The first of our Darden Family Ancestors of whom we have positive information and identity are Henry M. Darden and Marcella (Madelia) Whitehead-Darden. The exact history of Henry M. Darden have been impossible to trace. The story behind the life of Henry M. Darden is that he and his family were contraband or runaway slaves from Georgia. In order to put a face on the past, he was a man of unusal intelligence and resourcefulness as a miller, carpenter and blacksmith. There are no record that Henry M. Darden could read or write, but his skills as a carpenter are seen in several houses that he built along the Sedley Road in Courtland Virginia.

Henry M. Darden supported his family mainly by working in a domestic environment do to his excellent skills as a trademan. He worked in the town shops and around the Courthouse. He was paid for fixing and upkeep of white people homes.

Henry M. Darden was married to Marcella Whitehead the daughter of Clara Whitehead (DOD Feb 1, 1908). Together, they raised eight children.