Like the ripened wheat bowing before the keen knife of the reaper on a clear harvest day, so bowed the mortal frame of Mrs. Catharine DeLong before the sickle of the great reaper, Death, at the residence of her son, Mr. Ephraim DeLong, at Schnecksville, on Friday night, at the great age of 92 years. Her complaint was that of general debility and the other besetting maladies incident to one of her age. Mrs. DeLong was the relict of David DeLong, who preceded her to the spirit world many years ago. She was a born Clausser, and, if we are rightly informed, first saw the light of day in Maxatawny tsp., Berks Co. She some 35 years ago came with her husband to North Whitehall, as had her brother, William Clausser, a dozen years before. The deceased aged lady was probably the oldest woman in the county, and one who enjoyed the respect and affection of all who knew her. She was the mother of 12 children, all of whom save one survive her. Besides them, she left 90 grand-children, 100 great-grand-children, and 4 great-great-grand-children. She herself was the last surviving one of a family of 16 children - 4 daughters and 12 sons. Until a year or so ago her health had been, generally speaking, good, she often going to church on foot. Last summer the vigor of her mind failed her, but an improvement was later experienced in this respect, and during the present winter she was remarkably clear in her recollection of long time events, she always taking great pleasure in relating the incidents of her younger days. Her knowledge of and interest in her own times were very remarkable. So well was she preserved physically that her activity of body and mind had long been the subject of general comment among her large circle of friends and acquaintances. But crowning every gift was her higher life of love and obedience to God. In early life she chose "that better part," and connecting herself with the Reformed Church she became an earnest Christian, one whose unassuming piety cast a bright halo of contentment around her through life and its afflictions and trials, she ever looking forward to a rest and joy beyond this troublous world. She had her full share of trials, but she never seemed to remember them. Thanksgiving was the constant language of her heart and lips, and her face wore an expression of perfect peace. She was ever a most devoted and faithful mother, of a kind, affectionate disposition, but her crowning excellence was her deep and ardent piety. She loved her Saviour with a supreme affection, and strove to honor him by a life consecrated to his service. She had indeed become meet for the inheritance of the saints in light. She did her life work well, and now, "Life's fitful fever over, she sleeps well." The funeral takes place today.
[The Allentown Democrat, Allentown, PA, Wednesday, February 21, 1883, page 2]

Mrs. Catharine DeLong, (widow) residing with her son, Mr. Ephraim DeLong, in Schnecksville, scored her 91st birthday on Sunday, 26th ult. This is a high old age, and all persons knowing her will united in wishing that the venerable may be permitted to live a full round century. Although shrunken, she is active and able to walk out and about the yard on clear, pleasant days. She is in good health, has good sight, an excellent appetite, and rests and sleeps well. Her memory is remarkably strong, and she relates with evident pride many interesting anecdotes of her early days. She is very loquacious, and fond of talking of the long ago. Strange as it may seem, her memory is stronger as to happenings of three-quarters of a century ago than of things that transpired within the last decade. She is an object of peculiar interest, as she is of most affectionate regard by the kindred that surround her. Wonderful changes have taken place in her neighborhood since her girlhood days, for she has seen the wilderness made as a garden, and now in the evening of her long and useful life, surrounded by tried and trusty friends and relatives, she can patiently wait for her summons to eternity, confident that she has done her duty here on earth.
[The Allentown Democrat, Allentown, PA, Wednesday, April 19, 1882, page 2][editor's note: the birthdate in the article and on the tombstone differ by one day and the age at death on the tombstone agrees with the news item.]