Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-04-29
HAMPTON.
DEATH OF MIR. JAMES s. DARLING
COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES.
Especial to Virginian- Pilot.)

DEATH OF MR.. JAMES s. DARLING
COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES.
Especial to Virginian- Pilot)
Hampton. Va, April 2S.-Mr. James S.
Darling. founder of the system of cleo
trio railways now in operation on the
| Peninsular, as we'll as OF several other
| important enterprises, died at his home
| on Victoria avenue at $3.50 O'Clock this
morning. Mr.. Darling's illness, which
| was an affection of the heart, began
| more than four months ago. and since
the first of January he has been seen
but once or twice outside of his house.
1t was not until three days ago, how
ever, that the family became alarmed
with respect to an early termination of
his illness. Then MIR. Darling became
unconscious, and the watchers ut his
bedside knew that the end was near.
His death was peaceful. Just before he
expired consciousness returned and he
recognized his wife and children.
James S. Darling was born in New
York city February g. 1892. At an early
age he was bound out to n Long Island
farmer. with whom he remained until
he was II years old. when he went to
New York and became Il shipjoners
apprentice. His application to the du-
ties OF his new post, coupled with n
large fund of intelligence, soon made
him master Of the trade, and he began
to prosper. During his residence in the
metropolis he became acquainted with
Miss Mary Anna Daulman, an accom-
plished lady of English birth. and in
1864 she became his wife. Two years
later he decided to come South, and
finally selected Hampton as desirable
place to locate.
Mr.. Darlngs first venture here was
the establishment of Il large sawmill.
He then turned his attention to the
manufacture of fish oil and the various
other products derived from fish. Mr..
Darling built factory, at that time the
largest on the bay, at the mouth OF
Back river, which he operated until
about 1890, the establishment being I'M
der the Immediate charge of Captain
N. Raynor. one of his closest friends.
In 1880 Mr.. Darling became the owner
of q franchise for the construction of
n railway from Hampton to the United
States Reservation at Fort Monroe, and
a little more than year later the first
electric car ever seen on the Pcninsular
was run over the line, which extended
from the foot OF Chapel street, in this
city, TO the Mill Creek bridge, where
passengers were transferred to hacks
and taken to Old Point. He son OBJ
tanned permission to extend the road,
and the rails were laid to the Govern
ment dock. Encouraged by the success
work to build q road from Hampton to
Newport News, and in twelve months
from the time the first shovelfull OF
dirt was turned over the new line was
In operation.
Two years ago Mr.. Darling sold the
road, which was then known as the
Newport News, Hampton and Old
Point Railway. to Mr.. w. j. Payne, of
Richmond, who figured as the repre-
tptf nf T.,
capitalists.
An event which will be long remem-
bered and which illustrates the char
ter of Mr.. Darling, occurred on the
morning of December %, 1898, just af-
ter the road passed out of his hands. 1t
was Christmas, of course. Mr.. Darling,
accompanied by his son, Capt. Frank
w. Darling, appeared at the power
house office, where, by previous ar
ransement, a meeting of the employees
OF the road had been called. None of
the men had been given the slightest
intimation of the purpose of the gath
ering. Mr.. Darling, in n voice which
clearly betrayed his emotion, address,
cd them. lie said that in the settle
ment of the affairs of the company it
had been ascerta!ned that there was
due himself and his son the sum of &c.,
600 in earnings, which, he added, he
and Captain Frank had decided to pre-
sent to their employees as n Christmas
gift. Then, unable TO say more, he sat
down. That morning each man, from
the humble individual who CREASED the
track to the man holding the highest
and most responsible position, was
handed a check, the value of which was
based upon the time he had served the
company and the salary he had earned.
The checks ranged from $50 to $1,000.
Mr.. Darling is survived by his wife,
his son. Capt. Frank w. Darling. and
a daughter Mrs. James NJ. Cumming,
all of whom reside in this city.
TIE JAMESTOWN AGROUND.
The Old Dominion steamship James
town ran aground this morning while
nearing the Government dock. She lies
between the small pier running out
from the Hygeia and the dock. Tugs
are at work this morning trying to
pull her off.
COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES.
An interesting program for the COM
mencement exercises of the public
schools of this city, which will be held
on the afternoon and evening of June
10Th. is in course of preparation. The
Hon. j. L. NJ. Curry. of Washington.
VIII deliver an address. Armory Hall
has been engaged for the occasion. The
room will be prettily decorated.
The list of High school graduates
embraces the names of but three per-
| sons. They are Miss Zilpah Tignor
MISS Mary Sheldon and Mr.. Joseph
Ware. Principal Elliott has no, yet
| completed the program. but it Is known
that it will contain many numbers of
| decided merit original with Tho ,,,,,,;i