The Clark Families of Linn County, Iowa

[This passage is too damaged in the scanned book to reproduce. See the original book.]

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Clark were born six children, as follows: ( i J William Oliver, born in Linn township, August 21, 1848, was educated in the district schools and has always resided here. He assisted in the work of the. home farm until attaining his majority, and then commenced farming on his own place, consisting of one hundred acres on section 32, Linn township. He is also engaged in stock raising. He resides with his mother. In politics 'he is a Democrat. (2) Agnes is the wife of Michael Harrison Cavanatigh, now a resident of Denver, Colorado, who was born in Pittsburg;, Pennsvlvania, and for a numl;er of years resided in Linn township, this county, where he engaged in farming and school teaching. They have three children, Lester. Harry and Belle, all born in Linn county. (3) Marv wedded Bernett Ashton. a farmer of Danbury. Nebraska, and died in 1883. (4) Thomas G., a farmer of Bertram township] this cinity. married Eliza Calhoun, and they have one child, Etta, now the wife of Ray Goodyear, who is engaged in farming (in her father's place. (5j Henry was educated at Cornell College, and is now a prominent farmer of Franklin township, this county. He is a Democrat in ])oliticb and at present is serving as assessor. He married Rebecca Keafer and they have four children, Lawrence, Pearl, Frederick and Ross, (6) Marlie D. married Cera Hyatt and is engaged in farming and stock raising on the old homestead in Linn township, making a specialty of thoroughbred Shorthorn cattle, of \\hich he has a very fine herd, in politics he is a Democrat, and as a public-spirited and enterprising citizen he advocates all that tends to improve the community in which he resides.

Sir. Clark died on the farm now occupied by his widow, December 14, 1891, and was laid to rest in It. Zion cemetery, Linn township. He was a supporter of the I'presbyterian church, which his family all attended. Politically he was identified with the Democratic party, but he never cared for public office, though he served at one time as constable of his township. He was held in the highest respect by his fellow citizens for his upright and honest dealings, and made many friends throughout the county where he had so long made his Imme and where he was so widely known.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

DAVID CLARK. Within the boundaries of Linn County may be found rich and productive farms, with beautiful residences upon them, and a majority of those places are owned by pioneers of the county or their descendants. On section 14, Linn Township, is located the home of David Clark, who came to this county in 1840, and who, living within its boundaries until the present time, and all the while engaged in agricultural pursuits, can be said to have been closely identified with its agricultural development. David Clark is a son of Oliver and Electa ("Wilcox) Clark, natives of Connecticut. The parents removed from their native State to Ohio, where they lived until 1839, when they came to Iowa, reaching here in February, 1840, and making settlement in Franklin Township. Twelve children were born of the parental union, seven daughters and five sons, and both heads of the family departed this life in Franklin Township.

David Clark was born in Lorain County, Ohio, Sept. 25, 1832. He was but eight years of age when he accompanied his parents to this county, and consequently has passed the major portion < if his life within its boundaries. His education was received in the common schools of the county, but was limited, for on first being brought here by his parents, he was afflicted with fever and ague, and it was thought at that time that his mind would be impaired, and he was consequently prohibited from hard study. He continued to reside with the old folk until he was about thirty years old. in the meantime assisting his father in the duties which necessarily arise from the general routine of a farmer's life. After marriage he settled in Franklin Township, and was there a resident for about nine years and a half, or until 1871. He then moved to Linn Township, purchasing eighty acres on section 14, on which he located with his family, and where he erected a residence of modern architecture. He has a fine place of 325 acres, and is meeting with far more than ordinary success in his vocation.

Mr. Clark was married in Mt. Vernon, Iowa, April 3, 1861, to Mary A., daughter of Robert and Rhoda (Young) Box well. Her parents came to this county in 1845, and took up their residence in Linn Township, where they continued to live until their deaths. They had eight children, six sons and.two daughters, of whom Mary A., wife of our subject, was born in Fayette County, Pa., Jan. 15, 1842. To Mr. Clark and wife eight children have been born: Moses A., died in infancy; Walter E., married Cynthia Armitage and they are living in Cedar Rapids; Ida J.; Rhoda I., died when four years of age; David E., Robert L., Bertie J. and Ray E. Mr. Clark is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and in political belief is a Republican, voting with that party.

