Thomas Jefferson Darling (abt. 1780 - 1865)

Born about 1780 in Hebron, Washington, New York, United States

Ancestors

Descendants

Died Jul 1865 at about age 85 in Manchester, Dearborn, Indiana, United States

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Biography

Son of Jacob Darling & Sarah Cutler. Thomas Darling ; Most of Thomas's story has been told already along with Jacob's. In 1816, when he was 39, he shoulder the reins and sign for Jacob's original land purchase in Indiana, also buying an original land purchase of his own next to his father's, thus, being the only son to do so. In 1828, at the age of 44, he severed as administrator of his father's estate, also serving as power of attorney for members of the family who could not be present, and in 1853, at age 69, he was still taking care of his family when he made the application for his mother's pension for the remaining living members of Jacob's family.

In his early years here he was instrumental in the organization of his church, The First Baptist Church of Jesus Christ, in Manchester. It was situated in Wright's Corners and was also used as a school. Many of the old pioneer's were buried there, the cemetery still exists. Thomas passed away in 1865, probably in June, at the age of 81years. Wife Ruth Ann followed the next April 3, 1866, at the age of 80. Both are buried in the little Wright's Corner Baptist Church burying ground.

The settlement of Thomas's Estate was begun in August, 1865. A copy of the page in the August 24,1865 issue of the Lawrenceburg Union Press containing the Exectutor Notice and Administrator's Sale. The final sale was completed on February 5, 1867. In the same August 24, 1865, issue of the Lawrenceburg Union Press, there is also the small item by jury, "State vs. Ruth Ann Darling ----Inquest of sanity. Trial by jury, found the allegation of insanity to be true. John Cooper was appointed her guardian". A very sad note to end the story of these good, brave people. Back then on the census, a senile person was labelled insane. I make note of this because Ruth Ann appeared "hard to get along with" in the settlement of the estate. She was near her 80th year of life. John Cooper and wife Ruth Ann Darling Cooper cared for Mother Ruth Ann in their home until her death.

Eric and Judy Ann Smith now live at the site of Thomas Darling's homestead. You can see the "Darling" Cemetery from the road. The old barn has been sided with tin, on the inside you can see the original barn.

Sources

• Find A Grave: Memorial #31766681