General Notes

see notes on father

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Darius was born on December 19, 1829, in Blenheim Township, just West of Ayr, in Waterloo County, Ontario.  Following his father's death in 1833, his mother moved the family to Jerseyville,  Ontario,  where he spent his early years. In 1857 he moved to Woodstock, Ontario, where he established himself in the mercantile  trade.   That same year he married xxxxx Howell,  born 1833 in Upper Canada.  She died in 1858; and later that same year Samuel married his sister-in-law, Hannah Howell (born 1835).

Children (born at Woodstock)
     (A8-22) Alice Emma (born 9/30/1859; died unmarried 12/16/1880).
     (A8-23) Cornelia Frances (born 1861).
     (A8-24) Lois Ida (born 1863).

Hannah died on February 16, 1863, and was buried at the Methodist Cemetery in Woodstock.   On November 4, 1863,  Darius married Sarah, daughter of John and Mary (Withers) Uren of Ingersoll, Ontario.  Sarah was born July 10, 1838, and was a school teacher in Woodstock in 1863.

Children (from third marriage, born at Woodstock)
     (A8-25) Mary H. (born 10/1/1864).
     (A8-26) James D. (born 5/14/1866; died 8/29/1880).
     (A8-27) Frederick D. (born 1868).
     (A8-28) Louise R. (born 4/25/1871; died 10/7/1876).
     (A8-29) Florence G. (born 3/3/1873).
     (A8-30) Arthur E. (born 8/9/1875).

Sarah was exposed to the flu while visiting in Philadelphia in 1876, and died on  November 27,  1876, shortly after returning to Woodstock. On October  3, 1877,  Darius married Matilda Pollock, a widow, daughter of William and Sarah Trench of Richmond Hill, Ontario.  Matilda was born in 1844.

Stepchild
     Willimena E. Pollock (born 1866; married Frederick Brink).

Darius'  mercantile business flourished,  and he became quite wealthy for the times.  He was extremely interested in horticulture; was a member of the local horticultural society; and constantly urged local projects for the beautification of the town.   His residence at 78 Biddel Street was the first in Woodstock  to have a boulevard at the front,  which Darius had constructed at  his own expense.   Following his retirement from business in 1892,  he is reported
to  have made quite a showplace of his lawns and gardens.  It is attested that he succeeded in developing a very nearly black rose - the classic challenge to horticulturalists of that day.

During his lifetime Darius was active in civic affairs, serving for  several years  on the Woodstock Town Council,  and lecturing at local club  and  lodge meetings.  He became famous for his formula for instilling character in youth: "Always keep good company, wear high boots, and sleep on straw."  He died at his residence on July 18, 1908, and is buried at Hillview United Cemetery (Methodist) in Woodstock.  Matilda died March 3, 1916, at Woodstock.