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Was Duchesne farmer the Sundance Kid?

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THEeyepatch | 1:54 a.m. Feb. 17, 2009

Is this really a story? What's the story for tommarrow "Is there Cheese on the Moon?", cant wait!

Farmer Joe | 6:38 a.m. Feb. 17, 2009

All evidence points to Long being the Sundance kid there is no doubt in my mind that this is the Sundance kid

Bear Laker | 6:58 a.m. Feb. 17, 2009

Hey! Eyepatch why did you read it? Learn to spell!!! TOMORROW

Comments continue below

Dignity | 7:22 a.m. Feb. 17, 2009

Too bad that they didn't exume the remains more carefully rather than allowing all the dirt to fall in. Just seems disrespectful regardless of who it might be to have this done so unceremoniously while taking pictures and allowing dirt to fall in there.

Kay | 7:41 a.m. Feb. 17, 2009

Why does everyone commenting on here act so rude and hot-headed??

LDS in TN | 7:48 a.m. Feb. 17, 2009

I have to admit to being a 14 year old in 1969 and loving the movie. I have read a lot of things since then but never have been convinced that anyone knows exactly what happened in Bolivia. however, after toggling back and forth several times between the group picture and the pic of the couple, I am convinced. If forensic evidence confirms that this is Sundance, then we better take another look at the stories of Butch's survival and check his remains.

Hey Bear Laker, is that the best you can come up with? Why can't you just stick to commenting on the story. I apologize in advance if I misspelled anything. I wouldn't want to offend your great lliterary sensitivities.

ALL AMERICAN HAWK | 8:00 a.m. Feb. 17, 2009

MY GREAT GRANDFATHER,LORUM PRATT,SR.,WAS COCONINO
COUNTY,AZ SHERIFF IN 1909.HE HAS A PAGE IN HIS JOURNAL
WHERE HE ENCOUNTERED BUTCH CASSIDY STEALING CATTLE
OUTSIDE OF FREDONIA,AZ.BUTCH SPENT SOME TIME IN THE
FREDONIA JAIL BUT TOOK HIS MEALS WITH THE PRATT FAMILY IN THEIR HOME.LORUM WAS HAVING SOME FINANCIAL
PROBLEMS BUT APPARENTLY BUTCH HELPED HIM OUT TO THANK
HIM FOR HIS HOSPITALITY.THIS WAS A YEAR AFTER BUTCH WAS SUPPOSEDLY KILLED IN BOLIVIA.I BELIEVE BUTCH DIED
OF OLD AGE DURING THE EARLY 40'S.

SLC gal | 8:12 a.m. Feb. 17, 2009

There is a striking similarity there.

Cats | 8:44 a.m. Feb. 17, 2009

I met an old professor from Circleville. When I asked about Butch Cassidy he told me he knew his family (Parker) well when he was a child.

He said he knew for a FACT that Butch did not die in South America. He was buried on the Parker ranch near Circleville, but the town didn't know exactly where. Butch's sister always said she knew where he was buried but always refused to say.

Then a construction project revealed the secret. Excavation was going across the Parker ranch. At one point the whole Parker family ran down and stood on a plot of land and refused to allow the machinery to dig there. That's when everyone knew exactly where Butch was buried.

I talked to an historian once who had participated in a television documentary and believed Butch died in Bolivia. I finally realized, despite evidence to the contrary, this guy had bought into a theory, staked his reputation and wouldn't budge.

I think it is pretty clear at this point that Butch came home and died in the states.

Fascinating story. Can't wait for the results.

Butch played bass with Elvis! | 8:51 a.m. Feb. 17, 2009

If you look closely at pictures of Elvis you will see Butch Cassidy playing the bass in his band. He wasn't killed in Bolivia and I think he may have even been at the grassy knoll. I love the stories (honestly) just don't take it all too seriously people, it's just fun history

Anonymous | 9:37 a.m. Feb. 17, 2009

There are stories of Butch Cassidy staying at the Guerrero Ranch in Motoqua in Southern Utah. Very remote.

Mr. Bean | 9:43 a.m. Feb. 17, 2009

I happen to be watching the history station on my satellite dish last evening mind you, they were exhuming bodies once again in England. Like I said once before: You can bury them today and dig them up tomorrow-- an old English tradition.

Ummmmmm, I was somewhat interested about the Sundance, kids DNA? Is there possibly a match as of yet?

