George Mason

Date of Birth: December 11, 1725

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Date of Death: October 7, 1792

Biography

George Mason was an American statesman and a delegate from Virginia to the U.S. Constitutional Convention of 1787. Born into a prominent colonial family, Mason was a leading advocate for individual liberties and is best known for his pivotal role in drafting the Virginia Declaration of Rights, which served as a model for the Bill of Rights of the United States Constitution. Despite his significant contributions, Mason refused to sign the Constitution, citing the lack of a bill of rights as a major flaw. He spent much of his life in public service, including time in the Virginia House of Burgesses and the Virginia General Assembly.

5 Interesting Facts about George Mason

1. George Mason was instrumental in drafting the Virginia Declaration of Rights in 1776, which influenced the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Bill of Rights.

2. He was a staunch opponent of slavery and refused to sign the Constitution partly because it did not abolish the slave trade.

3. Mason was a lifelong friend and later political adversary of George Washington, due to their differing views on the Constitution.

4. He was largely self-educated, having inherited his father’s extensive library, which he used to further his own learning.

5. Mason’s home, Gunston Hall, is now a museum and historic landmark, reflecting his architectural tastes and social status.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from George Mason

1. “All men are born equally free and independent, and have certain inherent natural rights of which they cannot, by any compact, deprive or divest their posterity.”

2. “I would sooner chop off my right hand than put it to the Constitution as it now stands.”

3. “A free press protects the rights of the people by serving as a watchdog over government.”

4. “The laws of nature are the laws of God; whose authority can be superseded by no power on earth.”

5. “Government is, or ought to be, instituted for the common benefit, protection, and security of the people, nation, or community.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

George Mason’s highest net worth is not precisely documented, but he was considered one of the wealthiest men in Virginia, owning extensive lands and a profitable plantation.

Children

George Mason had nine children with his wife Ann Eilbeck. They were: 1. George Mason V 2. William Mason 3. Thomson Mason 4. Mary Thomson Mason 5. Ann Eilbeck Mason 6. Richard Mason 7. James Mason 8. John Mason 9. Sarah Eilbeck Mason