Nathan C. Delano is the oldest merchant of Bellevue, when years of active and consecutive connection with business interests are considered, and is a most reliable representative of the commercial welfare of the town. He is now enjoying a large and constantly increasing trade and his prosperity is the reward of his well directed efforts and untiring diligence. A native of New York, he was born in Allegany County, October 31, 1852, and on the paternal side is of French-Huguenot ancestry, while on the maternal side he is of English lineage. Both families were founded in America at an early period in the history of the country, and the great-grandfather Richardson participated in the Revolutionary war, while the grand-father, William Richardson, fought in the war of 1812. Nathan C. Delano, Sr., the father of our subject, married Maria Richardson, daughter of William Richardson. She, too, was a native of the Empire state. Nathan C. Delano, the father of our subject, died in New York state, and five years later his widow married Thomas H. Young. This couple, with their family, crossed the plains in 1849, and for a time resided in Denver, Colorado. They afterward returned to Leavenworth, Kansas, where the father engaged in business for fourteen years, then removed to Texas, and in 1874 came to Idaho, locating near Glenn’s Ferry.
Nathan C. Delano, whose name heads this review, was educated in Leavenworth, Kansas, and is a graduate of Bush’s Commercial College. He afterward engaged in clerking in Leavenworth and then removed to Texas, where he was engaged in farming. From the Lone Star state he removed to Idaho, taking up lands from the government on Cold Spring creek, eight miles west of Glenn’s Ferry. That property he improved and sold, after which he came to Bellevue, where he engaged in the lumber business for a year. He then opened his general mercantile establishment, and with the exception of one brief interval has carried on business in that line continuously since. In 1883 he formed a partnership with H. H. Clay and they were thus associated for fourteen years, the relation proving mutually pleasant and profitable. In 1893 Mr. Delano was elected treasurer of Logan County, and served two years, and was also elected assessor and collector of taxes: but soon after this the County was consolidated with Alturas, and the act which created the new County of Blaine made him collector and assessor of Blaine County. While in office the second year he sold out to his partner, Mr. Clay, and was not connected with the store through 1896. He has also served as treasurer of the city of Bellevue. In 1897 he re-purchased his interest in the store, and has since successfully conducted the mercantile enterprise which he established in 1882. He has a large and well equipped store, and carries a well as-sorted stock of goods in order to meet the varied tastes of the public. His methods are honorable, his manner courteous and obliging and his prices reasonable, and he has thus secured a liberal and lucrative patronage. He also has valuable mining interests in Nevada.
In 1883 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Delano and Miss Jessie Fisher, and their union was blessed with a daughter, Delia. In 1891 the wife and mother was called to her final rest, and in 1894 Mr. Delano was again married, his second union being with Miss E. Church. They also have an interesting little daughter, Helen. Theirs is one of the pleasant and hospitable residences of the town.
In his political views he was formerly a Republican, and gave to the party a stanch support until its policy as a “gold” party was announced. He then withdrew his allegiance, and has since allied himself with the Populist movement, believing that its position on the great financial question best embodies the general good. He is a charter member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and is now financier of that lodge. He is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and has filled all the chairs in that order. He ranks very high as a good citizen and reliable merchant, and his sterling worth commends him to the confidence and good will of all.