Albro E. Darling
One of the early settlers of Crawford county, who has been identified with general farming and stock-raising for a period of more than thirty years is Albro E. Darling, who resides upon a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Ells.
He was born in Vermont on the 21st of September, 1848, and is a son of Robert and Johanna (Fletcher) Darling, also natives of the Green Mountain state, who passed away in Deloit, Iowa.
The son of a farmer, Albro E. Darling has always been identified with agricultural pursuits, for which he was fitted both by education and training. He acquired the capital, through his own unaided efforts, in 1873 to buy eighty acres of land, upon which he engaged in general farming and stock-raising. A thrifty, hard-working man, by close application and perseverance he was able to add to his holdings until he now owns one hundred and sixty acres, in the cultivation of which he still engages.
Mr. Darling completed arrangements for a home of his own by his marriage on the 22d of May, 1872, to Miss Rosana Long, a daughter of David H. and Angelia (Thompson) Long, originally of Illinois, and unto them were born the following: Robert, who lives in Deloit; and Susan, George and Emily, all deceased; Harry, who is at home; Daisy, the wife of S. M. Louden, of Castana; Annie, who became the wife of Andrew Schwanz of this county; Ida, who married Charles Dean, also of this county; Jessie, the wife of Julius Schramm, of Odebolt; and Edward, Myrtle, Thomas and Earl, all of whom are at home; and the thirteenth, who died in infancy.
The family attend the Methodist Episcopal church, with which denomination the parents are identified by membership. Ever since attaining his majority Mr. Darling has cast his ballot for the candidates of the republican party. Not being an aspirant for public honors or the emoluments of office, however, he never actively participates in public affairs. Although he has not accumulated extensive landed interests Mr. Darling has an excellent farm and such success as he has attained is due to his own effort and well directed energy.
Source: History of Crawford County, Iowa. Vol. II. Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1911.