Biography of John Delaney JOHN DELANEY Many of Michigan’s most enterprising citizens have emigratedto the United States from the Green Isle of Erin, bringing with them habits ofindustry, perseverance and economy. In the various occupations and professionsthey have gained a competency, or perchance wealth, while at the same time theyhave established for themselves an enviable reputation as citizens. OttawaCounty contains a large number of farmers whose ancestry extends back through along line of Irish forefathers, and in this class we present the name of JohnDELANEY, an agriculturist residing in Tallmadge Township. Born on the EmeraldIsle in 1831, our subject is the son of Daniel and Hannah (CUDHY) DELANEY, beingtheir eldest child. At the age of eight years, he accompanied his parents toAmerica and settled with them in Dutchess County, New York, where the elder Mr.DELANEY followed the occupation of a gardener. There, John grew to manhood,receiving a common school education and afterward learning the trade of ablacksmith. In 1851, the family came to Michigan, and our subject stopped atGrand Rapids, where he learned the trade of a machinist. After spending threeyears in Grand Rapids, he proceeded to Chicago, where he spent the threefollowing years. From Chicago, Mr. DELANEY went to the “Sunny South,” andsecured employment in the city of New Orleans. So well was he pleased with thispart of our country, and so profitable did his work prove, that he remainedeleven years in New Orleans before returning to the North, in the latter part of1871. After a visit of one month in Michigan, he once again proceeded Southward,and continued to live in New Orleans until the year 1884. His brother dying inMichigan about that time, he returned here in order to serve as administrator ofthe estate, and has ever since lived on the farm where he now resides. Heengages in the cultivation of three hundred acres, raising wheat, hay and corn,and marketing his products in Grand Rapids. In February, 1864, Mr. DELANEY wasunited in marriage with Miss Alicia Madeline PROPHET, who was of Englishdescent. After having become the mother of two children, this estimable ladypassed from earth in October, 1868. Mr. DELANEY and his daughter, HannahBarbara, reside at the old home, surrounded by all the comforts that enhance thepleasure of living. They belong to the Roman Catholic Church, and are firm intheir allegiance to the doctrines of that religious organization. In politics,Mr. DELANEY is conservative, and usually casts his ballot for the candidate whomhe deems best qualified for the office in questions, irrespective of politicalbeliefs. Portrait & Biographical Record of Muskegon & Ottawa Counties,Michigan 1893, Chicago: Biographical Publishing Company Pg. 216

Created: 12 August 2002
URL: Return to Bios Index