William H. Darrow, Dr. 1838-1894

DARROW, COLTON, SALMON, CLARK, KENYON, WEAVER

Posted By: Beverly Gerdts (email)
Date: 1/10/2021 at 08:42:44

Columbus Gazette, Columbus Junction, Iowa
Wednesday, July 18, 1894
page 1

Dr. Wm. H. Darrow was born in Summit county, Ohio, August 17, 1838, and came with his father to Columbus city in 1846. He died at his home in Columbus Junction, Iowa, July 15, 1894, at 11:30 a.m. At the age of thirteen he went into the store of Dr. Wm. A. Colton, at the City and remained there for a number of years, and he always attributed much of the success of his after life to the influence of Dr. Colton. Here he studied pharmacy and medicine. In 1857 he entered the Medical college at Keokuk and graduated from there two years later. He was mustered into service as a member of the Co. C. 5th regiment Iowa volunteers July16, 1861. He was discharged at Camp Crook, Georgia, September 24, 1864, having served in the army for more than three years. He was wounded at Champion Hill, Mississippi and it was at that time that he sustained the injury from the concussion of a cannon shot, which just grazed the left side of his head knocking him off his horse and rendering him unconscious, which finally resulted in paralysis and death. He was for a time hospital steward but was soon promoted to assistant surgeon of the regiment. A short time before he was mustered out the regiment presented him with a very fine case of surgical instruments which he prized very highly and preserved carefully as long as he lived. After the war he began the practice of medicine at Cairo and continued there until 1872 when he moved to Columbus Junction. He then began the mercantile and drug business which he afterward sold to Hall and Overholt. In December, 1875, he formed a partnership with G. A. Salmon in the drug business which lasted until 1887. He continued the business for two years and then traded the entire stock for lands in Kansas. In November, 1892, the old firm of Salmon & Darrow resumed business at the old stand. This continued until the May following when he was compelled to disposed of his interest owing to failing health. During all these years he had kept up his work as a physician and had acquired a very large practice. He now attempted to withdraw from practice and live a retired life but this he found exceedingly hard to do, and he constantly yielded to the entreaties of his old friends and attended them in sickness when he was utterly unable to do so in justice to himself. He was first married to a daughter of Dr. Clark of Columbus city. To them were born two children, a son and daughter. The son, William, died a number of years ago. The daugter, Hatie, married a Mr. Kenyon and died about two years ago at her home in Nebraska, leaving a son. Dr. Darrow was married to Emily Frances Weaver November 20, 1872. One son, John Donald, now in his sixteenth year, was born to them. Together mother and son mourn their great and irreparable loss. Dr. Darrow was a man of great kindness of heart and of most generous impulses. He took a deep interest in young men and loved to assist and encourage them. His deed of charity were many though done in secret. He had amassed a large amount of money and had hosts of friends in all stations of life. He will be buried in the beautiful and quiet cemetery at Indian Creek, by his own request. The funeral will take place on Thursday at his late home conducted by Revs. John LeCornu and Mullin of Columbus City. An address will also be made by Comrade J. R. Smith. The band will furnish the music. The pall bearers selected are all members of his old regiment and are, Capt. J. L. Grubb, W. S. Peck, Muscatine, Capt. A. Ellis, Wapello, Edward Giswold, Joseph Price, Walter Hall, Samuel Barringer and Wm. Cool. The funeral will be in charge of the G. A. R. Post. It was his desire to be kept several days, and no hearse will be used at his funeral. He leaves an aged mother, four brothers, two here and two in Oklahoma, besides an innumerable host of friends to mourn his loss.