William Mason (1867 - 1917)

William Mason was born in Much Wenlock. He was baptised there on 29th January, 1867. He was the son of John Mason, a Wheelwright, and his wife, Harriet. Shortly after William's birth the family moved to Bridgnorth where John worked as a carpenter. In 1881 they were living in St Mary's Street but by 1891 they had moved to 'The Barrel', Salop Street where John's occupation is recorded as 'carpenter and innkeeper'.

William worked as a jobbing blacksmith. He also served in the Shropshire Militia for a short while. He married Sarah Jane Martin at Tasley Church on 21st June, 1892. They had two sons, Arthur and Fred. By 1901 they had moved to Quatford where they lived at 4, Chapel Lane.

William had to walk long distances in all weathers in order to find work. He regularly got soaking wet and began to suffer attacks of rheumatic fever.

Despite his ill health, William volunteered to 'do his bit' in June 1915. He knocked a few years off his real age and was accepted 'Not fit for infantry but is fit for a working blacksmith'. He was assessed as a 'proficient blacksmith' and was posted to the Engineers Training Centre at Newark.

Unfortunately William's health continued to decline and he was 'Discharged permanently unfit' suffering from Myalgia. His character on discharge was recorded as 'very good'. He died just over a year later on 18th September 1917, aged 51. He is buried in the churchyard at Quatford where his grave is marked by a military headstone.

For some reason William's name was not included on the 'Roll of Honour' in Quatford Church.