Born: Painesville. Ohio. 1834.
Died: Joliet, Illinois, 1909.
Was educated in the schools of his native town. His life-work was teaching and training the young. Before reaching his majority he began his work at Toledo, Ohio. Next, he was principal of the school at Lockport, Illinois, for three years, and then superintendent of schools in Joliet up to the beginning of the Civil War. He returned to this position in 1882, and continued therein till 1896, when failing health compelled his retirement. His fine character left imperishable impressions upon the multitudes of children.
He was rejected, because of his size, by the recruiting officer in Chicago in 1861. Then he went to Michigan, where, receiving authority from the Governor, he raised Company C of the Seventh Cavalry. He was engaged in all the campaigns of the Army of the Potomac and participated in many battles. He was wounded at Gettysburg, but would not leave the field till the battle ended. After the close of the Civil War he continued in the military service on the Western plains against the Indians. There he was colonel in command, and helped in opening the Overland Mail Route to California. He retired by reason of broken health.
Mr. Darling entered Christ's service in early life, and was active and earnest therein to its close. In Joliet he worked and worshiped with the Baptist Church until he thought the time had come to form a congregation after the New Testament pattern. He was its leader and support in every way.