The Story of Benjamin Darling
Although born in the West Indies, Benjamin Darling’s ancestry traces to the Sengal-Gambia region of Africa. Much of his story is unclear, and legend surrounds his name. It is said that he rescued the man he was enslaved to when their boat was shipwrecked, and, for his loyalty, was awarded his freedom. Another story contends Darling escaped slavery. How he came to the Phippsburg area of Maine is not known. However, he was known there as “sturdy, industrious” and “with many staunch friends.”
On July 6, 1794, for 15 pounds, Ben bought Horse Island (so called because horses used to harvest ice from an inland pond were kept there during the summer). It is now known as Harbor Island. Darling moved to the uninhabited island near Phippsburg with his White wife, Sarah Proverbs, and their two sons, Benjamin and Isaac. They lived out their days on the island with their children and grandchildren. Benjamin, Jr., and his wife, Priscilla Emmons, had five children. Isaac and his wife, Patience Wallace, had nine children.
Prayer
Creator of all that is good and noble, we remember today Benjamin Darling, whose courage and strength enabled him to live an industrious life in the midst of discrimination, and who developed lasting friendships with his neighbors. May his legacy of hard work inspire us to see the value of all people regardless of our differences; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Written in partnership with the Episcopal Church of New Hampshire.
Preserve Black History in New Hampshire