Individual Details
Henry DELONG
(Jan 1848 - Jan 1849 - 11 Apr 1934)
1850 Putnam Co., IL, page 329b.
Martha Delong, 29 (1820-21) born Ohio, head of household, real estate valued at $3,000.
Hannah Delong, 13 (1836-37), born IL
Sarah Delong, 11 (1838-38), born IL
James Delong, 7 (1842-43), born IL
Rebecca Delong, 5 (1844-45), born IL
Martha Delong, 3 (1846-47), born IL
Henry Delong, 1 (1848-49), born IL
Jacob Lawson, 29 (1820-21), born Norway, laborer,
Living next door to Rebecca Sherman and to Emery Sherman.
Newspaper article from 1873 was given to the author by another researcher. a few lines were cut off and they did not note the date or the name of the newspaper. It reads:
"Terrible Calamity!
Four Persons Burned to Death! -
Last week a report was received in this city that a terrible calamity by fire had befallen Mr. Alexander Carnes and Mr. Henry Carnes, of Jefferson, Iowa, by which four lives were lost. The Messrs. Carnes were formerly residents of this city, and brothers-in-law of Mr. J. D. Tower and Frank Shipley. Last week Mr. Tower started for Jefferson, Iowa, and this week he sent back a copy of the Jefferson paper, from which we copy the particulars of the fearful occurrence. The Jefferson paper of the 7th inst. says:
We are called upon to chronicle the most horrible occurrence that ever saddened the hearts of our community, and one, everything considered, almost without precedent in the records of fires for its sweeping and terrible work. On Saturday morning last at four o'clock the residence of Mr. Alexander Carnes, in Bristol township, a distance of seven miles northwest of Jefferson, took fire from some unknown cause, and was entirely consumed, together with four of the occupants - Alexander and Henry Carnes and two children of the latter. The two families were living in the house for the time being - Henry recently removing to this county from Illinois. A stiff breeze was blowing from the southeast at the time, with the thermometer indicating about 20 degrees below. The supposition is that the west part of the house caught fire first. It was used as a general storage room, and not being occupied by any one. the fire got under good headway before discovered. At any rate the west portion was the first burned, as the east half was still standing after some of the neighbors reached the scene of the conflagration. The first alarm was given by Mrs. Alexander Carnes, who says the roof and ceiling over the bedroom which she and her husband occupied, were literally wrapped in flames. She succeeded in saving her children, and the men in the meantime went to the rescue of Mrs. Henry Carnes, who was bedfast from having just been confined. She was taken out and placed in a sleigh near at hand. The brothers then went in after the two children of Henry Carnes, and succeeded in getting them as far as the door, only to meet resistance there, and, succumbing to the fire and smoke, perished in the flames. The body of Alexander Carnes was found directly in front of the door, while that of Henry was about three feet to the north. The children were lying by their sides, apparently just as they had fallen. Mr. Henry DeLong, a brother-in-law of Alexander Carnes, who had returned from Illinois a day or two before, and was stopping at the house, we are informed, says he succeeded in opening the door wide enough to take hold of Alex. Carnes' arm, but could not open it wide enough to let him escape. - There are many conflicting stories as to the burning, of its probable causes, &c. There is considerable blame attached to the conduct of DeLong, some charging him with criminal neglect and some even charging him with the double crime of arson and murder, while others support him and claim that he did all in his power to save the victims. There is something very mysterious about the matter which time only can unravel. The fact of DeLong being a desperate character who is known to have threatened vengeance upon Carnes and others in our community - is certainly unfortunate for him in connection with this affair, however innocent he may be. We hope he can and will satisfy all doubts as to his guilt, and let us in the meantime warn our citizens against undue prejudice in their minds, inasmuch as the law presumes him innocent until proven the opposite. DeLong's feet and hands were quite badly frozen, and he is now at Mr. Willoughby's, where he is under treatment. Mrs. Alex. Carnes and children were also kindly cared for by the family of Willoughby. Mrs. Henry Carnes and babe were taken to the residence of William Streams, nearly a mile distant. While the mercury stood twenty-five degrees below zero, and it is strange that she did not take cold, but she is doing as well as could be expected under the extraordinary circumstances attending her present condition - the losing of her husband and her two children in a manner so terrible. She was on Thursday removed to the residence of Mr. Jesse Johnson, where she is cared for.