As printed in the source². Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

NORMAN E. CLARK.

[This passage is too damaged in the scanned book to reproduce. See the original book.]

Mr. Clark was only two years old when his parents remov'cd with their fannlv to Franklin township, Iowa, and on the old homestead there he grew to manhood, his education being acquired in the Sumner district schools. After leaving school at the age of twenty he commenced devoting his entire time and attention to the work of the home farm, and since his father's death has had entire charge nf the same. In its management he has shown that he is a thorough and skillful farmer and a man of good business and executive ability.

Mr. Clark is also a man of great courage and unusual energy, and possesses more than ordinary pluck and physical strength, which characteristics were brought into play very fi irciljly in an accident which happened to him recently. On the evening of February 5. 1901. he had started to feed his cattle when he was attacked by a bull that had suddenly become mad with rage. Before he was aware of it the infuriated animal was upon him, knocking him down upon the frozen ground. He grabbed the animal by the nose and one Imrn. and there then took place a battle more terrilile than any described in the arena scenes of Quo Vadis. At one time he was carried on the head of the animal round the hay rick in the lot. His yells and the roads of the mad best were heard by the neighboring farmers, who divided what was taking place and rushed to the rescue, but all were afraid to venture into the lot. Mr. Clark was tossed up in the air and then thrown to the ground. All the while the animal was trying to pierce him with its Imrns. but here Mr. Clark's strength was most valuable. He was gored through the arms, hand and chest. In fact there was hardly a place on his body that was not marked. Finally the best threw him upon the ground face down and planted its massive head in his back, crushing his chest and ribs. Being near the fence, Mr. Clark released himself from the animal and sprang over, while his neighbors, Jonathan Duncan and his two sons, Frank and Bert, and Frank Watson, tried to beat the animal off. He was taken to the house and for four days hung between life and death, but his nerve and wonderful constitution pulled him through, although the bones of his chest and ribs were twisted into an indescribalile shape. Six weeks after the accident, hmvever. he was able to walk to town, a distance of two and a half miles, where he had the bandages removed by Dr. Carson, of Mt. Wernon. Possil)ly no other man in the comity or state coulil have gone thrdUgh such an awful exi)perience and lived to tell the tale. In politics he is a Democrat, but has never cared for official honors. He is held in the highest esteem by a large circle of friends and neighbors, and well n.merits their regard.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

FRANK G. CLARK, A. B.

Linn county has man)' able and successful lawyers who have made for themselves an enviable reputation in their chosen profession, to which class belongs the gentleman whose name introduces this review, he being the senior member of the well-known firm of Clark & Clark. He was born on the I /til of April, 1838, in Roxbury. Vermont, and is a son of Theophilus F. and Mary Jane (Taylor) Clark, who were lifelong residents of the Green Mountain state. In their family were six children, of whom four are still living.

Mr. Clark obtained his early education in the public schools of his native state, and later was graduated from Middlebury College. In 1862, during the dark days of the Civil war, he entered the service of his country as second lieutenant of Company G, Sixteenth Vermont X'volunteer Infantry, and subsequently was made first lieutenant of Company I, the same regiment. Upon the expiration of his term of enlistment he re-enlisted. January 1, 1865, and remained in the service until the cessation of hostilities, when he was honorably discharged.

On his return from the army Mr. Clark took up the study of law. In 1867 he removed to Belle Plaine, Benton county, Iowa, where he engaged in the practice of his profession for eight years, and also represented the county in the state legislature in 1872 and 1873. He came to Cedar Rapids in 1876, and has since engaged in the practice of law at this place in connection with the real estate business. He has been remarkably successful, and stands high at the bar of Linn county.

In 1865 Mr. Clark married miss Harriet Newton, also a native of Vermont, and a daughter of David and Sarah (Newton) Newton. By this union were born six children; namely: Charles Newton, who died in childhood; Maud, wife of Rev. John R. Henderson, of South Dakota; Charles Francis, who is mentioned below; Paul Newton, who was born in Belle Plaine in 1876, and is a graduate of Coe College, Cedar Rapids; David Flagg, now a member of the senior class at Middlebury College; and Robert Lane, who is attending the high school of Cedar Rapids. The mother of these children died in 1892, and four years later Mr. Clark wedded JMiss Mary Virginia Loy, a daughter of Dr. Jacob Loy and Sarah Loy, residents of Cedar Rapids.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Clark are members of the First Congregational church of Cedar Rapids, and he is also connected with the Grand Army of the Republic and the Loyal Legion of Iowa. As a Republican he takes quite an active interest in political affairs, and never waters in his allegiance to the party. In all the relations of life he has proved himself an earnest, honest, upright man, and a loyal citizen of whom any community might be justly proud.

