Aaron Clark

As printed in 1906

AARON CLARK, a representative of a pioneer family of Berrien county and now engaged in farming on section 29, Niles township, was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, August 23, 1855. His father, David Clark, was a native of Maryland and was there reared, after which he removed to Ohio, where he maintained his residence until he came to Michigan in 1868. At that time he settled in Buchanan township, Berrien county, and was engaged in farming up to the time of his demise. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Wise, was also a native of Maryland and she, too, has passed away. There were thirteen children in the family, only seven of whom are now living.

Aaron Clark was the twelfth in order of birth and is the youngest surviving member of the family. He was a youth of thirteen years when he came with his parents to Michigan and upon the homestead farm in Buchanan township he was reared, assisting in its early development and improvement. He also worked in a sawmill in Buchanan for about six years and was early trained to habits of industry, economy and perseverance — qualities which have been essential factors in his later success.

In 1884 was celebrated the marriage of Aaron Clark and Miss Harriet Pears, a daughter of John W. Pears. She was born in London, England, where she remained to the age of fourteen years, when, with her parents, she came to the United States, the family home being established in Buchanan township, Berrien county, Michigan. Following their marriage Mr. Clark and his bride took up their above in Buchanan, where they remained for six years and then removed to the Judson farm in Niles township. There for a time Mr. Clark carried on general agricultural pursuits and later he rented the Pears farm for eight years. On the expiration of that period he purchased a farm in Niles township on section six, and when he sold that property he bought the place on which he now resides, known as the Blake farm and comprising fifty-one acres of land. In addition to this property he cultivates seventy acres, which he rents. He carries on general farming and his fields are well developed, while the utmost care and precision are manifest in the management of his property interests. He is practical in all that he does and as the years have gone by his persistency of purpose and indomitable energy have been the means of bringing him a gratifying competence.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Clark has been blessed with two sons: Elmer E., who was born in Buchanan township, July lo, 1886; and Frederick, born July 12, 1888. Both are still under the parental roof and assist their father in his farm labor. Mr. Clark has been a resident of Berrien county for thirty-six years and has always been the champion of progressive public movements. In politics he is a Democrat, taking an active interest in the growth of the party and its successes, and wherever known he is held in high esteem because of his loyalty, his honest convictions and his reliability in business transactions.

As printed in A twentieth century history of Berrien County, Michigan (1906). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.