1836-1898

The first memories I have of Great Grandfather John Long were through the stories told of him making the big run into Oklahoma Indian Territory in 1889 to homestead near Dover. His sons, daughter and their families, gathered every third Sunday in July for a reunion either in Kansas or Oklahoma.  As I remember this is where most of the following stories were told. Considering I was very young at the time, I have been fortunate to find many sources of information other than those stories to help put together the "Life of John Long."

John was born 10 August 1836 the eighth child and fifth son of Samuel and Catherine nee' Goodman Long in New Pittsburgh, Wayne County, Ohio. Born before John were Sara Jane, Samuel, William, Benjamin, Joseph, Catherine, and Simon.

Three years after John's birth, his father moved the family to a farm near Liberty, Knox County, Ohio where brother David Burton was born 14 June 1839. Again, Samuel moved his family to a farm near Sumner, Lawrence County, Illinois where John's sister, Elizabeth, was born on 19 Nov 1843. Sadly, here in Sumner, at the age of 14, brother Joseph died on 25 January 1844.

Soon after, Samuel moved the family back home to an 80-acre farm in Huntington Township near the town of Huntington in Lorain County, Ohio, which was about 15 miles South of Oberlin. In addition to Samuel's farming, he also worked as a blacksmith, an important trade at that time. The 1850 census shows the value of his farm as $1,500.

Like all farm boys, John learned the skills necessary to run a prosperous farm during the middle 1800s. He yearned for more. During the years of 1857 and 1858, he attended Oberlin College - the first co-educational college in the United States. And, to his good fortune and ours, he met his wife-to-be, Miss Rachel Robinson, who also attended Oberlin College during the years of 1857 and 1858.

Education must have been important to Catherine and Samuel Long. In a letter sent to W. H. Long, John's grandson and my Uncle, by Lisa Pruitt, Assistant Archivist of Oberlin College, four of their children were students at Oberlin! She wrote as follows: "Apparently, four Long brothers and two of their wives attended Preparatory department (pre-college studies) of Oberlin college in the 1850s: John Long (1857-58), Rachel Robinson (1856-58), David Long (1856-58, 1860-61), Harriet Sage (Mrs. David Long, 1857-58, 1860-61), William Long (1850-53) , and Simeon Long (or Simon 1853-1855).

Each of the brothers are listed as coming from Huntington, Ohio, and are also listed on the first page of a short biographical sketch of the life of David Burton Long, written by himself while living in Boulder, Colorado, January 29, 1911. This 29-page, single-spaced typescript is in David Long's alumni file.

In the 1850s, the apprentice type of training was still used for many occupations. After his year at Oberlin, great grandfather studied medicine under Doctor Eldon of Huntington.

The Ohio 1860 U.S. Census shows John, age 23, at home working on the farm with his father, age 60, brother David, age 21. Also in the family were his mother, age 56, Lizzie, age 16, and a little girl, age 6, with the last name of St. Peters. (This would be the child of their daughter Catherine who had married Joseph St. Peters. In 1856, as a widow, she married Peter Ostrander.)

The first call for volunteers for the Civil War came in 1861. No one seems to have heard anything about John being in the Civil War. On 9 August 1862, Rachel Jane Robinson and John Long were married in Norwalk, Huron County, Ohio. At the time, Rachel was a teacher in the Huron County schools. The couple lived in the Lorain County area for the next three years during which time two sons were born, one on 28 June 1863, who died in infancy, and Frank Sherman, who was born 11 July 1864.

According to John Long's grandson, George Donald Long, "in the fall of 1865 John and Rachel moved their family to a farm in Adams County, Iowa. John's older brother, Simon, preceded John and it was Simon's 72-acre farm that he purchased. The legal description is S1/2, SW14, Sec 4-73-32, located 1-1/2 miles west of Nevinville (no longer in existence), Colony Township, in Adams County. They owned 16 yoke of oxen and some horses that were used to move houses and to pull ditching machines that were used to drain fields and swampy areas. In addition to all this activity Great Grandfather also engaged in the sale of real estate and insurance.”

