M. E. Mason (Matts) (1856-1924) came to Dakota Territory in 1879. He filed on a tree claim in Anderson Township. In 1879 Mr. Mason and Carrie Thompson were married at Rushford, Minnesota and the journey to Valley City was their wedding trip. Carrie Thompson (1855-1934) was born at Skein Helemarken, Norway, and came to the United States with her family in 1861 and settled near Rushford in Fillmore County, Minnesota. She resided in Valley City for fifty-four years. Their children were: Edwin K.; Clarence T.; and Milton H.
Mr. M. E. Mason was in the hardware and machinery business with his brother, Mart; the firm name was Mason Brothers. He served on the Valley City Council three terms-1895-1900.
Source: Barnes County History 1976 Page 153