Both of the Carnes brothers were men highly esteemed by their neighbors for their integrity as citizens and for being hard-working farmers, and the manner in which things are kept up about the farm indicate this.
P.S. - Since writing the above we learn that DeLong, fearing mob-violence came to Jefferson on Wednesday and
[at least one line is cut off and was copied side-ways to the rest of the article.]
the sheriff's residence and demanded the custody of DeLong. The sheriff did not see fit to surrender him without resistance, and the leaders of the "committee", instead of ordering a charge on the sheriff, counseled a retreat, and soon left for their homes. They evidently came with the intention of making quick work of DeLong, and to the resolute stand taken by Sheriff Watts he undoubtedly is indebted for life at this time."
"Passing in Exeter An Anthology of Exeter's Necrologies" Compiled by Katherine Mangini and Dorothy Tyhurst, Brewer's Historical Press, Exeter, California, April, 1999. Copy at the Exeter Library. The book contains copies of obituaries from the Exeter Sun. There are two items for Henry Delong.
"Aged Pioneer Killed by Auto at Three Rivers
Henry DeLong, 85, Fought Rebellious Indians, Drove Team in Grain Fields -
Three Rivers (Tulare Co.). April 12 [1934] - Henry DeLong, 85, old-time Indian fighter and teamster, died last night in the Woodlake Hospital three hours after he was struck by an automobile driven by D. F. Fields of Rock Springs, Wyo., on the road near the Butze Ranch, just south of here.
Fields, who was returning with a party of tourists from a trip to Sequoia National Park, told investigating officers the aged man, who was returning to his own ranch home with a pail of milk from a neighboring ranch, apparently became confused by the headlights of the automobile and stepped directly in the path of the vehicle. He suffered a skull fracture and internal injuries.
The accident occurred at 8 o'clock. DeLong was rushed to the hospital by neighbors and lived only three hours.
Coroner J. M. Hadley conducted an investigation and announced that an inquest was to be held in the Hadley Funeral Parlors in Exeter this afternoon at 2:30 o'clock.
The aged man, a native of Illinois, fought the rebellious Indians in the Dakotas following the Custer massacre. He came to California more than fifty years ago. He was a teamster in the valley grain fields in the early days and also drove teams in the Mineral King Country. More recently he engaged in ranching here. Surviving him is his third wife, Mrs. Elizabeth DeLong of this district, and a nephew, Henry Ewing of Exeter.
Funeral services will be held tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock in the Hadley Parlors in Exeter, with Rev. S. B. Cooper officiating. Burial will be in the Exeter Cemetery."
On April 19, 1934, this item ran, also in the Exeter Sun.
"Funeral Services Are Held Here For Henry DeLong, 86 -
Pioneer of County Fatally Injured When Struck By Automobile -
Funeral services for Henry DeLong of Three Rivers, aged 86, Indian fighter in the Dakotas following the Custer massacre and a resident of Tulare County since 1882, who was fatally injured Wednesday evening near Three Rivers when struck by an automobile, were conducted Friday afternoon at two o'clock on the Exeter Hadley Parlors, with the Rev. S. B. Cooper of the First Baptist church officiating. Interment was made in the Exeter Cemetery.
While returning from a neighboring ranch to his ranch home shortly before eight o'clock Wednesday evening, the aged man apparently became confused by the glare of headlights and stepped directly in front of a car driven by D. F. Fields of Rock Springs, Wyoming, near the Butze ranch below Three Rivers. Taken to the Woodlake hospital, the accident victim died three hours later of a fractured skull and internal injuries.
The driver of the automobile, en route with relatives from Seuoia National park to southern California, was exonerated of responsibility for the accident by a coroner's jury which convened here Thursday afternoon, returning a verdict that the deceased died "from injuries sustained in an unavoidable automobile accident on the highway near Three Rivers."
Members of the coroner's jury were: Clarence Watson, W. E. Carder, A. L. Stuart, W. A. Stearns, Bert Killebrew, and Casey Lawrence.
Pall bearers at the funeral rites were Frank Montgomery, Edgar Wilson, T. E. Awbrey, J. E. Schelling, A. L. Montgomery and D. M. Ferril.