While living in Nevinville, the family increased in size: Samuel Logan, born 15 January 1867; William Corbon, born 11 Jan 1870; Joseph Clayton, born 17 September 1872; John Walter, born 19 February 1875; a girl, born in September 1877, who died in infancy; and David Burton, born 12 January 1879.

In 1870, the census of Colony Township, Adams County, Iowa lists the family: John, age 33; Rachel Jane, 28; Frank, 5; Samuel 3; Willie, 4-1/2. The land is valued at $1,000 [valued at $15,400 in 1970 dollars] and a $500 [valued at $7,700 in 1970 dollars] value is put on the personal property. W.H. (Bill) Long reported that the personal property was listed as 2 horses, one milk cow, 6 swine. He believed the other things listed reflect what the farm produced during 1869: 100 bushels of Spring Wheat, 500 bushels of Indian Corn, 75 bushels of potatoes; 20 tons of hay, and 12 gallons of molasses. The farm was reported as 30 acres of improved land, 4 acres of a ‘Wood Lot’ and 38 acres of unimproved land.

On June 3, 1981, Geraldine E. Richey, Office of the Adams County Recorder wrote W.H. Long and gave the following information regarding the ownership of the farm. "The original contract for the S1/2 SW1/4 sec. 4973-32 was from A. J. Hanna to Simon Long on March 12, 1869. Simon assigns this contract to John Long on August 23, 1870. On October 25, 1875, M. M. Hanna as Administrator of the Estate of A. J. Hanna deeds to John Long the above land. John and Rachel Jane Long give a mortgage to Levi C. Lane on November 4, 1874. Then on Oct 7, 1879, John and Rachel sell this land to John R. Arnold who in turn gives them a mortgage for $500. Long's deed states they are of Adams County, Iowa. However when they release Arnold's mortgage on October 6, 1880, they are of Ellsworth County, Kansas, and their mortgage to Long is released on October 7, 1880."

John Long was a fleshy man and had been plagued with asthma for years. Because of this ailment, he came to wonder if a move further south to a warmer climate might help to alleviate his asthma. David Burton, his younger brother, encouraged him to move to Kansas. David had spent the last two years, of his enlistment, 1866 - 1868, in the Union Army in Kansas, first at Fort Ellsworth and then at Fort Wallace, which was in the western part of the state. On being discharged from the army on March 17, 1868, he returned to a claim near Fort Ellsworth, which he had been able to stake during his first visit. He went to work promptly and, by the next year, had a successful cheese factory

on his farm. The report of his brother's prosperous activity would only encourage a move south to someone who had been considering that for some time anyway. This was a serious decision for John and Rachel to make, as the means for moving a family and its household goods was quite difficult.

By 1880, Ellsworth, Kansas would be a reasonably attractive area for new settlers. Although it would be a long and at times dangerous journey, John and Rachel decided to make the move. In the late winter of 1879-1880, possibly in February, the family left Iowa for Kansas.

John, Rachel, and their 6 sons, (Frank, age 15; Samuel, age 13; William, age 10; Joseph, age 8; John Walter, age 5; and David Burton, age 1) packed up for their big move. Taking everything with them, they left in three covered wagons - two pulled by oxen and one by horses. Frank and Sam drove the two pulled by oxen and 8 head of workhorses and one-saddle horse. The caravan crossed the Missouri River on ice at Brownsville, Nebraska. They continued on for about 10 miles and camped for the night. They bedded down all the livestock, had supper and went to bed. Horse thieves had followed them from the river crossing. After everyone was safely asleep, the thieves proceeded to steal the horses. They encountered a problem because the family dog heard them and barked awakening John. The thieves had taken the workhorses, but somehow had failed to take the saddle horse. John mounted the saddle horse and pursued them back toward the river crossing. He overtook them and the horses were released. Fortunately the family continued the balance of the 300-mile trip without any further problems - at least not of this kind. It was spring when they arrived in Ellsworth.

The 1880 US Census was taken July 7. The agriculture schedule shows that they were renting a farm for a share of the products. We might wonder if he was renting from his brother, David Burton as they both lived in Empire Township. John had, at that time, 40 acres tilled including grass in rotation. His livestock was valued at $400: 5 horses, 4 working oxen, 8 swine, 7 milk cows, and 3 other cows. During 1879 he had purchased 10 cattle and sold 12 living cattle. They had 14 barnyard poultry. John's farm produced 400 lbs. of butter. They had 20 dozen eggs produced in 1879, 1 bushel Irish potatoes and 50 bushel sweet potatoes.

