Delana Neoma McHone was born to Joshua Mchone and Lizzie Hollifield on September 1, 1828 in Yancey county, North Carolina. Depending on the source, her first name is differently spelled in many ways including Delana, Laanie, Lany, Delanie etc. Her headstone shows name to be Delana. There is only one photograph of Delana known to extist. She did not want her photo taken, this photo was taken when she was handed Homer Arrington, and it was taken before she could move. Per Harriet Ledford and others, Delana was indian, but because of the Trail Of Tears event, she stayed in the mountains. It is said that she had heard the train whistle, but had never seen a train. She never ventured far from her home, more than a few miles away. Delana married Joseph Arrington in 1849, Yancey county, North Carolina. The 1850 census shows they are then living in Yancey, North Carolina. They have one child , Minerva, age eight months, Joseph is listed as a farmer. The 1860 census was not found, but by 1870 the family were living in Township 3, Madison, North Carolina. They now had six children, and the value of their personal property was listed at 400. By 1880 they are living at Bull Creek, Madison, North Carolina, they have six children living with them and Joseph is still listed as a farmer. Joseph passed away in 1898, leaving Delana a widow. No 1900 census was found, but by 1910 Delana is living at Grapevine, Madison, North Carolina, with her daughters Elizabeth McBride, Etter McAfee and her daughters, Harriet or Hettie Loggons and her husband, and George Cornell, a nephew. Delana is still listed as a widow and as head of household. She is the 78 years old, is in year 62 of her present marriage, and lists that she has had nine children, seven of which are still living. For her occupation she shows she is managing the farm. In 1930 she lives only with her daughter Etter, at Grapevine, Madison, North Carolina. She owns her home, and still at age 90 lists her occupation as farmer. On November 14, 1927 in Marshall, Madison, North Carolina Delana McHone Arrington passed away. The cause of death is listed as old age, her age was shown as 99 years, 10 months and 14 days.J.C. Arrington was listed as the informant. Her headstone shows her birth year as 1821, and it says she was 106 years old. However on her death certificate the birth date is shown as September 1, 1828. On November 15, 1927 Delana Neoma McHone Arrington was buried at the Old Arrington Cemetery, Madison , North Carolina, where there is a headstone for her memory.

sources 1850, 1860, 1870,1880, 1910, 1920 census, headstone, notes from Harriet Elizabeth Rice Ledford.