DeLong was born in Illinois in 1849, moved to Iowa and purchased land for $3 an acre there, which he planted. He met up with a party of miners later and went to the Black Hills and prospected until his finances gave out. He entered the United States army service to avenge the death of General George Custer in 1876 and spent nine months in Wyoming searching for the Indian chief, Sitting Bull. He freighted from Denver with an eight-mule team and a jerk line and drove over the Ute pass into Cripple Creek mining district. When DeLong came to California 52 years ago, he settled in the district, which is now known as Exeter, assisting John Firebaugh in plowing the vast grain fields under cultivation at that time. He was a teamster, and drove teams in the Mineral King country years ago. For more than twenty years the deceased had made his home in the Three Rivers district.
Survivors are the widow, Mrs. Elizabeth DeLong of Three Rivers, and one nephew, Henry S. Ewing of this district."
Note that one of the obituaries says the widow was his third wife. As of November, 2010, I have only located two wives and neither of the marriage records.
Martha Delong, 29 (1820-21) born Ohio, head of household, real estate valued at $3,000.
Hannah Delong, 13 (1836-37), born IL
Sarah Delong, 11 (1838-38), born IL
James Delong, 7 (1842-43), born IL
Rebecca Delong, 5 (1844-45), born IL
Martha Delong, 3 (1846-47), born IL
Henry Delong, 1 (1848-49), born IL
Jacob Lawson, 29 (1820-21), born Norway, laborer,
Living next door to Rebecca Sherman and to Emery Sherman.
Newspaper article from 1873 was given to the author by another researcher. a few lines were cut off and they did not note the date or the name of the newspaper. It reads:
"Terrible Calamity!
Four Persons Burned to Death! -
Last week a report was received in this city that a terrible calamity by fire had befallen Mr. Alexander Carnes and Mr. Henry Carnes, of Jefferson, Iowa, by which four lives were lost. The Messrs. Carnes were formerly residents of this city, and brothers-in-law of Mr. J. D. Tower and Frank Shipley. Last week Mr. Tower started for Jefferson, Iowa, and this week he sent back a copy of the Jefferson paper, from which we copy the particulars of the fearful occurrence. The Jefferson paper of the 7th inst. says:
We are called upon to chronicle the most horrible occurrence that ever saddened the hearts of our community, and one, everything considered, almost without precedent in the records of fires for its sweeping and terrible work. On Saturday morning last at four o'clock the residence of Mr. Alexander Carnes, in Bristol township, a distance of seven miles northwest of Jefferson, took fire from some unknown cause, and was entirely consumed, together with four of the occupants - Alexander and Henry Carnes and two children of the latter. The two families were living in the house for the time being - Henry recently removing to this county from Illinois. A stiff breeze was blowing from the southeast at the time, with the thermometer indicating about 20 degrees below. The supposition is that the west part of the house caught fire first. It was used as a general storage room, and not being occupied by any one. the fire got under good headway before discovered. At any rate the west portion was the first burned, as the east half was still standing after some of the neighbors reached the scene of the conflagration. The first alarm was given by Mrs. Alexander Carnes, who says the roof and ceiling over the bedroom which she and her husband occupied, were literally wrapped in flames. She succeeded in saving her children, and the men in the meantime went to the rescue of Mrs. Henry Carnes, who was bedfast from having just been confined. She was taken out and placed in a sleigh near at hand. The brothers then went in after the two children of Henry Carnes, and succeeded in getting them as far as the door, only to meet resistance there, and, succumbing to the fire and smoke, perished in the flames. The body of Alexander Carnes was found directly in front of the door, while that of Henry was about three feet to the north. The children were lying by their sides, apparently just as they had fallen. Mr. Henry DeLong, a brother-in-law of Alexander Carnes, who had returned from Illinois a day or two before, and was stopping at the house, we are informed, says he succeeded in opening the door wide enough to take hold of Alex. Carnes' arm, but could not open it wide enough to let him escape. - There are many conflicting stories as to the burning, of its probable causes, &c. There is considerable blame attached to the conduct of DeLong, some charging him with criminal neglect and some even charging him with the double crime of arson and murder, while others support him and claim that he did all in his power to save the victims. There is something very mysterious about the matter which time only can unravel. The fact of DeLong being a desperate character who is known to have threatened vengeance upon Carnes and others in our community - is certainly unfortunate for him in connection with this affair, however innocent he may be. We hope he can and will satisfy all doubts as to his guilt, and let us in the meantime warn our citizens against undue prejudice in their minds, inasmuch as the law presumes him innocent until proven the opposite. DeLong's feet and hands were quite badly frozen, and he is now at Mr. Willoughby's, where he is under treatment. Mrs. Alex. Carnes and children were also kindly cared for by the family of Willoughby. Mrs. Henry Carnes and babe were taken to the residence of William Streams, nearly a mile distant. While the mercury stood twenty-five degrees below zero, and it is strange that she did not take cold, but she is doing as well as could be expected under the extraordinary circumstances attending her present condition - the losing of her husband and her two children in a manner so terrible. She was on Thursday removed to the residence of Mr. Jesse Johnson, where she is cared for.
