Clark, L. W.

CLARK, WATTS, DAVIS, SMITH, VICKROY

Posted By: Volunteer Subscribers
Date: 2/19/2003 at 17:23:04

From A Biographical record of Boone County, Iowa. New York: S. J. Clarke Pub. Co., 1902, biographies for George Kuhl, Edward C. Jordan, L. W. Clark, George Shadle, George J. Boyd, and John Cooper.

L. W. CLARK.

With the farming and stock-raising interests of Boone county L. W. Clark is identified, his home being on section 27, Peoples township. He is an extensive land owner, having five hundred and twenty acres all in one farm. His is a splendidly improved tract, regarded as one of the best farms in the district. Mr. Clark is a native of Vermont, his birth having occurred in Caledonia county, in the town of Peacham, May 14m 1842. His father, Gideon Clark, was born in Connecticut, about the year 1808, while the grandfather, John Clark, was also a native of the Charter Oak state and with his family removed to Vermont settling in Caledonia county. The father of our subject was married there to Miss Harriet Watts, whose birth occurred in that county. Mr. Clark was a mechanic and followed the machinist’s trade for some time. In 1857 he resolved to seek a home in the west and make his way to Clinton county, Iowa, where he secured a tract of land, turning his attention to agricultural pursuits. For several years he pursued this vocation while residing there and then removed to Calhoun county where he spent his remaining day, his death occurring about 1897.

In taking up the personal history of L. W. Clark we present to our readers the life record of one widely and favorably known in this portion of the state, for his residence in Iowa dates from 1856 and in Boone county from 1867. He spent the first fourteen years of his life in the Green Mountain state and then came to the west with an uncle, who settled in Clinton county, Iowa, where Mr. Clark grew to manhood. His educational privileges were somewhat meagre, but through reading, experience and observation he has broadened his knowledge. Upon the farm in Clinton county he gained a practical knowledge of agricultural pursuits and his experience in that direction has proven of value to him later years.

On the 20th of January, 1862, Mr. Clark was united in marriage to Amelia Davis, a native of Schoharie county, New York. Seven children have been born of this union: George who is married and is a farmer of Peoples township; Elmer, who works upon the home farm; Charles and Francis who also assist in the work there; Effie, the wife of Henry Smith of Montgomery county, Iowa; Jennie, the wife of Ed Vickroy, a farmer of Peoples township; and Allie, who is yet under the parental roof.

After his marriage Mr. Clark carried on farming in Clinton county, Iowa, for five years and then came to Boone county. As he had but limited capital he rented land for two years and on the expiration of that period he located upon the farm where he now resides. It was totally unimproved, but the forty acres which he secured was soon placed under cultivation and rich fields brought to him golden harvests. He prospered in his undertakings and from time to time he has mad judicious investments in property until his landed possessions now aggregate five hundred and twenty acres all in one body. This is a very valuable farm and certainly indicates the life of industry and enterprise which Mr. Clark as led. A good residence, four barns and other large outbuildings for grain and stock stand as monuments to the enterprise and labor of the owner. Many rods of fences enclose this place and fruit and shade trees add to its value and attractive appearance. In connection with the cultivation of grain Mr. Clark is extensively engaged in the raising of good graded stock and annually feeds and ships a large number of cattle and hogs which bring a good price upon the market, due to the excellent condition in which they are when sent to the city.

Although reared in the faith of the Democratic party, Mr. Clark endorsed the principles of the new Republican party when in 1864 he cast his firs presidential vote. He has been elected and served for nine years as township trustee and his official work has been of a character to win him high commendation. He has also been a member of the school board for a number of years and in his official position he has manifested marked fidelity to the general good. He takes a deep interest in politics doing everything in his power to promote the growth and insure the success of his party. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and although Mr. Clark is not identified with any religious organization he attends the services of the church to which his wife belongs and contributes to its support. From an early age Mr. Clark has been dependent upon his own resources. When quite young he started out to fight life’s battles and in the strife he has come off conqueror. His life history should serve to inspire and encourage others who are dependent upon their own resources, for his record certainly proves that prosperity may be gained by determined purpose, laudable ambition and capable management together with honesty in all business dealings. During thirty-six yeas residence in Boone county Mr. Clark has ever commanded the respect and confidence of his fellow men, and it is with pleasure that we present the record of his life to our readers knowing that it will be gladly received by his many friends.