Wilson - Katherine (Wilson) Mason (1858-1955) aka Kate

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Wilson - Katherine (Wilson) Mason (1858-1955) aka Kate

Katherine “Kate” Ann Wilson (1858-1955) was born in 1858 to John G. Wilson and Sarah Ann (Milliken) Mason in Bass Harbor, Maine. Katherine married William Emerson Wilson (1859-1937), son of William Thomas Mason and Mercy Jane (Gott) Mason, on January 5, 1882. Katherine Ann (Wilson) Mason died on March 4, 1955 in Southwest Harbor, Maine.

Katherine was the sister-in-law of Mary Jane (Mason) Mason, Mrs. Joseph B. Mason, who was an ardent supporter of the Southwest Harbor Public Library and, therefore, the aunt of Maude E. (Mason) Trask, one of its first librarians. Reading was apparently important to the Mason family.

"The committee to arrange for the dedication [on October 31, 1895] of the new [Southwest Harbor Public Library] building was composed of Dr. J. D. Phillips, Mrs. Nathan Clark, Mrs. Arvilla Clark, Mrs. O. W. Cousins and Mrs. William Mason." - “Traditions and Records of Southwest Harbor and Somesville, Mount Desert Island, Maine” by Mrs. Seth S. Thornton, 1938, p. 115.

"The first literary or reading-club was formed in 1897 by Rev. George H. Hefflon, a Yale graduate, then pastor of the Congregational church. The first meeting was held at the home of Mrs. Nathan Clark on March 2, 1897. Mrs. William Mason was the first president. This was very popular for several years, but it finally died out." - “Traditions and Records of Southwest Harbor and Somesville, Mount Desert Island, Maine” by Mrs. Seth S. Thornton, 1938, p. 123.