Biographical Sketch of

Philo Darling

Transcribed by Sandra Boudrou



Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 589 - 590 


Philo Darling, who is engaged in general farming and stock raising, on section 35 in the town of Rose, 
Waushara County, is a native of Lower Canada.  He was born on the 10th day of June, 1833, and is the 
eldest in a family of eleven children, ten of whom grew to mature years, while seven of that number 
are yet living.  His parents were John and Marilda (Gaylor) Darling.  The father was a native of 
Vermont, but when a young man went to Canada, where he became acquainted with and married Miss Gaylor.  
They afterward made their home in the Green Mountain State, and in 1854 became residents of Waupaca 
County, Wis., where Mr. Darling entered a claim and developed a farm upon which he resided until 1873, 
when he was called to his final home.  His wife still survives him at this writing, in 1890.  Their 
children yet living are--Philo, of this sketch; Hannah, wife of William Gibson, of Lawrence, Mass.; 
Lorinda, wife of Henry Darling, of Canada; Susie, wife of Henry Edwards, of Dakota; Melissa, wife of 
James M. Darling, of Waldo, Wis.; George, of Crystal Lake, Wis.; Lucretia, wife of Charles Herbert, of 
Waupaca; and Luman, of Wautoma.
 
The early life of our subject was passed in the usual manner of farmer lads, he assisting his father in 
the cultivation of the land and attending the common schools of Waterbury, Vt.  On attaining his majority 
he left the parental roof and started out in life for himself.  He determined to try his fortune in the 
West, and bidding good-bye to his old home started for Wisconsin.  On reaching Waupaca County he made a 
claim of ninety-five acres of land hitherto uncultivated, but after a year sold out and engaged in 
lumbering during the succeeding seven years.  About the expiration of that time he was united in marriage 
with Miss Martha Jeffers, who was born in the town of Rose, Wayne Co., N. Y., in 1843, and with her father, 
James W. Jeffers, one of the honored pioneers of Wisconsin, came to the West.  About two years after his 
marriage, Mr. Darling purchased fifty-seven acres of land in the town of Spring Water, Waushara County, 
and from the wild land developed a fine farm.
 
In February, 1864, our subject enlisted for the war as a member of Company B, 35th Wisconsin Infantry, and 
with his regiment participated in the siege at Spanish Fort, and other important engagements.  During the 
entire service the regiment was engaged in active duty, and marched 8,050 miles.  At length they were 
discharged at Madison, in February, 1866, after two years spent upon the Southern battlefields, when Mr. 
Darling returned to his home in the town of Spring Water and the young bride whom he had left to battle 
for his country.  The same year he sold his farm in the town of Spring Water, and removed to the town of 
Wautoma, but in 1869 he purchased his present farm, where he has since made his home.  He raises a good 
grade of stock, and 105 acres of highly cultivated land pay tribute to the care and labor which he bestows 
upon it.  The farm comprises a quarter-section of land, but the remainder has not been improved.  In his 
business transactions he has been quite successful, and has become one of the prosperous farmers of the 
community.  When he first came to Wisconsin he used a breaking-plow, drawn by four or six yoke of oxen, 
but now has the latest improved machinery and everything necessary to a model farm of the nineteenth century.  
He entertains progressive as well as practical ideas, and has therefore made his business a prosperous one.
 
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Darling have been born seven children:  William, who married Miss Lizzie Davis, is engaged 
in farming in the town of Spring Water; Henry, Etta, Frank, Cora, Philo and Gordon are still with their 
parents.  The family circle remains unbroken, although the eldest has left the parental roof.
 
Mr. Darling has filled various offices of honor and trust in his township, and in politics is an ardent 
supporter of the Republican party.  Socially he is a member of Ed. Saxe Post, No. 135, G. A. R., and his 
wife belongs to the W. R. C., an auxiliary of the post.  He has ever taken an active part in all that 
pertains to the upbuilding of town and county, and as the result of his industry has gained for himself 
and family one of the most comfortable homes in the town of Rose.






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