Both of the Carnes brothers were men highly esteemed by their neighbors for their integrity as citizens and for being hard-working farmers, and the manner in which things are kept up about the farm indicate this.
P.S. - Since writing the above we learn that DeLong, fearing mob-violence came to Jefferson on Wednesday and
[at least one line is cut off and was copied side-ways to the rest of the article.]
the sheriff's residence and demanded the custody of DeLong. The sheriff did not see fit to surrender him without resistance, and the leaders of the "committee", instead of ordering a charge on the sheriff, counseled a retreat, and soon left for their homes. They evidently came with the intention of making quick work of DeLong, and to the resolute stand taken by Sheriff Watts he undoubtedly is indebted for life at this time."
"Passing in Exeter An Anthology of Exeter's Necrologies" Compiled by Katherine Mangini and Dorothy Tyhurst, Brewer's Historical Press, Exeter, California, April, 1999. Copy at the Exeter Library. The book contains copies of obituaries from the Exeter Sun. There are two items for Henry Delong.
"Aged Pioneer Killed by Auto at Three Rivers
Henry DeLong, 85, Fought Rebellious Indians, Drove Team in Grain Fields -
Three Rivers (Tulare Co.). April 12 [1934] - Henry DeLong, 85, old-time Indian fighter and teamster, died last night in the Woodlake Hospital three hours after he was struck by an automobile driven by D. F. Fields of Rock Springs, Wyo., on the road near the Butze Ranch, just south of here.
Fields, who was returning with a party of tourists from a trip to Sequoia National Park, told investigating officers the aged man, who was returning to his own ranch home with a pail of milk from a neighboring ranch, apparently became confused by the headlights of the automobile and stepped directly in the path of the vehicle. He suffered a skull fracture and internal injuries.
The accident occurred at 8 o'clock. DeLong was rushed to the hospital by neighbors and lived only three hours.
Coroner J. M. Hadley conducted an investigation and announced that an inquest was to be held in the Hadley Funeral Parlors in Exeter this afternoon at 2:30 o'clock.
The aged man, a native of Illinois, fought the rebellious Indians in the Dakotas following the Custer massacre. He came to California more than fifty years ago. He was a teamster in the valley grain fields in the early days and also drove teams in the Mineral King Country. More recently he engaged in ranching here. Surviving him is his third wife, Mrs. Elizabeth DeLong of this district, and a nephew, Henry Ewing of Exeter.
Funeral services will be held tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock in the Hadley Parlors in Exeter, with Rev. S. B. Cooper officiating. Burial will be in the Exeter Cemetery."
On April 19, 1934, this item ran, also in the Exeter Sun.
"Funeral Services Are Held Here For Henry DeLong, 86 -
Pioneer of County Fatally Injured When Struck By Automobile -
Funeral services for Henry DeLong of Three Rivers, aged 86, Indian fighter in the Dakotas following the Custer massacre and a resident of Tulare County since 1882, who was fatally injured Wednesday evening near Three Rivers when struck by an automobile, were conducted Friday afternoon at two o'clock on the Exeter Hadley Parlors, with the Rev. S. B. Cooper of the First Baptist church officiating. Interment was made in the Exeter Cemetery.
While returning from a neighboring ranch to his ranch home shortly before eight o'clock Wednesday evening, the aged man apparently became confused by the glare of headlights and stepped directly in front of a car driven by D. F. Fields of Rock Springs, Wyoming, near the Butze ranch below Three Rivers. Taken to the Woodlake hospital, the accident victim died three hours later of a fractured skull and internal injuries.
