DARLING, Frank J.

DARLING, BENSON, MARKLE, TAYLOR

Posted By: Volunteer Transcribers
Date: 1/19/2003 at 20:24:01

FRANK J. DARLING. 

Frank J. Darling, who for more than a quarter of a century has made his home in Clinton, was born in Kenosha, Wisconsin, July 26, 1852, and on the paternal side is of German extraction. His grandfather, Abner Darling, became one of the pioneer settlers of Iowa, and was accompanied to this state by his sons, Charles P. and Perry W., the former the father of our subject. The latter is now residing in Elk River township upon a farm which he purchased upon his arrival here, and is one of the honored and esteemed agriculturists of the community.

Charles P. Darling was born in Dover, Dutchess county, New York, September 11, 1819, and, with his family emigrated westward, settling in Kenosha, Wisconsin, in 1845. In 1852, he came to Iowa, taking up his abode in Clinton county, near Lyons, where he purchased government land at three dollars per acre. This he improved, developing a fine farm, upon which he made his home until his death, which occurred January 23, 1891. He owned one hundred and sixty acres of rich land, and from the well tilled fields gleaned rich harvests. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Amanda M. Benson, was born in Amenia, Dutchess county, New York, March 11, 1825, and was of English lineage. Her father was a prosperous farmer of the Empire state, and his death occurred in New York when he had attained the very advanced age of ninety-three years. Mrs. Darling was reared and educated in New York, and there she gave her hand in marriage to the father of our subject, May 1, 1846. They became the parents of four children: Belle, who attended a ladies’ seminary in Davenport, Iowa, is now the wife of Henry Walker, one of the early settlers of the county, living upon the old Walker homestead. Frank J., is the second of the family. Charles L., after following farming for a number of years, lived retired at his home in Lyons, this county, until his death, which occurred April 14, 1901, when he was forty-six years of age. George H. is a farmer, residing upon the old homestead. The children were all educated in the common schools of Elk River township. In his political affiliations the father was a Republican from the time of the organization of the party, and believed most firmly in its principles. Both he and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and were people of the highest respectability. The wife and mother survived her husband about two years, passing away February 5, 1894.

When only about a year old Frank J. Darling was brought to Clinton county, where he has since made his home. He was reared to farm life, working in the field through the summer months and pursuing is education in the country schools during the winter seasons. He remained with his parents until twenty-one years of age, when he came to Clinton and secured employment in the blacksmith shops of the Chicago & Northwestern Railway Company, remaining there for three years. He was then made a brakeman on the road, and after two years he went upon an engine as fireman. Three years later he was promoted to the position of engineer, making a run in October, 1882, since which time he has been employed continuously as engineer. He now has a time freight run between Clinton and Boone, and a local run in return. His carefulness, close application to duty and earnest purpose are numbered among his salient characteristics, and have gained for him an enviable position among the most trusted representatives of the road. During his long experience in the railway service he has seen many changes mad and improvements introduced in the engines, the road beds and in other branches of the road, and he has also witnessed many changes in the city in which he makes his home.

Mr. Darling purchased a lot and erected his present home in what was then a pasture, but it now stands in the midst of a populous and attractive district of the city. He was married May 29, 1878, to Miss Lucinda Markle, who was born November 13, 1857, a daughter of Frank and Kate (Taylor) Markle, the former born January 1, 1834, and the latter November 4, 1833. They were the parents of four children, three daughters and a son: Lucinda, the wife of our subject: Fannie, deceased: Charles, who is a foreman in the railroad shops at Clinton: and Olivia, the wife of Thomas Swirls, insurance agent for the New York Life Insurance Company, and a resident of Oak Park, Illinois. On both sides the Markle family is descended from Pennsylvania ancestors. Mrs. Markle is now deceased, and Mr. Markle makes his home with Mr. and Mrs. Darling. This worthy couple are the parents of two sons: Bruce W., who was born in Clinton, November 15, 1879, and is a graduate of the high school here, is now engaged in clerking for the firm of Jenkins Brothers, Chicago, Illinois; while Charles H., the younger son, born in Clinton, February 10, 1885, is at home.

Since 1883 Mr. Darling has been a member of Clinton Division, No. 125, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, and has held office in the organization. He also belongs to the blue lodge of Masons, and his wife is a member of the Congregational church. He occupies an enviable position in industrial circles by reason of his efficiency and fidelity, and in the county, where almost his entire life has been passed, he has many friends who esteem him very highly, as he possesses those traits of character which everywhere awaken regard and respect.
Source: The 1901 Biographical Record of Clinton Co., Iowa, Illustrated published: Chicago : S. J. Clarke Pub. Co., 1901.