James Mason, born in Tean, Staffordshire, England, founded Mason
Color as "Bleak Place Color Works" in 1842. He and his wife, Mary
Skerratt of Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, well known as a superbly
competent color chemist, operated the plant until James’ death in 1865.
After serving an apprenticeship under his parents, their only child, Augustus
Frederick Mason, with his wife Keziah Jones, took ownership and
continued producing colors at Bleak Place. Their son, Fortunatus
Quartus Mason, obtained
degrees in Inorganic Chemistry and Analysis from the Wedgwood Institute,
working with his parents until leaving England for America in 1902.
Fortunatus settled in East Liverpool, Ohio, and founded Mason Color Works, the
first ceramic color factory in the USA, in October, 1902. "F. Q." Mason,
as he was widely known, married Druscilla Creighton of Malvern,
Ohio. They had six children, of whom Gertrude Mason and Ronald
K. Mason took up employment
at the plant, continuing the family legacy.
When F. Q. died in 1961, "Ron" Mason became president. He and his wife, Marjorie
Franklin of East Liverpool, had three children, David, Ann and Carol, all of
whom worked at the East Liverpool plant. Ron was very widely respected in the
ceramic industry, and the plant continued to prosper under his leadership.
After Ron died in 1991 his son, David, became president, Carol and Ann vice-presidents.
They successfully continued to expand the plant and the product line. David became
ill and died at 49 years old in July, 2000. An old family friend, Don Linger,
then became president of Mason Color Works, Inc. A new Board of Directors was
established, and the company continues to expand, and is now shipping its famous
products to many countries throughout the world.
2002 marks the 160th anniversary of Mason Color as a family concern. Its products
are widely used in ceramics, investment casting, swimming-pool plasters and surfaces,
home fireplace appliances, and various other industries. The superb quality of
its inorganic pigments combined with low prices and rapid delivery enables Mason
to remain at the top of its field. Expansion of the business is still in progress,
with new techniques and products creating an ever-increasing market. We encourage
new contacts to experience the friendly, family way in which we do business.
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