"The Kansas City Post" (Missouri) Saturday, January 4, 1908 FOR HIS OWN COFFIN. Emery Mason Will Be Buried In Casket Made From Tree He Planted. Emery MASON, the aged veteran of the Mexican war, who died yesterday morning at his home west of Independence, will be buried in a casket made from lumber taken from a walnut tree, which he himself planted, watched it mature to a giant tree, and finally cut down and turned into lumber. The funeral services were held this afternoon at the MASON home and an old friend of the deceased, Lieutenant Hopkins HARDIN, conducted the ceremonies in compliance with a request made by his deceased comrade. Both men have seen the times that try men's souls, MASON having suffered untold privation during the Mexican war, and HARDIN being a survivor of the famous Pickett's brigade that made the memorable charge on the battlefield of Gettysburg. Emery MASON is believed to have been the oldest settler in Jackson county. Last summer he celebrated his ninety-first birthday anniversary. His wife, one daughter and two sons survive him. He was married 56 years ago, and has lived 56 years at the old home place in Jackson county. Born in the hill country of Tennessee, he came to this section of the country when but a boy. He witnessed the first legal hanging in the county in 1837. James PEACOCK, of Independence, was one of his comrades during the Mexican war, and the only surviving one. While with DONIPHAN on this expedition, Mr. MASON and twenty-three other soldiers were cut off from the main body of troops and he was the only one to get back to the command, his companions meeting death in various ways, and Mr. MASON's account of his own experience shows that his escape was almost miraculous. For nine days he was without food and for four days without water. Finally he killed his horse and ate some of the flesh; then --- and when he would tell the story he would give evidence of great feeling and awe --- a little bird directed him to a water hole by fluttering about on the ground until the weakened soldier investigated the cause and found a little pool of water. By scooping out the sand he was enabled to quench his thirst. A day later he was successful in his search for the main command. ====================================================== (I have no connection with this person but I'd appreciate knowing if you found this posting helpful.) ======================================================