Dr. W. H. Darrow 1838-1894

DARROW, WEAVER

Posted By: Beverly Gerdts (email)
Date: 3/16/2024 at 15:02:46

The Wapello Republic, Wapello, Iowa
Thursday, July 19, 1894
Page 4

Last Sunday, July 15th death claimed as his own the oldest business man in Columbus Junction, Dr. W. H. Darrow. He had been in failing health for several months, but the immediate cause of his death was a stroke of paralysis, received a few days before, from which he never fully recovered consciousness. Dr. Darrow was born in Summit County, Ohio, August 17, 1838. When but a child he came with his parents to Iowa, locating in Columbus City. When about 12 years of age he entered the drug store of Clark & Colton where he remained as a faithful employ until about twenty years of age when he began a course in the Keokuk Medical College, graduating there from in 1850. As a reward for faithful service from his employers a silver watch, having his name inscribed thereon, "Billy Darrow" which he greatly prized during all his later years.

In July 1861 he enlisted in Co. "C" 5th Ia, vols, as a private. Soon after he was appointed Hospital Steward, and later Asst. Surgeon, which position he held until the close of the war. It was at Champion Hills that he received an injury that, no doubt, produced the paralysis, resulting in death. Here a piece from a bursting shell struck him on the head, and at times ever after he suffered most intensely from the injury. Returning from the war he engaged in the practice of medicine at Cairo, this county, where he remained for five years, then removed to Columbus Junction where he continued his practice and embarked in the drug business.

Dr. Darrow was married to Miss Emily Francis Weaver, sister of Hon. H. O. Weaver, Nov. 1871, who, with one child, a son 16 years of age, J. Don Darrow, survive to mourn the loss of a kind husband and indulgent father. As a physician Dr. Darrow won, by his skill and energy, a wide and lucrative practice. As a soldier he made many friends. The funeral occurs from the late home of the deceased today (Thursday), at 1 p. m. The service will be under the direction of the G. A. R. Post, the pall bearers being selected from among his old comrades. The remains will be interred in the Indian Creek cemetery, in Concord township, in compliance with his request.