My Genealogy Hound

WILLIAM A. DURLING. Every community has among its citizens at least a few of recognized influence and ability, who by their systematic and thorough method of work attain to a success which is justly deserved. Mr. Durling has for many years given agriculture the principal part of his attention, and is therefore deserving of the success which has crowned his efforts. He is now living in the town of Tyre, Seneca County, in which locality he is well and favorably known.

The subject of this sketch was born in the town of Romulus, September 14, 1849, and was the son of George V. and Adaline (Benjamin) Durling, natives of Seneca County. His father was a fine mechanic, and for several years worked at the cooper’s trade at Romulus. Later, however, when our subject was twelve months old, he moved to Seneca Falls and gave his attention thereafter to work in a machine-shop. William A. was reared and educated in the latter place, completing a common-school education when sixteen years of age. Being anxious to make an early start in life, he entered a grocery store as clerk, but three years later abandoned that business, and apprenticed himself to learn the trade of a machinist in Seneca Falls. After working at this for about nine years, he was married, and thereafter followed agricultural pursuits.

The lady whom our subject chose as his wife was Miss Lovina E. Westbrook, and the ceremony which made them one was performed March 24, 1871. The lady was born in the town of Tyre, and is the daughter of Peter M. and Phebe (Munson) Westbrook, prominent residents of this community.

The three children comprising the household of our subject and his wife are Ethel May, Leska Lovina and William Martin. The elder daughter is a finely educated and accomplished young lady, and in 1894 was graduated from Mynderse Academy in Seneca Falls. She is now teaching in the district school near her home.

In 1875 Mr. Durling left the above city and took up his abode on the farm where he now resides. This property includes one hundred and thirty-three acres, bearing first-class improvements. Mr. Durling devotes the greater part of it to the raising of the various cereals, although he has on the place several head of fine horses and thorough-bred cattle. He is making a decided success of this department of work, and is classed among the substantial residents of the community.

Mr. Durling is very popular among the people, and is now serving his second term as Justice of the Peace, making in all eight years in which he has held the office. Politically he is a Democrat. Both himself and wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he is serving as Steward. He is greatly interested in Sunday-school work, and for two years was the favorite Superintendent. Socially he is a member of the Knights of Pythias Lodge No. 104 at Seneca Falls. Industry and enterprise are numbered among his chief characteristics, and by his upright dealing and good business ability he has won prosperity.