The Abbeville messenger. (Abbeville, S.C.) 1884-1887, 1885-02-18
A REMARKABLE NEGRO.
Death OF Major Martin II. Delaney, a
Celebrated Scholar and Traveller.

Celebrated Scholar and Traveller.
Charleston. S. e., February 3.-Ma-
jor Martin r. Delaney, whose death oc.
CURED few days since at Wilberfotee.
Ohio, was certainly ono of the most dis
tinguished negroes Of the age. His life
was long and eventful ono. He was
born in this city in May, 1912, and was
the son Of Samuel and Patty Delaney,
free blacks. Tho father Of Delancy,s
father was renowned African chief
tain, who was captured and brought to
this country more than one hundred and
fifty years ago. Tho father Of Patty,
Delany'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. :"'he major acquired renarks-
| bly, liberal education by dint Of hard
study and constant work. He was =
most voracious reader, and was especi.
ally fond Of books Of adventure and
travel. He possessed penchant for tn,
science Of geography, and acquired vast
knowledge in this department Of learn
ing. When young man he removed
from this city to Pittsburg, Pa. He pur-
sued course Of medicine. but was
mover graduated. lie became a writer
for several periodicals. in the north and
was q very jealous anti-slavery man.
Finally he became full-fedged doctor
and went to Canada to ply his profess
sion. Here he met with wonderful sue
cess, and, on account Of his shining tai
ents and comprehensive learning, Was
received into the best Canadian society.
Hc was elected honorary member Of
several literary 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 year on the dark con-
tincnt. Major Delaney before returning
to America spent some years in England.
He delivered series Of lectures touch
ing his travels and discoveries, which
attracted marked attention., and mado
him conspicuous fignre in London so
cicty. He WAS given q seat in the inter
national statistical congress-, which was
held in London, and over which the late
Prince Albert presided. About this
time Delaney was chosen an honorary
member of tho royal socity. He had
the honor Of dining with the queen, and
was an intimate friend Of Lord Brough-
ham, who pronounced him the ablest
living representative of his race. In
1862 Delaney came back to the United
States and mado an effort to organize
a "corps d'Afriqnc." but was not success-
full. He entered the union army a an
assistant surgeon in the Atty fourth Mas.
sachusetts regiment. Subsequently no
was appointed major in the army, and in
that capacity made his appearance again
in South Carolina near, the close OF. tho
war. lie was connected with the. free,l.
mans bnres until it failed; then ne sett.
led .lownin Charleston. in 1874 he wss
nominated for lieutenantig0vernor by
the independent republicans, and was
supported by the white voters of the
State, but suffered an overwhelming
, defeat by the Cham mberlain ticket. He
, was for nine years 'striai. Justice IN fhis
tcitys subsequently, and performed hts
Il duties we'll. A fsw years ago he rs.
moved from Charleston to Willberfnrce,
} Ohio, where he recently died.