James B. & Mary (Charles) Darland
Found in a 'Darland' book in possession of Carl Darland
James B. Darland was born on August 12, 1820 in Kentucky. He was the son of Isaac Darland and Alsey Reynolds. He moved with his parents to Indiana in 1821 where they settled the heavy beach woods of Parke County. As a baby, James was stolen by Indians and kept for several hours, but was safely returned. The Indian women felt sorry for his Mother and made the men return him. James B. married Mary Charles on June 23, 1842. Then in 1844 they moved to Warren County, Illinois until.1855. James then migrated to Union Township, Iowa. James was a Greenbacker, a man of large information, and properly ranks as one of the leaders of that party. His religious affiliation was the Primitive Baptist Church. When James first moved to Union Township he was possessor of moderate means, and his first purchase was of forty acres of land. Over time he accumulated a total of 155 acres. He prospered in life by reason of his industry, energy, and excellent management. He was a man of more than ordinary ability, of large general knowledge, and kept himself advised, not only as to matters relating to his business enterprise, but as well all matters of general interest, and was able to express himself in a forceful manner upon all debatable questions, and was esteemed a most excellent citizen. James died at his home in Barnes City, Iowa on August 27, 1908.
Mary Charles was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on February 14, 1824. Her parents are believed to be Abner Charles and Catherine Miller. During her childhood, her father with her family moved to Indiana. Mary was called to he home of her sister in Biswick?, Illinois because of her sister's illness, where Mary passed away suddenly on February 18, 1884.
Children of James B. and Mary Darland:
Lavina (Darland) Stout B-August 12, 1820
Catherine Darland B-February 15, 1824
Alesy Ann. Darland B-May 20, 1848
Almira Darland B-April 12, 1850
Zelda Darland B-June 23, 1852
Louis Darland B-September 2, 1854
Newton J. Darland B-June 5, 1857
Emma
Loretta - died at age 14
A letter written by James B. Darland when he was 77:
He
is not only a mighty God but all mighty, so he does whatsoever seemeth good in
his sight, so bless the Lord for he doeth all things well. It is God that
justifieth, who is he that condemeth? Praise the Lord when I am gone.
Some
4 years ago I wrote the above lines and laid them away for my children to read
after I am gone thinking my time was short. But the Lord still keeps me and has
blessed me with temporal blessings and I hope spiritual ones, so I am now in my
77th year and my descendants number 86. I have 7 daughters and one son living-
all have families and a number of grandchildren have families. I have had some
bitter with the sweet but I feel to praise the Lord for his goodness to me -
especially for giving me a helpmate that is so much comfort to me in my old
age. We live alone, keep one cow, horse and buggy and go when we please, hardly
ever failing to go to our meetings. I hare attended 2 associations this year,
Mt Pleasant and Western. One 100 miles and the other 150 miles away and I
surely got a feast both times. Now I want to say I cannot feast on what I have
done but on what the Lord has done. "He works & none can hinder. He
commands & it stands fast." "All that the father giveth to me
shall come to me & he that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out."
The other class he tells" "Ye will not come to me that ye might have
life." and "I will bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the
ends of the earth." So then he that glorieth let him glory in the Lord.
Now
dear children and friends, I have nothing to boast of, for I have only what I
have received, so give God the glory. We are now living in the last time and we
are looking for the fulfillment of the last prophecies, blessed is he that
shall be on the watch when the Lord cometh. I go, stooped over, half bent, just
waiting until my change comes. My health is good for one of my age. Why the
Lord keeps me here I know not, but he knows, and I shall still wait with all
the patience he gives me. Lord keep us humble and enable us to praise him in
that world that has no end, Amen.
Other Pictures Relating to this Family:
Family Photo
Darland Reunion of 1895
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