Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1885-02-19
NUMBER 81.
A Remarkable Negro.

Milwaukee Sentinel:-Mai. Martin r
Delaney, whose death occurred a few
| days since at Wilberforce, o., was GER
tainly one of the most distinguished
negroes of the age. His life was long
and eventful one. He was born in
Charleston. S. c., in May, 1912, and
was the son of Samuel and Patty De.
laney, free blacks. The father oil
Delaney's father was renowned Afri-
can chieftain, who was captured and
brought to this country more than 15O
years ago. The father of Patty De-
ianey's mother, was the only daughter
OF an African prince from the Niger
valley region of Central Africa. The
major himself was a typical negro and
was always proud of his pure African
blood. The major required remark
ably liberal education by dint of hard
study and constant work. He was a
most voracious reader, and was especi-
ally fond of books of adventure and
travel. He possessed a penchant for
the science of geography. and acquired
vast knowledge in this department of
learning. When a young man he
removed from this city to Pittsburg.
Pa. He pursued course of medicine,
but was never graduated. He became
a writer for several periodicals IN the
North and was very jealous anti
slavery man. Finally he became full
fiedged doctor and went to Canada TO
ply his profession.
Here he met with wonderful success.
and, on account of his shining talents
and comprehensive learning. was re-
ceived into the best Canadian society.
de was elected honorary member of
several military and scientific associa-
tons. In 1859 he went with an explor-
ing expedition into the hitherto un-
known regions of Central Africa. He
spent more than a year on the dark
continent. Maj. Delaney before return
ing to America spent some wears in
England. He delivered a series of lee
lures touching his travels and disc ov-
cries. which attracted marked atten-
tion, and made HIM conspicuous figure
in London society. He was given a
seat in the International Statistical con-
gress, which was held in London, and
over which the late Prince Albert pre-
sided. Delaney's presence is said to
have caused the withdrawal of the
American delegation from that body.
About this time Delaney was chosen an
honorary member of the ROYAL Society
OF Science. He had the honor of dining
with the queen, and was an intimate
friend of Lord Brougham. who pro-
nounced him the ablest living repre-
sentative of his race. In 1862 Delaney
came back to the United States, and
made an effort to organize Corps
d Afrique,n but was not successful.
He entered the Union army as an as
sIstant surgeon in the Fifty-fourth
Massachusetts regiment. Subsequently
he was appointed major in the army,
and in that capacity made his appear
ance again in South Carolina near the
close of the war He was connected
with the freedman's bureau until it
failed; then he settled down in Charles
ton. In 1874 he was nominated for
acknowledgement by the Indepen-
dent Republicans, and was supported
by the white voters of the state, but
suffered an overwhelming defeat by the
Chamberlain ticket. He was for nine
years trial justice in this city subse-
quently, and performed his duties well.
A few years ags he removed from
Charleston to Willberforce, o., where
he recently died.