21 Aug 1888, the family purchased a quarter section farm in Empire Township, Ellsworth County, Kansas, which was southwest of what is now the town of Kanopolis. The legal description of the farm was the Southwest quarter of Section 16, Township 16, Range 7 West. The farmhouse was built of native sandstone rock and was located in the southeast corner of the quarter section. [Note: In 1989, the farm was owned by Mrs. Ester Koatz and was located across the road from where the Buckeye Neighborhood Cemetery is located.]

Two more children were born to the family during their stay in Kansas. Charles Herbert was born 3 March 1882 and Hattie Bell arrived 18 October 1885. This completed the family of eight children - 7 boys and 1 girl. In addition, two children, a boy and a girl, died in infancy.

It is reputed that great grandfather was very successful in the insurance business, writing more insurance than any other individual in the state of Kansas at that time. Based upon the development of the insurance industry, it was probably life insurance that he sold. At this date, no one really knows, but it is stated he sold life insurance in the "Portrait and Biographical Record of Oklahoma," Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago 1901.

His status as a doctor would help to explain why he was appointed Coroner of Ellsworth County. While filling this position as coroner, he became involved in law enforcement in the Southeast part of Ellsworth County. In December of 1881, a resident in the Buckeye area, Philip Ashley, was murdered by his nephew, W. E. Graham. Ashley had sold some land to a neighbor for $135. His nephew, Graham, was living with his uncle at the time and it was for this $135 that Graham murdered his uncle, set fire to the dug-out they were living in, and went to Ellsworth to splurge the stolen $135. Neighbors found Ashley's body and reported his death to authorities at Ellsworth. Graham was apprehended and he confessed to the crime. He was lodged in the jail at Ellsworth.

Prior to Graham's confession of the Ashley murder, Dr. John Long, acting in his capacity as the coroner, had impaneled a Coroner's Jury consisting of the following named citizens of Ellsworth County: Greenley Gilkerson, Richard Simmons, William Thornburg, David Franklin, M. Young, and H. S. Palmer. The group proceeded to the Ashley farm to investigate firsthand the evidence connected with Mr. Ashley's death. After hearing the testimony of a number of witnesses and a careful investigation of the matter, the jury returned the following verdict: That Phillip Ashley came to his death by his shanty taking fire on the night of the 28th of December 1881.

W. E. Graham was arrested on Sunday evening January 1, 1882 under a complaint made by Harry Andersen, stating that he believed Graham had committed the murder. It was while he was confined in the jail that he was visited by another uncle by the name of Shaffer that he confessed the crime.

On Monday evening, January 2, a group of about two or three hundred men, supposed to have come from all parts of the county, assembled at the courthouse and, at a given signal by someone, a rush was made for the jail. The outer door was broken open, the sheriff and his guards were overpowered and taken into custody by some of the party. The inside door was opened, then the cell door and the prisoner, W. E. Graham, was taken out to the first telegraph pole in front of the courthouse where he was tried, found guilty, and hanged by the neck until he was dead.

Prior to the Ashley murder, about the third of October 1881, the same year, Andrew Weir and his son were murdered in this same neighborhood by a man by the name of Rose. Rose had been confined in the Ellsworth jail pending trial. This made three murders inside of 90 days and all in the Buckeye neighborhood within a four-mile radius.

During this time of killing and lynching, Dr. John Long, as coroner and a part of the law force, had been conversing with other authorities regarding the safety of Rose, the accused murderer of Andrew Weir and son. The sheriff didn't think there was anything that could be done to save Rose from the mob. Dr. Long was a huge man, standing better than six feet tall and weighing more than three hundred pounds. He had on a heavy long overcoat because the weather was cold at the time. He went to Rose's jail cell, while the crowd was busy hanging Graham, and had Rose put on his huge overcoat and his hat. Then he walked him out through the mob, took him to a basement in the John Bell home nearby, and kept him there overnight. The next day he was taken to the Hays (Kansas) jail for safe keeping.

