The Dickinson press. (Dickinson, Stark County, D.T. [i.e. N.D.]) 1883-1927, 1916-11-11
STARK COUNTY
PIONEER MEETS
TERRIBLE FATE
BOTH FEET CUT OFF BY ROPE
ATTACHED TO FRIGHTENED
HORSE.
Cuts Rope with Pocket Knife But
Dies From Exposure and Loss
of Blood.

w o1CCI NAOoO1l3 81 4Co1NCAAI VI A4NNAiA
son for "a years, and familiarly
John Martin, died at his farm near
this city probably some time on
Thursday Of last week, and his dead
body was not discovered until the
following Sunday. A coroner's jury
was duly empaneled and rendered the
verdict he was dragged to death by
a horse which he was using to haul
posts from point on his farm to
the residence.
Otis Quinion while passing the
farm observed horse all saddled and
bridled running loose in the pasture
with other horses and on his COM
ing to Dickinson, Mentioned it to
Jerry Hayes, an old time friend of
Mr.. Mason's. Mr.. Hayes, immedi-
ately realizing that something was
wrong, drove to the farm and dis
covered the dead body about 20 yards
from the house.
While entangled in the rope de-
ceased had been able to get out a
pocket knife with which he severed
the rope, thus liberating the horse,
but before this could be accomplished
the rope had practically cut off both
legs at the ankle, terribly crushing
the bones. While in this condition
Mr.. Mason had evidently dragged
himself a distance of approximately
100 yards in an effort to gain the
residence, but at that point became
unconscious and died from loss of
blood and exposure.
The accident happened near snub-
bing post in the center of corral.
A long rope, tied to the horn of the
saddle, had evidently been attached to
a post with the intention of dragging
it to the house. In some way the
horse undoubtedly became frightened
and started to run around the post,
winding the unfortunate man into the
coils. Before the rope could be cut,
both legs were almost severed at the
ankle. The pocket knife which the
deceased used in liberating himself,
was found near the post and also his
hat. Two strands of the rope were
cut and the other torn apart by the
frightened horse.
Walter Mason was a gentleman Of
the old school. He was born at
Prattville, Mass, which is now part
of the city of Chelsea, a suburb Of
Boston, about ID years ago. During
all his life he had been an active,
alert and physically strong man. In
his very early manhood he enlisted
as private in Co. H, 43rd Regiment,
Mass. Vol. Inft., and served through
out that great conflict. Some time
after the close of the Civil war, and
while the excitement of the discovery
of gold in the Black Hills, South Da-
kota, was at it's zenith, he migrated
to that locality and there remained
until 1882, when he came to the spot
where Dickinson Is now located, at
that time mere buffalo trading camp
on the prairie. I,
Mr.. Mason was a college graduate
and had been educated in the law in
one of the prominent old schools OF
the country, though he never prac-
ticed that profession. During all the
years he has been in Dickinson and
vicinity he has been engaged in the
ranching business, although making
his home in the city. For many
years prior to 1891 he was in partner.
ship with Frank Lish in what was
known as the Cross S brand OF
horses. Later the partnership was
dissolved and Mr.. Mason conducted
the business in his own name. He
was a whole hearted, typical pioneer
western man of broad education and
generous disposition. He made but
few acquaintances, but those acquaint-
ances became and remained close per.
sonal friends to the end. A familiar
character on the streets Of Dickinson
for all these years, yet he was known
only to those of the older generation
Deceased leaves sister and several
nieces and nephews in the state Of
Continued on page sever)