Thomas Darling

Thomas Darling (February 21, 1720-November 30, 1789) was a civic-minded, prominent businessman and elected official in 18th century Connecticut who was acquainted with Benjamin Franklin, Ezra Stiles, Roger Sherman, and Benedict Arnold. [http://www.woodbridgehistory.org/ "History" Web page] , Amity & Woodbridge Historical Society website. Retrieved February 6, 2007]

Life

Darling studied theology at Yale College in New Haven, Connecticut, graduating in 1740. Although he was licensed to preach in 1743, he never sought to become a minister, but trained others for it as the only tutor at Yale from 1743-1745.The Yale class of 1746 presented him with a still-surviving silver bowl created by Cornelius Kierstede. The bowl, is said to be the most ornamental piece of plate made in Connecticut up to that time, is owned by Yale University. [http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~silversmiths/makers/silversmiths/61035.htm "American Silversmiths / Thomas Darling (1720-1789)" Web page] , RootsWeb website. Retrieved February 6, 2007]

On July 25, 1745, in New Haven he married Abigail Noyes (b. 20 March 20, 1724 - d. July 19, 1797), a daughter of the Rev. Joseph Noyes, Darling's mentor. The couple had three sons and five daughters with all but one surviving to adulthood: Abigail, Susanna, Samuel, Thomas, Ann, Dorothy, Joseph and Jemima.

Over the next 31 years in New Haven Darling was an entrepreneur involved in various businesses. He was a manufacturer, merchant, and justice of the peace. Darling ran a rope walk, helped start the first printing business in New Haven, tried to establish a glass business, and was a member of the General Assembly. He was an advocate of religious freedom, and a supporter of the U. S.Constitution.

In 1774 Darling moved to Amity Parish (now Woodbridge, Connecticut).

He died in 1789 in Stonington and was buried in New Haven.

Darling House Museum

In the early 1770s, Darling hired Abiel Gray of West Hartford, Connecticut to build a new home in Amity Parish, outside of New Haven. Gray took two years (1772-1774) to finish the project. The house has a gambrel roof, is built on a central hall plan and has some unusual features. Paneling and woodwork in the hallway and front rooms are richly detailed under 9-foot, 3-inch ceilings. The influence of 18th-century New York is suggested by the imported tiles of Biblical scenes over one fireplace.

Much of the furniture and many items in the home were owned by the Darling family, which owned the house and surrounding land until 1973, when the property was sold to the town of Woodbridge and the Amity & Woodbridge Historical Society began caring for the structure. The property includes a large 18th century barn, a 19th century horse barn, a carriage shed, a chicken coop, a pig house, and a 19th century privy. The town maintains several fields near the house, and some easy walking trails skirt the base of West Rock. The society has a large collection of farm implements on display in the horse barn. Quilts, linens, and period clothing are also displayed in the house.

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