.

The Swindon Advertiser, Friday, May 20, 1904.

Their daughters Anne Hawe Mason died in 1927, Catherine Jessie Mason in 1940 and Agnes Martha Mason in 1944.

Thank you Noel – you can come home now.