The sunset of a long life has come, and only the fast-fading twilight remains reflecting its soft, mellowing hues above the western horizon.

The span of 91 years reverts to the time when the 'State of the Lone Star' was a nation within itself, and the so-called 'far west' had not as yet crossed the turbulent Mississippi. These many years span the lapse of time back to the presidential administration of James K. Polk, and to the time when the first telegraph line was invented and built from Baltimore to Washington.

Ninety-one years go back to the exciting scenes of the Mexican War, and to when the only connecting route between the Atlantic and Pacific was almost by the winding trail of visions and dreams.

What a wonderful bloc of progress and civilization has developed within the long span of more than nine decades.

The full story of a life of almost nine-two years would make a volume of almost countless pages. The beauties and the hopes of his highest ambitions form a prismatic blending not to be described by words.

The glare, the lure, the tinsel of life had lost their charm to him, as his chart and compass kept pointing to that realm which has foundations that never crumble and pass away. He was passing by way of the flowery lanes of the many infallible promises.

Golden memories of the departed shall be as enduring as the gleaming islands of the sky, looking down from their dome of azure blue.

Joseph Franklin Hill Darnell, son of John D. and Jane (Anderson) Darnell, was born near Jackson Center, Ohio, January 11, 1845, and departed this life at the 'Henry County Home' August 10, 1936, having attained the ripe age of 91 years, 6 months, and 29 days.

He was the youngest of a family of four sisters and five brothers, and was the last survivor of his parental home.

His nearest surviving kindred consists of William Brown and sister, Mrs. Emma Smith, nephew and niece, respectively. There are also many more distant relatives.

His wife, Savilla Glick Darnell, preceded in death about seven years ago. They left no posterity, but had made a home for other homeless children.

Mr. Darnell had lived about twenty years in Deshler, until about ten years ago.

He was ardent in the Christian faith and affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal Church, here, and was for many years custodian of that institution in Deshler.

The religious life of the departed dates back to the very early part of his ninety-one years, and was faithful even to the end of his long journey.

His late illness was of short duration, but when the summons came, it found his house in complete order, and he was eager to go.

The influence of a good life, he has left to his friends, as a priceless heritage, far beyond rubies and diamonds.

Thus closes the earthly pilgrimage of a highly respected and much venerated nonagenarian, who seemed as one having wrapped the drapery of his couch about him and sailing off into the celestial ether of fond ambrosial anticipations.

And, thus closes the history of one who had in former years been a very familiar figure on the streets of Deshler, and one for whom all had the most profound respect. Indeed, he had written indelibly his autobiography upon the hearts of his legion of friends.

Ninety and one times had this most venerable friend seen the seasons come and go. He had heard the forerunner of spring tell of the coming of the birds and flowers, and of summer -- its melancholy days of the fading year; then, the harbinger of winter, foretelling the cold, bleak hibernal blasts when the birds have flown and the flowers and the green fields will have all faded away. So it is with life, the Harbinger of all wisdom comes at last -- the annunciation is made, the eventide comes -- the sun has set, and the day is done.

It comes and goes like the windharp's wild and touching wail, with its melancholy dirge over it sung -- and the [several words smudged]. And as almost ninety-two years have marked the terrestrial career of one who has lived so much of his life among us, we tenderly suspend a garland of veneration and honor upon the tablet of pleasant memories and fond recollections.

Funeral services by H. W. Stoody, M. E. Pastor, at 2 o'clock, P.M. Aug. 12, at Deshler M. E. Church.

Interment in the beautiful Woodlawn cemetery near Deshler, Ohio, in charge of Rader Funeral Home.