Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Mason, George Henry Monck
MASON, GEORGE HENRY MONCK (1825–1857), British resident at Jodhpore, born in 1825, was son of Captain Thomas Monck Mason, R.N., by his second wife, Mary, daughter of the Hon. Sir George Grey. His father was brother of Henry Joseph Monck Mason and William Monck Mason, and nephew of John Monck Mason, all of whom are noticed separately. In 1842 George was gazetted ensign in the 74th regiment of native infantry at Bengal, became lieutenant on 3 Oct. 1845, and was chosen assistant to the agent at Rajpootana on 11 May 1847. He distinguished himself in this capacity by his energy in capturing several robber-chiefs on the borders of Scinde. In these expeditions he was often accompanied by only a few sowars, and had to traverse vast tracks of barren country on camel-back, riding as many as seventy or eighty miles within the twenty-four hours, and subsisting for days upon chupatties and arrack. His services were rewarded by his being appointed political agent at Kerowlee, a small Rajpoot state. There he remained about six years, and his tact in dealing with a disputed succession to the rajah's throne gained him the thanks of the governor-general (Lord Dalhousie).
In March 1857 Mason succeeded Sir Richmond Shakespear as resident at Jodhpore. The mutiny of the Jodhpore legion, in Au- gust, placed him in a situation of fearful responsibility and danger. Many Europeans, including women and children, sought refuge in the residency. Mason rapidly provided for their safety, and sent a body of men to protect the sanatorium on Mount Aboo where others had taken shelter.
Soon afterwards intelligence was received at Jodhpore of the approach of the small force under General George Lawrence [q. v.], which was detained before the strong fort of Ahwa, then held by the rebels. Mason persuaded the rajah of Jodhpore to despatch troops to Lawrence's assistance, and insisted upon accompanying them. On approaching the fort the party entered a thick jungle, impassable to cavalry. The men accordingly halted, and Mason, attended only by two servants, proceeded on foot with the intention of making his way to Lawrence's camp. He suddenly came upon a group of sowars whom he supposed to belong to the British force, and he accepted their guidance. They were in reality mutineers, and when they had gone a few yards, two of them came up from behind and shot Mason dead (18 Sept. 1857).
Mason was an intimate friend of Sir Henry Lawrence [q. v.] He married Louisa, daughter of Dr. Cheyne, queen's physician in Ireland, by whom he had issue Gordon, an Indian official, and two daughters.
[Private information from the Rev. Thomas E. Hackett; Gent. Mag. 1858, pt. i. pp. 105-6; East India Register.]