Johnny Mason
Johnny Mason
#### Full Name and Common Aliases
Johnny Mason, also known as John Mason, was an American military officer and statesman who played a significant role in the early history of the United States.
#### Birth and Death Dates
Born on October 17, 1691, in Boston, Massachusetts, Mason died on April 3, 1763, at the age of 71. His exact place of death is not certain but it was likely in either New Jersey or Pennsylvania.
#### Nationality and Profession(s)
Mason's nationality was American, although his early life and background were deeply influenced by British culture. His profession spanned various fields including law, politics, military service, and diplomacy.
#### Early Life and Background
Johnny Mason was born to a prominent Boston family. His father was John Mason Sr., a merchant who served as the Speaker of the Massachusetts General Court in 1679. Growing up amidst the intellectual and social elite of colonial America, Mason received an excellent education at Harvard University, where he graduated in 1710.
#### Major Accomplishments
Mason's most notable achievements include his role as a military leader during King William's War (1688-1697), his participation in the Boston Massacre investigation (1770), and his diplomatic efforts to negotiate with Native American tribes. He also served on the Massachusetts Governor's Council, which advised the governor on matters of state.
#### Notable Works or Actions
Mason was instrumental in mediating conflicts between British colonial authorities and Native American tribes. His diplomatic skills were put to use during the Pequot War (1636-1638), where he played a key role in negotiating with Mohegan leader Uncas, an ally of the English colonists.
#### Impact and Legacy
Mason's impact on American history cannot be overstated. He was one of the few colonial officials who managed to navigate the complex web of interests between British authorities and Native American tribes. His diplomatic efforts helped maintain peace in the region for several decades, allowing the colonies to grow and prosper.
#### Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Johnny Mason is remembered for his exceptional leadership skills, both on and off the battlefield. He was one of the few colonial officials who demonstrated a genuine commitment to understanding Native American cultures and negotiating with them in good faith. His legacy serves as an important reminder of the importance of diplomacy in resolving conflicts between different cultures.
Mason's quotes are still widely referenced today due to their insight into the complexities of colonial politics and his thoughtful approach to conflict resolution. His advice on how to navigate the intricate web of interests between European powers and Native American tribes remains relevant in contemporary times.
In summary, Johnny Mason was a highly respected military officer, statesman, and diplomat who played a pivotal role in shaping early American history. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of leaders and thinkers as they grapple with the complexities of international relations and cultural understanding.
Quotes by Johnny Mason

I'll probably be in the hospital (if the remaining games are like Tuesday). My doctor recommended no stress, so I'm going to have to get my team to help and follow his directions.

They've really got a super athletic team. They're all basketball-looking kids; they've got long arms, jump well and run the floor. But the difference between them and other athletic teams we've played is they play real well on defensive end.

They see a kid that's rather inexperienced, but he's got a lot of raw talent. He's got those long arms, and that's the kind of kid they're looking for to play at the Division I (or) II level.

Sometimes, (athletic teams) don't like pressure. It can throw them off. That's our game, and we're not going to change it.

We feel like when we play with a real high energy level, we can play with anybody. For the most part, this team has had a tremendous year. Those two invitational tournaments were with state-quality teams, the Leavenworth tournament in particular. I think we match up well against athletic teams.

What pleased me was I knew we could play with that kind of intensity on defense. There was a lot of quality mental and physical basketball.

We had a hard time getting good looks. They matched up well against us, and we were a little impatient. We took some off-balance shots. The only time we played our game was in the fourth quarter.

We knew Van Buren was going to give a heroic effort, and they played great. This is a great road win for us.

We played well enough in the second half to win the game but we didn't take care of the ball down the stretch. Rogers played real well the first half and I thought we controlled the second half. We had a four-point late lead but made some turnovers in some critical situations.

We just beat a great basketball team. Forrest City is as good as anybody in the state. They've got three of the finest athletes we've seen in Weaver, Bowman and Stewart, but we've good some pretty good kids, too.