| Administrative History | The firm of Joseph Mason as colour, paint and varnish manufacturer was established by 1835, with premises in Derwent Street, soon followed by additional premises in Burton Road. Although the direct family connection ended in the late nineteenth century, the firm continued well into the twentieth century, eventually becoming a cellulose manufacturer based in Nottingham Road.
These records mainly belong to the period when there was direct family involvement. Under Mrs Emma Henchley Mason's with a Trust was established which dealt with the business property.
It is not always clear from the records what exact relationship exists between different members of the family. John Mason's will 1790 (D3993/11/1) refers to his nephews (children of his brother, William) and niece (child of his sister Hannah, now Mrs Greasley). Joseph Mason appears as the nephew and beneficiary of T Francis Greasley in 1817 (D3993)/12). His relationship to Robert Mason mentioned in D3993/11/1 is not clear (perhaps brothers) but there is mention later (D3993/14) of Robert's descendants.
Joseph died in 1842, leaving his son George to carry out the business. George died in 1858. Although not clearly stated, it is likely that the next connections are through marriages. Mrs Emma Henchley Mason may be George's daughter or widow, married to Samuel Henchley (mentioned in D3993/4) who took the name Henchley Mason. Samuel died in 1867 (D3993/17/1)
Mrs E H Mason set up a trust in her will which administered the property and other sources of income into the 1950s. Her daughter Emma Mary Henchley Mason married J H Marjoribanks and the trustees under their marriage settlement were also involved in administering some of the Mason estate. |
| Custodial History | These items were purchased by Derbyshire Record Office in July 1994 |