Surnames: Darling, Hughes, Smith, Ure, Frances, Lyons, Lambright

--------Source: Neillsville Press (Neillsville, Clark County, Wis.) Thursday, 07/01/1926

Darling, Merrill H. (3 Oct. 1848 - 27 June 1926)

Merrill H. Darling, one of the old residents of Clark County and a veteran of the Civil War, died at his home in this city, Sunday at 9 o’clock a.m., June 27, after a lingering illness.

Deceased was born in Madison County, New York, Oct. 3, 1848, and came west when a small boy with his parents, who settled on a farm in Wisconsin. His father died when he was seven years old. He was the fourth in a family of six children.

On Nov. 2, 1863, when only 15 years of age, he enlisted in the Civil War, becoming a member of Co. C. First Wisconsin Infantry, three other brothers had enlisted before him. He served throughout the war and was discharged at Clinton, Iowa, August 18, 1865. Two of his brothers died in the service. He was for many years a member of the G. A. R. and remained in good standing until his death.

Mr. Darling was married at Fond du Lac Sept. 28, 1882, to Ellen A. Hughes. They moved to Clark County in 1883, and later lived for a time at Thorp. In 1892 they moved to Neillsville, which has since remained their home. Mr. Darling was an industrious upright man. His early army life and the association with old Civil War comrades developed in him an intense patriotism and love of his country. For a good many years his health has been poor and he has been unable to work.

He is survived by his wife and two children, Fred and Virginia, Mrs. Verne Smith of Milwaukee. Tow children, Linn and Mabel deceased. He leaves also two grandchildren, Merrill and Earl Darling, and three nieces and two nephews, namely, Mrs. Geo. Ure, Neillsville, Mrs. Wesley Frances, Cottage Grove, Oregon; Mrs. Iva Smith of Michigan; Perry Lyons, Missoula, Mont., and Mel Darling, Spring Valley, Wis.

The funeral was held Wednesday at 2 p.m. Rev. S. J. Lambright officiating. Military honors being given by a firing squad form the Service Co.

Merrill H. Darling is also featured in the book, "Civil War Soldiers in the heart of Clark Co., Wisconsin."