Phillips County Museum News for Wednesday, June 5, 2024

In the late 1890s and early 1900s, northeastern Montana was home to many colorful characters, some on the good side of the law and some not. One of these men was Henry “Long Henry” Thompson. It is thought that Long Henry found his way to Montana as a member of a Slaughter-Kyle Long S cattle drive. It was said that Long Henry could be cheerful one minute and turn like a flash into a demon the next. After being accused of killing a round-up cook in the Miles City area, Long Henry found his way to the Valley County area. Phillips County was not created yet.

One night in 1899, while Long Henry was standing guard over a cattle herd he was struck by lightning. After awakening from being unconscious for six hours, he was quoted as saying “I guess none of these gunmen can kill me, and God Almighty will have to load His gun a little heavier if He does business with me.”

In 1900, Ed Starr, a long-time Valley County stock inspector fought a duel near Saco which resulted in Dunn being killed and Long Henry having a couple of flesh wounds. Through the years there had been many more brushes with the law and various citizens of the area.

Long Henry met his demise in February 1902, when he was shot in the back five times at a saloon in Saco. Edward Shufelt surrendered to the Valley County Sheriff saying he had committed the shooting in an argument over a woman. There were conflicting witness accounts and many people denied seeing any shooting. The two-day trial ended with Shufelt being declared not guilty.

Shufelt eventually left Saco and joined the “Dutch” Henry Ieuch gang in northeastern Montana.

Long Henry Thompson was laid to rest in the Saco Cemetery.

Phillips County has many interesting stories. Stop by the Phillips County Museum to learn about our history. We are open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.