When the mob returned to the jail, after disposing of Graham, and found Rose gone, they dispersed. Rose was returned to Ellsworth and tried for murder by Judge J. H. Prescott. He was convicted of murder in the first degree and was sentenced to the state penitentiary at hard labor, and there, upon such day as the governor of this state shall appoint, be hanged by the neck until dead. The action taken by Dr. John Long as coroner certainly saved Rose from being lynched by the mob, and it also showed Dr. Long's regard for law and order.

Asthma continued to plague great grandfather. It was thought that a move to a still warmer climate would help alleviate it. The opening of land for settlement in Indian Territory (now Oklahoma) offered an opportunity to move further south. In the spring of

1889, the family belongings were packed into covered wagons and they set off to participate in the opening of new land for settlement. To get as close to the starting line as possible, they camped at Buffalo Springs. It is uncertain as to whether this was the name of a spring or a small community of other would-be settlers.

Those who have always had everything they wanted within a short drive often fail to understand the very real problems of our forbearers. Those are dramatically illustrated by the fact that John had only recently completed a new outhouse. Knowing that building material would be difficult to get in a totally unsettled area, the new outhouse was dismantled and moved to Indian Territory along with their other possessions. 

At noon, April 22, 1889, John and Rachel Jane and their children and about 50,000 other people made a mad scramble into the now open territory. On May 6, 1889 they were successful in filing a claim. It became the farm that family members referred to as the "Home Place." At that time their ages were: John, 53; Rachel Jane, 49; Frank Sherman, 25; Samuel Logan, 22; William Corbon, 19; Joseph Clayton, 17; John Walker, 14; David Burton, 10; Hattie Bell, 4; and Charles Herbert, 1.

On Form Number 4-007, Great Grandfather wrote, "I John Long of Kingfisher Land District, Kingfisher Oklahoma I.T. do hereby apply to enter, under section 2289, revised statutes of the United States the NE 1//4 of Section 14 in Township 17 North of Range 6 West of Indian Meridian containing 160 acres." On the same date on Form Number 4-063, he stated that "do solemnly swear ... I am a married man over age of 21 years and a native born citizen of the United States.”

This homestead was in Banner Township, Kingfisher County, Oklahoma, just east of what is now the small town of Dover, on the north side of the Cimarron River. A ‘dug out’ was promptly built. By October 1889, a frame house was constructed with lumber that was hauled in from Kansas. As most of the homes in the area were built from logs, John and Rachel could claim the first frame house in this section of the new territory. For quite some time, the ‘dug out’ served as the kitchen to the frame house.

On Feb 26, 1897, this notice of ownership posted for publication was signed by witnesses: John Porter of Dover, O.T. and Benjamin F. Julien, William Walker, George Foster all of Kingfisher, O.T. On April 9, 1897, in the Homestead Proof - Testimony of Claimant -Form Number 4-369, great grandfather stated the following, "I am John Long, age 60, P.O. Wannamaker, O.T.; born in Ohio; house built Oct 1889 and established residence at that time. I have frame house 1-1/2 stories 16 x 26, stable, granary, smoke house, chicken house, milk house, spring house, orchard, 90 acres fenced, breaking, about $400.; have wife and 3 children; were gone once for six months on leave of absence were obliged to go away to feed stock; about 60 acres cultivation for 7 seasons." Homestead Proof Forms were also filed by witnesses George D. Foster, age

31, P.O. Kingfisher, O.T. and William Walker, age 40, Dover, O.T. The Homestead Proof is on the Original Application Number 703 and the Final Certificate number 2298. 12 June 1902 Patent Record U.S. to John Long, 12 Jun 1902, Kingfisher County, Oklahoma, USA.¹ N E 1/4 of Section 14 in Township 17 N of Range 6 W of Indian Meridian in Oklahoma Territory containing 160 acres

Being innovative, John thought it was possible to have an orchard on the new farm. The result was clearly mixed. The peach trees did not make it. He did much better with the apple trees. (One was still living at the time of the 50th Long Family Reunion in 1980.) The Kingfisher Times, April 19, 1989 wrote “The Long farm was rather unique because of its many springs and large spreading elm trees. In the early years it was a popular gathering place for picnics and many community activities.”

