Born on a farm near Paris, a town in southern Illinois, just over the line from Kentucky, He received his primary education in a subscription school, to which he had to walk some three miles each day and the tuition was five cents per day. In 1866 he began the practice of medicine at Cherry Point, Ill., where he remained until 1867 when he located in Solon, Iowa, going from Solon to Pomeroy, and in 1872 he came to West Union. He was a lifelong Republican and had received many honors at the hands of that party. He served in the state legislature and for many years was president of the West Union school board, a position which he held in high esteem. He was chairman of the county insane commission and also president of the Fayette County National Bank. Early in life the Dr. became a member of Mt. Vernon Lodge, A. F. & A. M. He held membership in the Royal Arch and the Knights Templar. He also belonged to the I. O. O. F., the Rebekah and the Eastern Star. He served both-as secretary and president of the Fayette County Medical Association. Dr. Darnell was twice married, his first wife being Miss Sarah Lawyer, and his second wife being Mrs. Cora Lawyer.