"CHEERS"!!!

Anonymous | 10:00 a.m. Feb. 17, 2009

too bad "eye patch" didn't have his other eye poked out.

Great article.

WHAT? | 10:11 a.m. Feb. 17, 2009

Is this facination w/digging up people's graves?can someone tell me what it is?in a town back east about 40 years ago they dug up an indian graveyard and took the best looking remains and put them on public display.a morbid,disrespectful display of the deceased.These people should be"HORSE WHIPPED".Not asking that you agree with me but just "think about it.

Sneaky Jimmy | 10:19 a.m. Feb. 17, 2009

I once told a woman I met in a bar that my name was Harry Longbaugh. There may have been many people that thought using the name of a famous dead outlaw as an alias was a good idea.

Granny T. | 10:27 a.m. Feb. 17, 2009

I heard that Butch Cassidy did not die in a shootout in Bolivia in 1908, but assumed a new name, William T. Phillips, and lived a quiet life in Spokane until his death in 1937.

Ralphie | 10:53 a.m. Feb. 17, 2009

I love how all of the comments are about how Butch Cassidy was seen here or there but the actual article is about the Sundance Kid. SNAP!

Just ranch hands | 11:03 a.m. Feb. 17, 2009

These guys were just ranch hands for Charlie Crouse - lived in Crouse canyon near Vernal.. Charlie had a business selling beef to the Army; the two boys were in "procurement".

Good boys too.

Cats | 11:12 a.m. Feb. 17, 2009

The PBS documentary about forensics that were done on bodies in South America turned out to be a big bust. They were NOT able to prove the bodies were actually Butch and Sundance.

This is a great unsolved mystery and we may never know the answer (at least not in this life) but I think the evidence is mounting that they did NOT die in South America.

Members of the Parker family were mum about it for many years, but other members have stated that Butch came home and died in the states many years later. I think that really makes the argument pretty strong that Butch came home. There are also other accounts of witnesses that saw Butch on the Parker property after he was supposed to have been killed in Bolivia.

I hope the paper will report the DNA results as soon as they are available. I think this story is just fascinating.

Butch | 11:38 a.m. Feb. 17, 2009

Wa'll I done hers they waz thinkin about digging up at star gazin feller in itally to see if his DNA wud explain why he drew funny picures of saturn.
Excuse me, History is one thing but why should we kill off good fun stories with facts, sheeze guys

Ski Utah | 11:45 a.m. Feb. 17, 2009

My grandma was born and raised in Jensen (near Vernal) where Josie Bassett (an old girlfriend of Cassidy's) lived. My grandma had all kinds of stories about the Wild Bunch members (Butch, Sundance, etc)visiting the area and even having some over to her house for dinner. My grandma was born in 1915.......

Earl Dean | 11:47 a.m. Feb. 17, 2009

Lol, Mormons and their concocted legends. I guess it's true, when you have nothing to be proud of, you'll make something up.

Cats | 12:04 p.m. Feb. 17, 2009

To Earl Dean: I think it is always so funny to read the blogs by these people who comb the paper every day to find ANY article that will give them any excuse to attack Mormons. Of course, anyone can write anything he/she wants to on a blog no matter how completely stupid or off point it is.

Jeff | 12:57 p.m. Feb. 17, 2009

I heard that Sundance and Butch Cassidy both hung-out in some little Mormon village near Zions canyon called Grafton. Nevertheless this little ghost town is no longer on the map of utah.

Guyaco | 1:06 p.m. Feb. 17, 2009

If Robert Redford hadn't played the Sundance character, no one would care what happened to the original.

Brighamite | 1:18 p.m. Feb. 17, 2009

I can't say if Butch and Sundance hung out in Grafton or not, but some of the 1969 movie was filmed there.

It is interesting how outlaws have legends of dying of old age. Not saying Butch or Sundance did or did not. If you watch the Young Guns movies you will find the same about Billy the Kid. Some say he died of old age too, despite the account of Sherrif Pat Garrett who claims to have killed him.

anom | 1:52 p.m. Feb. 17, 2009

For the THEeyepatch 1:54pm. Tomorrow's story will about spelling, with emphasis on the word tomorrow!!!!

Swasey's leap | 2:06 p.m. Feb. 17, 2009

Butch and Sundance wintered with with my great uncle Swasey down on the San Rafael. Think what you want.

