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 by 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, an much of the clearing he did himself. He was a hard worker and a man of indomitable energy throughout 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 Litchfield 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 a 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 J. 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 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.
Source: Chapman Brothers. Portrait and biographical record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola counties, Michigan. Chicago: Chapman brothers, 1892.