Henry Townsend Darlington was born in West Chester, Pennsylvania on June 23, 1875. He graduated from the University of Idaho with a Bachelor of Science in mathematics and engineering. He graduated from Harvard University with a Master of Science in 1911 and while there, he was an assistant at the Gray Herbarium and worked with Professor Oakes Ames in his botanical garden. In 1923, he received his Ph.D. from the University of Chicago.

Darlington’s long career at MSU began in 1914 when he was appointed Assistant Professor of Botany, Director of the Beal Botanical Garden, and Curator of the Herbarium. His duties were split between teaching, the Botanical Garden, and the Herbarium. Darlington received the status of Associate Professor in Botany in 1938. He served as the Director of the Beal Botanical Garden until 1929 and remained head of the Herbarium until he retired in 1945.

During his time at MSU, Darlington oversaw Dr. Beal’s seed viability experiment for 45 years. He also participated in “weed train” trips to consult with Michigan farmers about weed issues. His interest in moss led to his book, The Mosses of Michigan being the first book written on Michigan mosses.

Darlington married his wife, Beulah Clarke, in 1912. Together, they had four children. Darlington died on October 23, 1964 and is buried in Mt. Hope Cemetery.