Steve | 2:19 p.m. Feb. 17, 2009

Grafton is still there just south of Rockville. Been there many times. My grandfater told me of stories of when he was young down around Circleville and meeting Butch.

NV Bound | 2:36 p.m. Feb. 17, 2009

There are many stories that Butch did return to Utah to visit but enjoyed his later days prospecting down around Death Valley-Pahrump. -Sure hope I spelled everything correctly.

Bybee | 2:46 p.m. Feb. 17, 2009

I have an ancestor buried in Grafton, Utah. It has to be one of the coolest looking pioneer graveyards that I have ever scene. It is definitely a beautiful place to visit. However, if you ever go there you will need to watch for rattle snakes that seem to lurk around there. I have heard many stories about Butch Cassidy visiting the area, although I'm too certain about the Sundance kid?

ALL AMERICAN HAWK | 2:51 p.m. Feb. 17, 2009

WYATT EARP DIED IN 1929 IN HOLLYWOOD.HE WAS WRITING
SCRIPTS FOR WESTERN MOVIES AND DIED OF OLD AGE

Sean | 3:02 p.m. Feb. 17, 2009

Butch Cassidy is DB Cooper. Who, incidentally, is Bigfoot, who died of old age in Scipio.

Duchesne, Utah | 3:23 p.m. Feb. 17, 2009

I wish my neighbor was still alive. He is the grandson who found his grandfather, Harry, dead.
He never mentioned much about his grandad other than the "Long's were a bunch of outlaws". Kind of funny now that there is this twist on the story.
My neighbor's wife is still alive, and she is pretty sure that we will find out that Harry is in fact - the Sundance Kid.
I don't know if they ever talked about it or not. It will be interesting.

Gaylen Robison | 4:19 p.m. Feb. 17, 2009

Here's a puzzle for you skeptics and doubters. Fact #1. William Henry Long married Luzernia Allred Morrell. Their first born was a daughter named Viola. Viola grows up and gets married.
Viola's first born is Elva. Elva is my mother. She is still alive. Fact #2: There is a picture that hung on the wall in great grandpa and grandma Long's living room in their home near Duchesne, Utah. The picture is of Harry Longabaugh's sisters. The sisters names were Samanna and Emma. My mother remembers the picture and remembers Grandpa Long telling her it was a picture of his sisters. Fact # 3: Harry Longabaugh's sister Samanna gave birth to a daughter and named the baby Elva. That baby died at birth. Then Samanna gave birth to another daughter and named her Viola. Viola also died at birth. Fact #4: Harry Longabaugh's brother's son was named William Henry Longabaugh. Fact #5: The "Sundance Kid" was an alias for Harry Longabaugh. Now comes my great grandfather posing as William Henry Long. Now just pretend for a moment that you are Sherlock Holmes. Is it possible that you might have a clue or two?

Amazing | 4:20 p.m. Feb. 17, 2009

the wonders of the mind is....

Bear Rug | 4:33 p.m. Feb. 17, 2009

I love a good mystery! This story is awesome! All of you nattering nabobs of negativity--stick it in your ear!

Anonymous | 4:59 p.m. Feb. 17, 2009

My, oh, my, this was fun speculation until Bear Rug had to quote Spiro Agnew. However...I do believe that Butch and Sundance did not die in Bolivia. I believe that, because I want to.

Don't stop | 5:07 p.m. Feb. 17, 2009

Fun! Once we get the Sundance Kid thing solved can we work on Frank Morris. You will remember he escaped from Alcatraz in 1962 never to be found. He would be 83 if still alive.

who cares? | 5:12 p.m. Feb. 17, 2009

at best he was a thief!

Cats | 5:16 p.m. Feb. 17, 2009

To Gaylen Robison: That is EXTREMELY interesting. I sure hope that the DNA turns out to prove the connection. That would be so fascinating. It would help solve one of the really fun unsolved mysteries. It would also show that all the so-called experts in this area are wrong and that some of the witnesses over the years were right. That is, that Butch and Sundance didn't get killed in South America after all.

I don't know for sure what the truth is, but I hope it turns out to be true. It would make such a great story.

If you have any more information, please blog in.

HEY HAWK! | 5:24 p.m. Feb. 17, 2009

QUIT SCREAMING!

Hey Geico or whatever, | 6:36 p.m. Feb. 17, 2009

who is Robert Redford????