Charles Francis Clark, the oldest surviving son of our subject, and the junior member of the firm of Clark & Clark, was born in Belle Plaine, Benton county, Iowa, August 13, 1871, and came to Cedar Rapids with his parents in the fall of 1876. He attended the public schools of this city and Coe College, graduating from the latter institution in 1891, at the age of nineteen years, as valedictorian of his class. He then commenced the study of law with his father, and later entered the law department of the State University of Iowa, where he was graduated in 1894. Since then he has engaged in practice in partnership with his father under the firm name of Clark & Clark.

On the 29th of November, 1900, Charles F. Clark was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Besler, a daughter of Henry and Anna (Kuen) Besler, of Cedar Rapids, where her father is actively engaged in business as a contractor. In his family are five children, all living. Mrs. Clark was born in Cedar Rapids, and is also a graduate of Coe College.

In his social relations 2Mr. Clark is a member of Cedar Rapids Lodge, Xo.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

FRANK G. CLARK, attorney at law, is one of the most prominent members of his profession in Cedar Rapids, and occupies a fine office in the post-office block, lie is finely educated, and well versed in the intricacies of his calling, and stands high among the members of the profession in this vicinity.

Mr. Clark is a native of the Green Mountain State, the son of Theophilus F. and Mary A. (Taylor) Clark, and was born April 17, 1838. His parents were natives of Vermont and engaged in agricultural pursuits. The household circle included six children, four of whom are now living: Frank, Charles, Walter L. and Ella M. The father died in 1871, and the mother seven years later. They were consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and contributed cheerfully to all benevolent and worthy objects. Their children were carefully trained and educated after the New England model of a century ago.

The subject of this biography spent his earlier years on his father's farm, and there attained his majority. The year following the outbreak of the late Civil War. found him pursuing his studies at Middlebury College, which lie entered in 1860.

The call to arms was so loud after the second battle of Bull Run, and before Antietam, that he enlisted as a private in Co. (', 16th N't. Vol. Inf., and was subsequently promoted to the First Lieutenancy in the same regiment. He participated in the stirring campaign of L863, which culminated in the battle of Gettysburg, where the regiment to which he belonged, as well as the brigade of which it formed a part, commanded by Gen. Stranard, under the eye of Gen. Hancock, contributed its full share in repulsing the last desperate assault upon Cemetery Hill. Returning at the close of his term of enlistment, he re-entered his class by special favor,

Ssszza and graduated in 1864. He pursued his lawstudiesin the law office of Gov. Washburn at Woodstock,; Vt., where lie was admitted to the bar in 1N66.

[This passage is too damaged in the scanned book to reproduce. See the original book.]

Frank G. Clark was married to Miss Harriet; Newton in 1865. She also is a native of Vermont,: and the daughter of the late David Newton, of: Rochester, in that State. They have a family of: five children — Maud. Charles F.. Raul N.. David F. and Robert L. Mr. and Mrs. Clark are members in good standing of the Congregational Church, and politically Mr. Clark is strongly Republican.

In addition to his lucrative law practice and his property in Cedar Rapids, Mr. Clark is the possessor of a fine farm in Dakota, with herds of choice live-stock and other valuable accessories. He is a wide-awake and energetic business man. but has-. given aid and comfort to enterprises other than business ones.

As printed in the source². Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected.

CYRIL H. CLARK.

[This passage is too damaged in the scanned book to reproduce. See the original book.]

Cyril H. Clark began his education in a log school house at Central City, but his school privileges were meager, and he is practically self-educated by the reading of good literature. He remained under the parental roof until he attained his majority, and then joined the Union army, the country being engaged in civil war. He enlisted in July, 1862, as a private in Company H, Twentieth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and remained with his regiment until the following spring, being confined in a hospital at Springfield, Missouri, with measles. He then returned home and, renting land, was engaged in farming for a time, and later conducted a general store at Central City, but during the greater part of his business career he has carried on operations as a contractor and builder, having learned the carpenter's trade, and his work has been confined to the community in and around Central City. Here he owns a beautiful place of fifteen acres, on which he has erected a good residence and other buildings.

