The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1875-11-26

The Late VIM. P. Darst.


A man of marked character, and one
prominently identified with the early
history of our town and county, has
passed away, and dererves more than
passing notice. W. P. Darst came to our
town in the year 1906 and WAS for some
time employed in the store of Col John
Beckwith. Soon his pnblie spirit and
strong common sense recommended him
TO places of trust and importance. He
filled the Office of Clerk of the Court
two terms-being the second incumbent
in the history of our county. He was
exceedingly well fitted to perform the
duties of this position, being tine pen
man, and systematic by nature He vas
the first person to occupy the Office of
Mayor of our thriving and then turbu-
lent village. It required man of con-
siderable nerve to successfully govern
the rough pioneer of 60 years ago. He
had the elements of character to do
this. In 1928, in connection with Geo.
jackson, Sen. he was awarded the con-
tract for bnilding our Court House. This
building characterizes the builder to a
great extent; they have many points in
common plain, honest and substantial;
no hidden defects that time or tests
would expose. It is the same now as
fifty years ago--as strong. firm and reli-
able. No sham, no deceit ii its conn
position. So there was more in the char
arter of Mr.. Darst What he did, he
did well and honestly. He was decid-
edly Of positive character-never neg
ative. This disposition may produce
enemies, but has the wafmest friends.
He was one of the charter members OF
Somerset Lodge No. rs F. & A. Masons.
In 1882, he removed to Circleville,
where he remained until the breaking
out of the rebellion. Having fought
the battle of life an ordinary Ii fetime,
being now nearly sixty-6ve years old,
he felt il his duty,-as his country was
imperiIed, to fight its battles. He pro-
posed to do this as a private soldier, bui
influential friends in consideration OF
his age and knowing his fine executive
ability, secured for him the appointment
of -Commisary of Subsistence, with the
rank of Captain; he was assigned to duty
in the army of the Tennessee, was pres
ent and assisted at. the battle of Shilo.
1t was on this terrible field of confusion,
arrangement and destruction, that the
writer had an opportunity of observing
his ability in discharging the trying
duties of his position. The Division
Captain Darst fed and cared for had all
they wanted, and had it at the proper
time.
The history of our war does not give
an example of r,urer patriotism than
that of Captain DArst volunteering al
at his age and under his domestic cir.
cum<tances. He continued with the
army until after the siege and evacna-
tion of Corinth, when he was compelled
to resign, in consequence of deafness
brought on by exposure in the swamps
of Mississippi. In 1864 he again re-
moved to this place from Lancaster. O.,
since then Occupying his time principal
ly in reading and cultivatinR as ar
| amusement, his model garden and fine
vineyard. 1t is not only the bravery
honesty, and sincerity of our deceased
friend to be admired, but his good
Judgment, extensive information and
fine conversational gifts made him un
Ill too greatly afflicted. very attractive
There il consolation in this fact tha
the closing hours Of his life were passed
tranquility and apparently without pain
May his sleep be as peacefnl-for he wa
| honest and sincere.