Cast Iron Coffin Brings Giles County National Attention

In 2002, when I began covering relocation of the Mason Cemetery, I never imagined that a year later I’d be in the Smithsonian Institution as the remains believed to be those of planter and Confederate soldier Isaac Newton Mason were examined by a team of experts in...

Metal Coffins in 19th Century

Metal Coffins Were Expensive But Available in 19th Century Metal burial cases, which began to be used in Giles County in the 1850s, redefined the terminology of dead body containers away from the harsh connotations of “coffins.” The mummy-shaped cases had luxurious...

Clothing, Boots Help Tell Soldier’s Story

Clothing, Boots Help Tell Isaac Mason’s Story On May 28, a room filled with scientists and historians awaited removal of a heavy lid from a heavy cast iron coffin containing what was believed to be remains of Giles Countian Isaac Newton Mason, a private in the 11th...

Who Was Isaac Newton Mason?

Of the six metal caskets found in 2002 during the relocation of the Mason Cemetery, only the one believed to be Isaac Newton Mason remained sealed and intact. Although a portion of the tombstone was missing, the body was buried directly beside I.N. Mason’s parents and...

Examination Helped Confirm Mason’s Identity

Examination Helped Confirm Mason’s Identity When the heavy cast iron lid was hoisted from the coffin of what was believed to be Isaac Newton Mason’s remains in the Anthropology Conservation Laboratory on the third floor of the Smithsonian Institution on May 28, the...