John Mason (colonist)
John Mason  | |
|---|---|
| 8th Deputy Governor of the Connecticut Colony | |
| In office 1660–1669  | |
| Preceded by | John Winthrop the Younger | 
| Succeeded by | William Leete | 
| Personal details | |
| Born | October 1600 Ravensthorpe, Northamptonshire, England  | 
| Died | January 30, 1672 (aged 71) Norwich, Connecticut Colony, British America  | 
| Spouse | Anne Peck | 
| Children | 8 | 
| Signature | |
| Nickname | "The Major" | 
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  England Massachusetts Bay Colony Connecticut Colony  | 
| Branch/service | English Army Massachusetts Bay Militia Connecticut Militia  | 
| Rank | Major | 
| Battles/wars | Siege of Breda Siege of 's-Hertogenbosch Pequot War  | 
John Mason (October 1600 – January 30, 1672) was an English-born settler, soldier, commander and Deputy Governor of the Connecticut Colony. Mason was best known for leading a group of Puritan settlers and Indian allies on a combined attack on a Pequot Fort in an event known as the Mystic Massacre. The destruction and loss of life he oversaw effectively ended the hegemony of the Pequot tribe in southeast Connecticut.