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Portrait and biographical record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola Counties,
Michigan : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative
citizens, together with biographies of all the governors of the state and
of the presidents of the United States.
Chicago: Chapman Bros., 1892


Page 194

    ASA W. DARLING, deceased.  This representative pioneer of Grand Blanc
Township, Genesee County, was born in Ontario County, N.Y., October 2,
1820, and was a son of EZRA and LOIS (MOORE) DARLING.  He was reared to
man's estate in his native county, and from his early youth learned the
practical work of farming.  He received but a common-school education in
the pioneer schools of his day, and had few advantages such as are granted
to the boys and girls of the present era.  This paucity of early advantages
he has been obliged to supplement since he reached the years of maturity by
means of observation and reading, and as he is a man of keen discernment
and excellent intellect he has obtained a more than ordinary degree of
intelligence and information.
    In the fall of 1845 he migrated to Genesee County, Mich., and settled
on the farm where his family now resides in the spring of 1847.  This place
has been vastly improved since he came upon it, and much of the clearing he
did himself.  He was a hard worker and a man of indomitable energy through-
out life.
    The marriage of our subject with MARY E. DEMMING, February 11, 1847,
was the beginning of a happy married life.  The lady was born in Litch-
field County, Conn., December 23, 1825, and was a daughter of JOEL and ANN
J. (CARTER) DEMMING, both of whom were natives of the Land of Steady
Habits.  When ten years old MARY DEMMING moved with her parents to New York
and at the age of twenty they migrated to Genesee County, settling in
Burton Township, where they became genuine pioneers, and where her parents
both died.  Her education had been scrupulously attended to, and she early
acquired a taste for reading which she has indulged through life.
    To Mr. and Mrs. DARLING were born seven children, two only of whom
survive, namely: MARY J. and WELDON A.  The five who died were EMMA, BELLE,
MINNIE, and two who died in infancy.  The doctrines of the Republican party
were dear to Mr. DARLING and he was ever ready to cast his vote and
influence with that body.  His enterprise and public spirit made him the
friend of every movement which was calculated to aid public prosperity or
the well-being of his neighbors.  He died October 20, 1890, respected by
all who knew him, as he enjoyed the esteem and confidence of his neighbors
and his business associates.  Although not a church member he contributed
liberally to the support of religion.  A valuable estate of one hundred and
thirty acres of finely cultivated land was left by him and it constitutes
one of the handsomest farms and most beautiful rural homes in Grand Blanc

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Page 195

Township.  He was a kind and loving husband and father, and he is missed
not only in his home but throughout the neighborhood.  His sterling
integrity in business transactions gave him a reputation which is enjoyed
by few.  His widow and children who reside on the home farm are all active
members of society.  MARY, the only surviving daughter, is a graduate of
the Flint High School, and has been a teacher.  Both she and her mother are
members of the Presbyterian Church, and are useful in religious activities.

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