Butch used to visit... | 11:13 p.m. Feb. 17, 2009

...friends in Manti and Spring City many years after he was supposedly killed in Bolivia. To many in the area this was common knowledge.

Another interesting fact - Butch's mother (Ann Gillies Parker) was a survivor of the Martin Handcart Company.

Ghosttown Bob | 7:54 a.m. Feb. 18, 2009

William Henry Long was not Harry Longabaugh. William Long was born ca. 1867-1867 in Fayette Co., Pa. He moved with his family to Iowa City Iowa in the 1860s. He moved to Wyoming, near Cheyenne around 1880 and worked with his sister's husband, Henry Parker as a teamster hauling freight out of Ft. D.A. Russell. In 1886 he joined the Army at Ft. Leavenworth KS. He stayed in the Army until Nov 2, 1893 when he deserted from Ft. Clark, TX. He drifted from Texas to Utah where he met and married Luzernia Morrell, the widow of Silas Morrell. The quarrel that resulted in the shooting of George Morrell, Silas' brother happend on October 21 1901, not 1910 as stated in the article. This was at a time that Butch and Sundance were in South America.

Ghosttown Bob | 8:04 a.m. Feb. 18, 2009

I wish the Deseret News would get their facts straight before they publish stories like this one. The fight and shooting that that happened between William Long and George Morrell was on Oct 21, 1901 and was reported in the Oct 24th 1901 issue, not in 1910. This was during the time that Butch and Sundance were supposed to be in South America. This makes the whole rest of the story suspect.

Jerry Nickle | 12:22 p.m. Feb. 18, 2009

There were three South American Documents produced showing Butch and Sundance were in Argentina in 1901, which would disqualify Bill Long as Sundance. These alleged authentic document are fake and have been produced to support authors who have taken a position they were killed in Bolivia. Because Sundance returned and Butch never went there in 1901 these authorï¿½s credibility has been lost for them. These authors have a lot a stake and are trying to protect their position.

The Pinkerton files state Butch was in Wilcox, Arizona in May 1901. Another Pinkerton file states Sundance was in Buffalo New York in the summer of 1901. William Pinkerton himself said they were part of the gang that robbed the train at Wagner Montana on July 3, 1901. Another Pinkerton document states Sundance was in Price Utah in July 1901. This would mean Sundance was in the USA on Oct 21, 1901 when as Bill Long he pistol-whipped George Morrell.

It does not make any difference if Sundance returned or not. These Authors credibility has been destroyed because they produced fake documents to support their position.

Jerry Nickle | 12:51 p.m. Feb. 18, 2009

The census records show The William Henry Long born in Fayette Co Pennsylvania was born before 1860 not ca.1867-1867 and the person this made this entry knows that. There is absolutely no evidence at all this William Henry Long was ever in Utah.
The established authors are desperate to protect their position and will continue to try to produce fake documents to support their position.

Jerry Nickle | 2:03 p.m. Feb. 18, 2009

All of the established authors have written that the Pinkerton files state Butch, Sundance and Etta were in New York City the first week of Feb 1901. I have the Pinkerton files and they do not state that at all. I have found many other Pinkerton file distortions the authors have made. I am going to publish over 20 Pinkerton memos in my book so everyone can see how they have been distorted or ignored.

The established authors are in a panic.

Ghosttown Bob | 2:18 p.m. Feb. 18, 2009

I think Jerry was meaning ca. 1860-1867 not 1867-1867. William Long's death cert. & tombstone lists 1860, his marriage record age 27 (1867). the 1900 census 36 (1864), later censuses indicate 1867. Earlier censuses indicate either 1857 (1860 census), or 1859 (the 1880 census). His military records indicate a birth year of 1865. William Henry Long could have been born anywhere between 1857 and 1867.

By the way I am not desperate to protect my position, I have not produced any fake documents and do not intent to do so. I am only stating fact.

Jerry - as a message to you - to "prove" that William Henry Long was Harry Longabaugh is going to be tough because the burden of proof is on you. To prove your point you have to not only make an acceptable argument concerning William Long, but you also have to prove all other possible explanations are false, with documentation that is irrefutable, with a preponderance of evidence to support your case, much like in a court of law. So far "family tradition" does not cut the cake.

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7 photos

Archive photo

The Wild Bunch outlaws include the Sundance Kid, left front, and Butch Cassidy, right front. Similarities between William Henry Long and Sundance Kid have been noted.

Gallery (7 photos)