I'm not related, but research all pioneers of the area and have some notes that may help. According to the personal register of Rev. Alexander Lewis, Presbyterian Minister of Mono Mills (original register housed at the Peel County Archives) John Mason and Barbara Mercer were married April 19 1852 by Rev. Lewis. It appears, however, that this was one of many of Lewis' records that didn't make it to the County Registrar. The Mono Mills Presbyterian Birth Register shows the following children born to them ... Ann Barkley born 24 June 1854, Stewart born 21 Dec. 1856, Thomas James born 15 Apr. 1862 and Joseph Anderson born 6 Dec. 1864. This register is missing Robert Mercer born c1860 and Matilda Jane born c1869. Death Record #027161-09 Adjala Township, Simcoe County John Mason - male, white - died July 13 1909 at Lot 1 Con. 2 Adjala - age 78 years - born Adjala - farmer - widower - father: Stewart Mason born Ireland - mother: Ann Barkley born Ireland - Dr. Dunning - certified by Stewart Mason, Mono Mills - registered July 13 1909 A few items that may answer some of your other questions ... Orangeville Banner, January 11, 1934, page 8 - Stuart Mason Stuart Mason, a lifelong resident of Mono Mills district, died at his late residence, 35 Jane St., Toronto, on Sunday, January 7th, at the age of 77 years. Mr. Mason, who had been in ill-health for some months, had been living in Toronto since last October. Born on a farm east of Mono Mills, he had farmed in that neighborhood until his retirement a few years ago, when he moved into the village. In politics he was a supporter of the Conservative party, but was a man of independent thought and action, who usually made his own decisions on matters of public policy. A former member of the Presbyterian church had had been identified with Mono Mills United Church since the time of church union. Intelligent, well-informed and possessing the courage of his convictions, Mr. Mason was a fine representative of the honest, sturdy and industrious men and women who built up farm life and rural institutions in this section. Conscientious in all he did, kindly and obliging in his dealings with his neighbors. He was a man who enjoyed the goodwill and respect of the community in which he lived. His loss is mourned by his wife, formerly Miss Margaret Potter, a son, Dr. Mercer Mason, of Toronto, two daughters; Mrs. Fred Charles, Toronto, and Mrs. W. E. McClelland, Rocanville, Sask., a brother, Joseph Mason, Mono Mills, and a sister, Mrs. Olive Tench, Newmarket. He was predeceased by two brothers, the late Thos. Mason, of Mono Mills, and Dr. R. M. Mason, of Fenelon Falls, at one time M.P.P. for Victoria County. A short service was held at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Charles, 161 Colbeck Ave., Toronto, on Monday night. Public service was held by Rev. A. J. Orr in Mono Mills United Church Tuesday afternoon and was followed by interment in St. John's cemetery, 7th line, Mono. The obsequies were largely attended, the Mono Mills church being crowded to the doors for the service. Many beautiful flowers bore mute testimony to the esteem and sorrow of Mono Mills and Toronto friends. The pallbearers were two nephews, Barclay and Stuart Mason, Toronto, and Messrs. John Moon, Oswald Potter, Ed. Patterson and John Butt. Orangeville Banner, December 6, 1928, page 2 - Thomas J. Mason A very highly respected resident of Adjala passed away on Friday, November 23rd, in the person of Thomas James Mason, after a short illness following an attack of pneumonia. Mr. Mason, who had reached the age of 66 years, was a son of the late John Mason, his mother being Miss Barbara Mercer before her marriage. He had lived all his life on the farm, where he died, his father before him having been born on the same property about 97 years ago. He was a brother of the late Dr. Robt. M. Mason, who represented the constituency of Victoria in the Provincial House for about twelve years. The late Mrs. Thomas Guest, of Adjala, was a sister, and two brothers, Stuart Mason, of Mono Mills, and Joseph Mason, of Adjala, and one sister, Mrs. Oliver Tench, of Newmarket, are the surviving members of the family. About twenty-five years ago the late Mr. Mason was married to Miss Jennie Young, of Ballycroy, who also survives to mourn the loss of her husband. Deceased was widely known and enjoyed the happiest associations with a large circle of friends. He was a good friend and a generous and obliging neighbor, never refusing assistance to any worthy cause. He was a staunch Presbyterian and a Conservative in politics. The funeral was held on Monday, November 26th, to St. John's cemetery in Mono, services being conducted by Rev. E. H. Lockhart, of Caledon East, and Rev. R. K. Burnside, of Mono Mills. The pallbearers were Messrs. Ed. Patterson, John McElwain, Elgin Patterson, James Kidd, John Moon and John E. Jackson, all neighbors. A large offering of beautiful flowers bore mute testimony to the high esteem and affection in which Mr. Mason was held by the whole community. Orangeville Banner, June 11, 1936, page 10 Joseph A. MASON Deep sorrow has fallen upon the more than century old landmark, the home of the Mason family, the descendants of the late John Mason and his wife, Barbara Mercer Mason, on the Second Line of Adjala township. Their youngest and only surviving son, Joseph Anderson Mason, who had attained to the honorable age of 71 years, passed peacefully away on Friday, May 29th, 1936. His death occurred in the lovely old home nestling beside a murmuring brook amidst scenic splendor of more than passing beauty and enchantment. On this farm he was born. Here he lived a very exemplary, devoted Christian life and it was here that he entered into that promised land from which no traveller e'er returns. At the early age of 37 years he suffered a very severe paralytic stroke, causing deep and lasting bodily affliction;fortunately his mind was unaffected and he remained mentally clear, alert and cheerful, possessing a disposition that attracted and held a large circle of friends in the surrounding community. Remaining to mourn his loss are his sister, Mrs. Oliver E. Tench, Newmarket, the last and only surviving member of the family, Mrs. Stuart Mason, Mrs. (Dr.) Robert M. Mason, Mrs. Thomas J. Mason and their