Great grandfather did engage in the practice of medicine after the move into Indian Territory, which became the state of Oklahoma in 1907.  Family tradition is split as to whether he charged a standard doctor's fee or if his service was free. It was the tradition of all the new settlers as they moved west from the Atlantic seaboard to help one another. It is clear that he did function as a medical doctor in Kingfisher County.

His grandson, my father Lloyd Long, related that one of his uncles said their father was extremely bothered by asthma the last few years of his life. John's arms had to be elevated for him to breathe easily. If they were below his waist he found breathing

difficult. If John needed to see a sick neighbor, one of the boys would hitch the team to the spring wagon and back it up to the porch so that he could get in it. John weighed over 300 pounds and would ride in the back of the wagon; in fact, he would lay down in the back of the wagon with his arms elevated. When leaving the patient's home the process would be reversed. It would be a real problem if there were no porch to get height; John had to get into the spring wagon from ground level. A spring wagon is similar to a surrey except that it had a low box like a wagon and the sides were about a foot high with a wooden seat in front.

We do not know if John had other business interests in addition to farming and being a doctor. It is clear that he was active in the community. He had an active part in organizing the Kingfisher County Cattlemen’s Association and at one time served as its president. He was Superintendent of the Box Springs Sunday School and, along with his family, was active in church work. Politically, he was associated with the Populist

Party and was one of the most prominent members of the party in Kingfisher County. He did serve for a number of years as Justice of the Peace. At the first election in the township, his name was mentioned for State Senator, but he declined to accept. He was always interested in school matters and did serve as President of the School Board for some time. (It was not possible to get a copy of official records on these offices because the Kingfisher Court House burned down in 1900 destroying all the records.) John helped to form the "Old Settlers Association." As the first president, he took an active

part in all its undertakings. The association held annual meetings at Garrett Grove and Brown Grove. When a drought hit Oklahoma in 1891, John was appointed as the government agent for the distribution of salt, pork, and beans to the community. It was also reported that he was highly esteemed and served his community with much distinction. In those days, many blacks lived in the area, but Dr. Long drew no line as to color.

Asthma continued to plague John with his condition becoming more severe each year. He died on 16 Feb 1898 at home, age 61 years. As mentioned earlier, John Long was a big man. He could not be placed in the coffin until the lining was removed. Great grandfather Long was so big, in fact, that at one of the reunions, one of the first cousins got in one trouser leg and another one got in the other half. Family tradition is that approximately 1,000 people attended his funeral.

Stated in his obituary: “John Long had been a great sufferer of asthma for more than thirty years. The community far and near are saddened by his loss. He had traits of character so generous and noble as to draw around him a host of warm and steadfast friends. No opportunity for doing good was ever neglected by him”. “…..Among businessmen he was respected for his honesty and uprightness. Among the poor he was loved, for a multitude could attest to his kindness and sympathy. For more than forty years he was a member of the Baptist Missionary church where he was active in christian work, always ready to cheer and encourage others”. (Written by G.D.Foster.)

In his will, Great Grandfather left his property, to his wife, Rachel Jane. At his death, it was valued at approximately $2,500. Great Grandmother Rachel Jane Long remained at the family home until her death. The duties of the farm were taken over first by Sam and eventually by the youngest son,

Charles, thus relieving her of the burden of the day-to-day activities. Financially, things were well-enough that she could travel to visit various members of the family throughout the Midwest. Rachel Jane had made many friends while living in Ellsworth. This kept her busy when visiting her son, Joe, and his family in Ellsworth County. She would always visit the Gilkersens, Reeds, Essicks, Shiveleys, Roots, and the Livingstons.

Rachel Jane died on 29 May 1923, age 82 years. She was laid to rest in Banner Cemetery by her husband's side. Researched and written by Elizabeth Long Palmer (great granddaughter) Last edit 15 April 2016

For further information regarding this family you may contact: Elizabeth Long Palmer at elizabeth@vom.com or Stacia Long Glavas at stacia.glavas@gmail.com.