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Description |
An 8"x10" glass plate negative, portrait photograph of nine members of the Michael Delaney family, David City, Nebraska. Five men are wearing dark suits, one double-breasted, with white shirts; two with bow ties, three with knotted ties. Two women are wearing dark, long-sleeved dresses with stand collars; one with a brooch and one with a chain necklace. Another woman is wearing a dark, long-sleeved dress with white, pin-tucked bodice and high-stand collar. A young girl with spiral-curled hair is wearing a dark sailor-collared jacket trimmed with contrasting braid, skirt and white blouse with stand collar and brooch. The are standing in front of a painted backdrop that features a draped window and several shelves with vases or urns. |
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Historical Notes |
Michael Delaney was among the early settlers of Butler County. He was born at Sandy Hill, Washington County, New York on August 28, 1843. He grew up in Wisconsin and became a teacher. He found employment in a parochial school in Des Moines, Iowa. In the spring of 1872, Michael and his brother traveled to Butler County, Nebraska, where he purchased 200 acres of land in Skull Creek Township for $3.00 per acre. He married Katherine Hanna of Jasper County, Iowa later that year. Katherine was born February 16, 1853, in White Hall, New York. Michael and Katherine Delaney lived in Iowa for about six years before moving to Butler County, Nebraska, with their four children in 1879. They purchased land three miles north of Brainard, where they farmed. Three children were born after they arrived in Nebraska. In 1880, Michael was nominated and elected county superintendent of schools and served several terms. In 1888 he was elected to the state legislature and was re-elected in 1894. Michael Delaney also served as school director of his district for fifteen years, was a member of the Board of Supervisors and served as Justice of the Peace. Michael died February 12, 1909 and Katherine died September 22, 1917. The photo shows family members: front row--Katherine, Charles Eugene (born August 16, 1883, World War I veteran), Mae Victorinus (born circa 1889, died November 29, 1985 and buried in David City, Nebraska) and Michael; back row--Agnes (born March 3, 1874, married Daniel Holland October 16, 1897, died February 8, 1964), William Francis (born October 14, 1877, died August 3, 1940 and buried in David City), John P. (born October 3, 1875, married Lucy Davis in May 1908, died January 14, 1920 and buried in David City), Michael Leo, seated, (born June 12, 1880, married Mildred, World War I veteran), Mary Rosetta (born December 23, 1879, married Louis Welte, died November 26, 1985). |