son, Kenneth, residing on the homestead, and a large connection of nephews and nieces as well. The late Mr. Mason was predeceased by his sister, Mrs. Thomas Guest, of Adjala township, also by his brothers, Stuart, of Mono Mills, Dr. Robert M., of Fenelon Falls, M. L. A. for Victoria for almost twelve years, and Thomas J., who conducted the home farm up to the time of his demise in November 1928. Joseph was brought up under the strict discipline of the Presbyterian faith, to which he faithfully adhered. He was a respected member of long standing in Mono Mills L. O. L. No. 192 and was a Conservative in politics. The funeral was held from the home, lot 1, con. 2, Adjala, to St. John's cemetery, 7th line, Mono, on Sunday afternoon, May 31st. The services were conducted by Dr. J. H. Woodside, pastor of Orangeville Presbyterian church. A very large gathering of relatives, friends and sympathetic neighbors accompanied the remains from the home to their last resting place in the family burial plot. The pallbearers were Messrs. Stuart A. Mason, J. Barkley Mason, Dr. R. Mercer Mason, Kenneth Mason and James Guest, nephews, and Mr. John Butt. The floral tributes, so kindly donated, including an offering placed at the grave by an unknown sympathizer, were each and all very beautiful. The family tender to their friends their deep appreciation and sincere thanks. In our secret hearts, Still we name; The distant and the dear. Orangeville Sun, March 19, 1891, page 2 - Connor The ranks of the old settlers of Adjala are getting thinner and thinner as time flies by, and the latest to disappear from our midst is Mr. Joseph Mercer, a well-known and high-respected resident of this township, who died on Saturday last, the 14th inst. Mr. Mercer, who was 59 years old, came to Adjala about forty years ago and has resided here ever since. About three years ago he was stricken down by a paraletic stroke, from the effects of which he did not fully recover. On Thursday and Friday he experienced two more paraletic strokes and on Saturday died. The deceased gentleman was a strict adherent to the Presbyterian church, but was held in high esteem by all classes and creeds. In politics he was a loyal supporter of the Conservative cause and at the last elections, although very sick, he insisted on going to the polls and casting his vote for R. S. White. A wife and three grown up children, one son and two daughters, survive him and they have the sympathy of the entire community. The funeral took place to St. John's cemetery, 7th line, Mono, on Monday and was very largely attended. Rev. Mr. Orr, pastor of the Presbyterian church, officiated at the grave. Deceased was a brother of Mr. T. L. Mercer, of Mercer & Cobean, harnessmakers, Orangeville. 1901 Obituary - Orangeville Sun LAID AT REST! Sudden death of Mrs. James Snell of Mono on Friday It is with sincere regret that we are called upon to chronicle the death of a respected resident of Mono in the person of Martha M. Mercer, beloved wife of Mr. James Snell, who died on Friday morning. [5th March] Mrs Snell, who was 57 years of age, had not been enjoying the best of health for several months, but did not take to her bed until a day or so before her demise. The announcement of her death caused the greatest sorrow among a large circle of friends, for she was very higly esteemed by all who knew her for her many excellent qualilties. Mrs. Snell was a daughter of the late Robert Mercer and a sister of Mr. T.L. Mercer of this town and was a native of the township of Adjala. She was married to Mr. Snell thirty-seven years ago and a family of four daughters and one son was a result of the union. Besides a husband, she is survived by Miss Ella and Enoch at home, Mrs. R.H. Duke of Ottawa, Mrs. Babe of Shelburne and Mrs. Hackett of Hockley. They have the sympathy of the community in their bereavement. The funeral took place from her late residence, lot 3, concession 8 Mono, on Sunday afternoon to Snell's church cemetery, and was probably the largest funeral ever held in the township. Hundreds of people were present from Orangeville, Toronto, Shelburne, Mono, Adjala, Albion and other places. In fact, the crowd was so big that it was decided to walk to the cemetery, for there was not room enough for quarter of the teams. The large turn-out testified to the high esteem in which deceased was held. Rev. Isaac Couch, pastor of Snell's church, conducted religious services in the church, which was completely filled long before the body arrived. Half the people could not gain admittance. The rev. gentleman preached an eloquent memorial sermon. He took as his text: Revelation chap. 14 verse 13: "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord." Rev. Mr. Couch dealt with the high reputation of deceased and pointed out the great benefit received in leading a good christian life. The remains were followed to the grave by many members of the Chosen Friends of which deceased was a member. Six nephews acted as pallbearers; Messrs. R. Mason, John McCoy, Robert and Albert Mercer, George and Andrew Snell. The Sun extends its sincere sympathy to the bereaved ones. If you have any questions you may contact me directly at sheiladavidson@sympatico.ca Sheila Davidson, Orangeville, Ontario -----Original Message----- From: can-ont-simcoe-bounces@rootsweb.com [mailto:can-ont-simcoe-bounces@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of gc-gateway@rootsweb.com Sent: July 22, 2007 10:04 PM To: CAN-ONT-SIMCOE-L@rootsweb.com Subject: [CAN-ONT-SIMCOE] John Mason of Adjala This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: mariap621 Surnames: Mason; Mercer; Barkley Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.canada.ontario.simcoe/2503/mb. ashx Message Board Post: I'm looking for any info on a John Mason who was from Adjala Twp, probably lived around Connor. He possibly was born around the 1830s and married a Mercer girl, name unknown. The girl's mother's name was Mary and she had at least 2 brothers, Robert and Joseph. It is believed that they had one daughter, Anne and at least 3 sons Stewart, Robert Mercer and Thomas. There have been comments that there is a Barkley connection, but unsure. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. 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