The driver of the automobile, en route with relatives from Seuoia National park to southern California, was exonerated of responsibility for the accident by a coroner's jury which convened here Thursday afternoon, returning a verdict that the deceased died "from injuries sustained in an unavoidable automobile accident on the highway near Three Rivers."
Members of the coroner's jury were: Clarence Watson, W. E. Carder, A. L. Stuart, W. A. Stearns, Bert Killebrew, and Casey Lawrence.
Pall bearers at the funeral rites were Frank Montgomery, Edgar Wilson, T. E. Awbrey, J. E. Schelling, A. L. Montgomery and D. M. Ferril.
DeLong was born in Illinois in 1849, moved to Iowa and purchased land for $3 an acre there, which he planted. He met up with a party of miners later and went to the Black Hills and prospected until his finances gave out. He entered the United States army service to avenge the death of General George Custer in 1876 and spent nine months in Wyoming searching for the Indian chief, Sitting Bull. He freighted from Denver with an eight-mule team and a jerk line and drove over the Ute pass into Cripple Creek mining district. When DeLong came to California 52 years ago, he settled in the district, which is now known as Exeter, assisting John Firebaugh in plowing the vast grain fields under cultivation at that time. He was a teamster, and drove teams in the Mineral King country years ago. For more than twenty years the deceased had made his home in the Three Rivers district.
Survivors are the widow, Mrs. Elizabeth DeLong of Three Rivers, and one nephew, Henry S. Ewing of this district."
Note that one of the obituaries says the widow was his third wife. As of November, 2010, I have only located two wives and neither of the marriage records.
Events
| Birth | Jan 1848 - Jan 1849 | Illinois | |||
| Census | 1 Jun 1850 | Putnam Co., Illinois | |||
| Census | 1 Jun 1860 | Granville Twp., Putnam Co., IL, pg. 65; Henry DeLong, 11 (1848-49), born IL. | |||
| Census | 1 Jun 1870 | Jefferson Twp., Greene Co., IA, pg. 3; Henry Delong, 21 (1848-49), born IL, farmer, no real estate, personal of $300. In household of sister, Rebecca Cairns and her family. | |||
| Marriage | 1887 - 1888 | Alice | |||
| Voting Register | 1898 | Tulare Co., California |  | ||
| Census | 1 Jun 1900 | Visalia Twp., Tulare Co., CA, ED 69 Sh 17B; Henry DeLong, head, born Jan 1848, 52, married 12 yr., born Unknown both parents born Unknown, farmer, rents farm. | |||
| Census | 15 Apr 1910 | Lemon Cove Twp., Tulare Co., CA, ED 192 Sh 3A; Henry Delong, head, 61 (1848-49), widower, born IL both parents born PA, Teamster. Only person in household. | |||
| Marriage | 16 Apr 1910 - 1 Jan 1920 | Ethel Elizabeth EASTER | |||
| Census | 1 Jan 1920 | Lemon Cove Twp., Tulare Co., CA, ED 234 Sh 4B; Henry Delong, head, 71 (1848), married, born IL both parents born Ohio, farmer, own account, owns free and clear. Wife and her son living with him. | |||
| Census | 1 Apr 1930 | Lemon Cove Twp., Tulare Co., CA, ED 14 Sh 3B; Henry Delong, head, 81 (1848-49), age 29 at first marriage, born Michigan both parents born U.S., farmer - fruit ranch, owns home valued at $2,000. | |||
| Death | 11 Apr 1934 | Woodlake, Tulare Co., CA |  | ||
| Reference No | 1993 |
Families
| Spouse | Alice (1858 - 1900) |
| Child | Nona DELONG (1889 - ) |
| Spouse | Ethel Elizabeth EASTER (1851 - 1936) |
| Father | Henry DELONG (1814 - 1849) |
| Mother | Martha MATHENY (1821 - 1860) |
| Sibling | Hannah DELONG (1837 - 1919) |
| Sibling | Sarah DELONG (1839 - 1850) |
| Sibling | Mary DELONG (1841 - 1842) |
| Sibling | James DELONG (1843 - 1852) |
| Sibling | Rebecca DELONG (1845 - 1920) |
| Sibling | Martha DELONG (1847 - 1900) |
Notes
Voting Register
Printed index to the register has Henry Delong, No. 42, age 47, Exeter, born Illinois.Endnotes
1. Obituary, The Exeter Sun.
2. Death Certificate, #163, Tulare County, California.