Mason Cemetery

This historic burial ground was established in 1855 and was first known as the Mason graveyard, part of the rural community know as Canton (later called Omen and then Arp). Two of the early pioneers were Andrew Mason (1807-1862) and Phillip Wesley Horton (1829-1914) who both settled in the Canton area in the late 1840s.

Andrew's son, Owen Mason (1840-1884), married Nancy Williams (1835-1919) in 1857. Nancy's father, John Williams (1811-1855), was the first adult to be buried in Mason Cemetery. According to family lore, Nancy would often offer the burial ground for people who passed away while traveling through the area, although no headstones mark such interments. Many Mason descendants, family and friends are buried here.

Phillip Horton, son of Jefferson Horton (1803-1884), settled near the Mason family in 1849. He married Andrew Mason's daughter Nancy (1833-1902), in 1850. Their daughter, Malissa Ann Horton (1854-1855), was the first documented burial of a child at the cemetery. Phillip was a member of Canton Lodge #98, a Civil War veteran and a Royal Arch Mason. Many Horton descendants and family members are buried here.

Other notable burials include County Commissioner Hugh Anderson (1912-1980), five-time County Surveyor Moses Pace (1828-1913) and Texas Ranger Robert M. "Red" Arnold (1915-1979). Many veterans dating from the Civil War are buried at Mason Cemetery, signifying the importance of pride and community. Similarly, there are several tombstones reflecting associations with the Woodman of the World, Masons, and Order of the Eastern Star. As early as 1896, cemetery trustees contracted with Andrew J. Mason to maintain the grounds and preserve the heritage of early area settlers, farmers, business owners, educators, and citizens.

Historic Texas Cemetery - 2019