In 1867 iNlr. Clark married Miss Franeelia Crane, who was born in Oswego, New York, in 1844, and died in October, 1868, leaving one child, Ell;i I. who was born July 30, 1868, and is now the wife of O. J. Hall, of Central City. He was again married in 1871. his second union being with Miss Anna M. Sawyer, who was born in Medford, Massachusetts. January II, 185 1, and was then living in Central City with her sister. Unto them was born a son. Burleigh, whose birth occurred April 2. 1874. He is now station agent on the Illinois Central Railroad at Masonville. Iowa, is married and has one daughter, Alildred. Both of our subject's children were educated in the public schools of Central City, and are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Mr. Clark has never taken an active part in politics, though he votes with the Repulilican party and has always worked for its interests. Upon the incorporation of the township he was elected to the council, and has since been a member of that b. (with the exception of two years. Fraternally be is a member of the blue lodge of Masonry, of which he was junior warden for some time; and of Marvin Mills Post, Xo.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

GEORGE D. CLARK

General farming and stock-raising interests claim the attention and energies of George D. Clark, who was born in Benton county, Iowa, January 9, 1862, but now makes his home on section 28, Putnam township, Linn county. He was the sixth son of Thomas W. and Margaret (Andrews) Clark, the former a native of Scotland and the latter of Heland. The father was born in 1816, and his life record covered the intervening years to June, 1904. His wife, who was born in 1820, died in January, 1901. On leaving Great Britain they crossed the Atlantic to Canada about 1855 and in 1860 removed to the state of New York, where they resided until 1866, when they came to Linn county, Iowa, settling on a tract of land of one hundred and sixty acres on section 28, Putnam township. They were among the early residents of that district and the father took an active and helpful interest in developing the region in which he established Ins home, in their family are two sons and two daughters who are yet living while three sons have passed away.

At the usual age George D. Clark became a pupil in the public schools and therein continued his studios to the age of eighteen years, after which he concentrated his energies upon farm work, to which he had been trained from early youth, assisting in the development and cultivation of the farm throughout the periods of vacation. lie worked with his father until twenty-one years of age, when he started out in life for himself, renting part of his father's farm. He continued to cultivate the land until the death of his parents, when he received eighty acres as his share of the estate, this tract comprising the old homestead. lie is now busily engaged in general farming and stock-raising, realizing that unfaltering diligence is the basis of all success. He breeds and raises high grade cattle and horses and has some good stock upon his place. The farm presents a neat and attractive appearance because of the careful supervision which he. gives to it and the practical and progressive methods which he follows.

On the 18th of February, 1889, Mr. Clark was united in marriage to Miss Mary Vittengel, a daughter of John and Josephine (Myers) Vittengel, who were farming people of Putnam township, coming to this country from Bohemia in 186! The mother is still living in Ely at the age of fifty-six years, her birth having occurred in 1854, but the father died twenty years ago. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Clark have been born five children: Charles C, born August 18, 1890, now working on his father's farm: Claud A., born June 5, 1893; Minnie J., born September 17, 1899; Gladys E., born February 15, 1901, and [name withheld], born August 21, 1906.

Mr. Clark is a member of Ely Lodge, No. 581, I. 0. 0. P., and his wife is connected with the Rebekah degree. He also belongs to the Modern Woodmen camp and gives his political endorsement to the men and measures of the democratic party. The family attend the Lutheran church at Ely and are well known in the community where they have a circle of friends almost coextensive with the circle of their acquaintance. Mr. Clark has spent his entire life in Iowa and farm work has occupied his attention from his youthful days to the present, bringing him the success which is now his.

As printed in the source³. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

COLONEL CHARLES A. CLARK.

Among the prominent attorneys and influential citizens of Cedar Rapids is Colonel Cliarles A. Clark, who devoted the opening years of his manhood to the defense of our country from the internal foes who sought its dismemberment, and his gallant service on field of little won for him distinctive preferment in military circles.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.