CLARKE, Peter V.

CLARKE, SPAULDING, SHEPPARD, RUDDY

Posted By: Nettie Mae (email)
Date: 1/29/2019 at 12:23:16

PETER V. CLARKE

The subject of this biography is the well-known proprietor of the livery, sales and boarding stable, located at 117 and 119 Fourth avenue, which is one of the best barns in the city, being well equipped with a fine line of modern vehicles and about twenty good horses. Mr. Clarke was born in Clinton December 24, 1872, and is a son of Peter and Ellen (Spaulding) Clarke. The father was a native of Ireland and a son of Patrick Clarke, who settled in Center township, Clinton county, Iowa, in 1861, and continued to make his home there throughout life, his time and attention being devoted to farming. He died in 1889, when about eighty years of age. His wife had passed away several years previous. The mother of our subject was born near Boston, Massachusetts, and was a daughter of Patrick Spaulding. Her father died in the east and her mother subsequently came to Iowa and spent her last days in Clinton county.

Peter Clarke, our subject's father, was one of the early settlers of this section of Iowa, and was a pioneer merchant of Clinton, being the second to engage in the grocery business in that city. In early life he conducted a grocery store, and also carried on a saloon in connection with it. He continued in the former business from 1862 until his death, in 1875, his store being located on the corner of Third avenue and Second street, in the neighborhood of J. L. Clarke's undertaking rooms. He had four children, of whom two are still living, these being: P. V., our subject; and J. L., who is engaged in the undertaking business. After the father's death the mother married James Sheppard, who was also an early settler of Clinton, and was for many years in charge of the wood yards of W. J. Young & Company, of this place. Since that business has been abandoned he has lived retired at 619 Seventh avenue, where he has a pleasant home. Unto James and Helen Sheppard were born five children, those living being: Lizzie, Gertie, Charles and Thomas.

Mr. Clarke, of this review, was reared and educated in Clinton, and at the age of fifteen years began his business career as clerk in a grocery store, where he was employed for two years. He then embarked in the livery business, in partnership with his brother. J. L., but on the 20th of April, 1897, he purchased the latter's interest, and has since been alone. He is an energetic, progressive and reliable business man, and is meeting with well deserved success.

Mr. Clarke was married June 17, 1896, to Miss Nellie Ruddy, of Clinton, and they have become the parents of three children, namely : Marrette, Edmund Peter, and Francis Raymond. Fraternally our subject is a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters, and of the Sheridan Club, and is highly respected and esteemed wherever known. With his wife, he is a member of St. Mary's Catholic church.

Source: The 1901 Biographical Record of Clinton Co., Iowa, Illustrated published: Chicago : S. J. Clarke Pub. Co., 1901.