Part 1
The History
It is believed that haunted locations have everything to do with their history. Who lived there? What happened? Is the structure or monument still standing, or has it been removed, displaced or demolished? Is there a structure at all? Was there some trauma or emotional upheaval that took place there? All of these are very important questions when looking at haunted locations, and a starting point for understanding them. Part 1 of this Blog will explore the history of The Delaney House in Salem Oregon. Choose a favorite Sinister Coffee, we recommended our Relic or Deja Vu, and read on.
Delaney House – Turner, Oregon. Photo courtesy of Historic Marion 42, No. 2
Daniel Delaney
Daniel Delaney of Washington County, Tennessee wasn’t like most other slave owners in the South. Delaney knew that by selling off his slaves to move, they most likely be separated. Wives from husbands, children from mothers. When it came to finding someone to take his slaves, he made sure he found a place that would keep them all together. He did keep Rachel Belden, a then slave hand and possible practicing medicine woman, and headed out West.
The great migration
With his ailing wife, Rachel Belden and his sons, Delaney traveled the Oregon Trail with over three hundred wagons and around 100 families. Their wagon was the only one that made it all the way to the Willamette Valley. The trail ended at what is now known as Cascade locks. There they boarded the boat to Oregon City. Daniel Delaney, along with his family and fellow pioneers, were the first settlers in the area that is now known as Turner Oregon.
reputation
Daniel Delaney was known around town as “uncle Daniel”. He was well liked by almost everyone who met him. Delaney was known for letting people stay at his house if they needed a place and helped anyone needing a hand. One of those people was George Beale, his future murder. In Oregon, much like his home of Tennessee, Delaney was known for being friendly to all people regardless of color. This reputation was known throughout the valley and nearby Salem. The men that took his life, were also aware of this fact and would use it to execute their plan.
January 9th, 1865
Later evening, Beale and Baker rode to the house disguised with black faces knowing Delaney’s compassion to people of color. Later, when questioned, Beale and Baker admitted to robbing Delaney of 1400 dollars. Jack DeWolf, 12 years old then, lived on the property and was the only witness to the killing. He fled to a nearby woodshed and stayed there in fear overnight until the following day. He would later testify in the murder trial becoming the first person of color to testify before the court. His testimony would help convict the two men.
First Public Hanging
Pringle Creek Salem, Oregon. The site of the first public hanging in Oregon. Baker and Beale.
GUILTY
Beale and Baker were hung for the murder, marking a first in Oregon state history. Reported in Salem Journal, that the crowd assembled for the hanging was as large as what would be for a circus, only quieter. On a highway between McClay and Shaw on the side of Waldo hills, people might still see the unkept white rose that seasonally blooms on the grave of George Beale.
buried fortune
Authorities believed there was between 40000-50000 dollars that was never found. Later corroborated by then Rachel Belden-Brooks whom, to her death, claimed that she knew where a large sum of money was buried on the property. Just prior to his death, Delaney had sold a herd of cattle leaving him with a good amount of cash on hand. This became motive for the crime.
shadows of the past
The bullet holes from this tragedy still exist in the structure of the house today. Delaney House was almost demolished, and then moved 500 yards with it’s entrance facing a different direction.
The Delaney House became a national historic landmark on July 23rd of 2004. That fact was not without a fight. The structure was scheduled to be demolished until the Pearlsten family was able to convince the powers that be of the homes historical significance. The house was moved to its current location, still on the original property, and was renovated and restored into what you see today. The house now runs as an Airbnb. You now have the opportunity to not only visit the site but you can stay the night in the original portion of the house.
Coming Soon…
Our team (PNWPC) along with a local investigator rented the home for an evening. Our investigation and findings will be discussed in Part 2 of this Blog so stay tuned… While you wait don’t forget to check out our PRODUCTS page!