DARBY, William H.

WILLIAM H. DARBY, manufacturer and wholesale and retail dealer of furniture, etc.; Conneautville, was born in Chautauqua County, N.Y, July 13, 1820; son of Erastus and Rhoda (Ward) Darby. He learned cabinet- making and came to this county in 1844, engaging in his trade for about a year at Meadville; came to Conneautville in 1845 and after working fourteen months with Mr. Tyler entered into partnership with him under the firm name of Tyler & Darby. This connection lasted five years. He then bought Mr. Tyler’s interest and received Bishop Huston as partner. At the expiration of a year this was dissolved and he carried on the business alone. The work had been done by hand previous to 1865, when he bought extensive machinery, which he has since used. About 1877 Mr. Hard was, taken in as a partner, the firm style being Hurd & Co. for a year when C.E. Turner was admitted and continued a member until 1882 when Mr. Darby bought the entire interest and has since conducted the business alone. He handles all kinds of furniture, and manufactures everything in his line but chairs. His trade extends into the oil regions, Pittsburgh and Ohio. His son, Wilbur J., is general superintendent of the factory, and with his father takes charge of the undertaking department. Mr. Darby was married in 1847 to Esther M. Sandborn, of Erie County, by whom he has had six children, three living: Imogene, wife of William M. Darby, Wilbur J. and Daisy. Mrs. Darby is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He belongs to the A.O.U.W.; in politics is a stanch Republican.

History of Crawford County PA 1885
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