George Delaney, postmaster of Axtell, and a pioneer of Marshall county, was born near Sedalia, Pettis county, Missouri, October 3, 1865. He is a son of Daniel and Ellen (Collins) Delaney, both natives of Ireland. The parents were married in their native land, emigrating to America shortly afterwards, and the father engaged in contracting and building. When the Central Branch railroad was built he was one of the construction contractors of that road, building the first thirty miles, and he also completed the grade of that road into Waterville, which was the terminal for a long time. The Delaney family resided at Waterville for some time in the early days, and here the father constructed several stone houses, which were the first permanent buildings in Waterville, and some of them are still standing. After the completion of the Central Branch railroad to Waterville, he secured a contract on the construction of the Union Pacific, and later the family removed to Howard, Kan. When they located there Independence was their nearest railroad point.

George Delaney received his education in the public schools and was a student of George W. Winans, who afterward became State superintendent of public instruction. After the family removed to Southern Kansas young Delaney had the advantage of good schools and succeeded in getting a good practical education. When he was about seventeen years old he accompanied Captain Payne on his first trip to Oklahoma and Indian Territory. This was before that country was opened to settlers. After a short stay in that country, he returned to his home and worked on the farm for a time, when his brother, Michael Delaney, of Waterville, induced him to come there and accept a position in a grocery store, which his brother was conducting. George remained with his brother until 1888, when he went to Axtell and engaged in the general mercantile business with Mr. Hurlbut, under the firm name of Hurlbut & Delaney. This partnership continued until 1905, when Mr. Delaney disposed of his interest. In 1899 he organized the Axtell Telephone Company, which was the second telephone line in Marshall county. He installed the exchange at Axtell, and was the president and manager of this business until 1912, when he sold out. In 1905 he organized the Sunflower Coal, Gas & Oil Company of Axtell, and became vice-president and manager of this enterprise. The purpose of this organization is to develop the coal, gas and oil field of Marshall county. He was appointed postmaster of Axtell in 1896, and has held that office until the present time. Mr. Delaney has taken an active part in political affairs of his county and State, and frequently has been a delegate to State, Congressional and judiciary conventions. He was a member of the State Central Committee during Governor Bailey's campaign, and was elected mayor of Axtell at one time without opposition, but was unable to accept, on account of being a Federal officer.

Mr. Delaney was married December 19, 1888, to Miss Eugenie, daughter of S. W. and Ellen (Bancroft) Hurlbut, of Waterville, Kan. The father was a merchant for several years in Kansas City, Waterville and Axtell. He died in March, 1911, and his widow now resides at Axtell. Mrs. Delaney was born at Janesville, Wis., and came to Kansas with her parents when a child. She was educated in Waterville and graduated from the high school there. To Mr. and Mrs. Delaney have been born six children: Donald E., Helen M., Kenneth S., George, Jr., Dorothy E. and Harry. Donald, Helen and Kenneth are high school students, and are musicians of unusual ability. The younger children are attending the grades. Mr. Delaney is a York Rite Mason and member of Abdallah Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He and his wife are members of the Eastern Star, and the family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. The family have long been prominent socially and the Delaney residence is known for its gracious hospitality.