William Darling, the son of James and Margaret (Misner) Darling, was born in Tompkins Co., N. Y., May 19, 1822. His father was a native of Scotland and mother of Germany. They came to America in an early day and settled in the State of New York, where they passed the remainder of their lives.
\William remained at home until about 30 years of age, working on his father's farm. He came to
Michigan in the fall of 1858, and purchased 160 acres of land, to which he has since added 40 acres of pine land and has about 90 acres in good cultivation where he now resides. He was married in the State of New York, Aug. 31, 1852, to Mary, daughter of Jonathan and Susan Purdun, of French descent. Mr. and Mrs. Darling have had six children, viz.: Alice D., Lafayette, Dora A., and William Darling, Jr.; Mary J. and Dora Ann are deceased.
Mr. Darling affiliates with the Republican party.
He held the office of Justice of the Peace, Dayton Township, which position he resigned after serving two years. He was a charter member of the Fremont Grange, No. 495, P. of H.