Iowa
Old Press
Oskaloosa Herald
Oskaloosa, Mahaska co. IA
August, 1914
WAS CHARTER MEMBER -- Late George DeLong Helped
Organize Masonic Lodge in Oskaloosa
The late George DeLong was a member of the first Masonic Lodge
organized in Oskaloosa. Application for charter was made in 1849
for Tri-Luminar Lodge No. 18 A.F.&A.M. In 1854, the required
number of members of the parent lodge, Tri-Luminar, applied for
and were granted a dispensation for the organization of Seever's
Lodge No. 34 of Oskaloosa and so worked until January 8, 1863
when the branch was absorbed by the original body. George DeLong
was a member of the Seever's Lodge in 1856 when the state
organization convened in this city, and he has been a member ever
since. The funeral was under the auspices of the Tri-Luminar
Lodge and a large company of the local members in autos attended
as a body together with members from Bussey and Tracey.
Pallbearers were from the membership of Tri-Luminar: F.D. Boyer,
M.D. Gilchrist, Frank W. Glaze, J.C. Barringer, L.W. Clendennon
and F.E. Green.
The funeral was largely attended outside of the Masonic
association and the following to the grave was extended. Dr. D.M.
Edwards of Penn College made the funeral address. Deceased had
been connected with the church since 1849, a short time after
coming to the country and had been a staunch supporter of its
work and effort. Deceased was a man of excellent judgment and
conservative character. He was like a foundation rock, solid,
dependable, much sought after, consistent. He was known to all
parts of the country and his passing leaves a vacancy void that
must be regarded with the kindest of memories by those of this
day who have associated with him. The funeral was somewhat
remarkable in the number of elderly men in attendance, those who
have been associated with George DeLong through years of
acquaintance and companionship. Interment was made in the Old
Cemetery on North Market St., Oskaloosa, by the side of relatives
gone before.
George DeLong, born June 22, 1826, died Saturday, August 1, 1914,
aged 88 years, 1 month and 10 days. Deceased came with his
parents from Perry County, Ohio to Iowa in 1844 and to Mahaska
County two years later in 1846, and he has been a resident of
Scott Township ever since. He was united in marriage in 1853 to
Hester A. Wharton who died October 23, 1854, leaving a child
which lived only to the age of eight months. Mr. DeLong was again
married December 3, 1855, to Julia A. DeWitt who survives him and
to this
union there came ten children, two boys and eight girls, Jennie,
Maggie, Ollie, Mrs. Mary Hayes, Mrs. Rose Banres, Mrs. Nellie
Scott, survive. Colonel and Lucy preceded the father in death.
[transcribed by J.D.P., February 2005]