John Frederick Darby

A funny article in the paper. Howard Courant, May 3, 1889 Sneak thief stole his only pants J.F. Darby returned from Oklahoma last Friday. He is disgusted. Some sneak thief stole his pants at Arkansas City and he had to borrow a pair at the hotel in which to go up town and buy another pair. JMB

Elk County Citizen - December 16, 1897 Mr. John F Darby

On last Friday, another very sudden death occurred in our midst. About half past ten o'clock, Mr. John F.Darby, was attacked while busy in his office, with a stroke of apoplexy. In a few minutes he was unconscious in which condition he continued till about half past four in the afternoon, when he ceased to breathe. Mr. Darby has been a citizen of Elk county for 17 years, having moved here from La Porte, Indiana in 1880. Here his children have grown to manhood and here his wife was taken from his side. He was born in Vermillion County, Ohio, Feb. 21, 1834. He was married to Rebecca C. Ransom, January 26, 1862 He leaves five sons, of whom Ben is in St. Joseph, Charlie in Kansas City, Fred in Eureka, Levy in Wichita and Lee in Howard. All of the boys but Charlie got to Howard in time for the funeral, which was on Sunday afternoon.

The M.E. church in which the funeral sermon was preached was filled to overflowing and a long train of vehicles followed the hearse to the Howard cemetery, where the remains were laid beside those of Mr. Darby's beloved wife.

Research and transcription by JMB