Albert Clark

CLARK, DOTY, TROUTMAN, FROST

Posted By: Katie A. Dahl (email)
Date: 3/30/2004 at 10:23:58

ALBERT CLARK, a farmer on section 2, Palermo Township, Grundy County, was born in Monroe County, Ohio, February 14, 1846, and comes of an old family of New England. His father, Lucius Clark, was a native of Vermont, and when a young man moved to New York, where he met and married Miss Julia Doty.

With his wife, Lucius Clark emigrated to Monroe County, Ohio, and there engaged in farming until 1847, when he went to Winnebago, County, Wis., becoming one of its pioneer settlers. From the Government he entered land, and in the midst of the forest hewed out a farm, to the cultivation of which he devoted his energies until the spring of 1861, when he came to Iowa. He first located in Butler County, and in the spring of 1862 came to Grundy County. He first purchased ninety-one acres of land in Palermo Township, upon which a few acres had been plowed, but no improvements made, saving that a log house had been built. Mr. Clark, however, plowed and planted his land, and soon had a well improved farm, with waving fields of grain and good buildings. There he made his home until 1881, when he removed to Grundy Centre. His death there occurred August 1, 1884. His widow is still living, and now makes her home at Lake Geneva, Wis. Their family numbered ten children, six of whom grew to mature years, while five are yet living. One sister makes her home in Washington Township. The father was a Republican in politics, and served as a Supervisor of the county. He took great interest in everything that tended to promote the growth and upbuilding of the community, and was a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Albert Clark was only about a year old when the family went to Wisconsin, where he remained until 1861. He continued under the parental roof until his marriage, which was celebrated March 16, 1865, Miss Mary Troutman becoming his wife. She was born in the Keystone State, and came to this county with her parents in 1858. Her father, Charles Troutman, was one of the early settlers of the county, and now lives in Palermo Township.

Mr. and Mrs. Clark began their married life upon the old home farm, and in the fall of 1867 moved to their present farm. At that time it was a tract of wild prairie, but the labors of the owner soon transformed it into rich and fertile fields. It is now one hundred and ninety-five acres in extent, is well cultivated, and yields to the owner a golden tribute. Every improvement upon the farm is as a monument to the thrift and enterprise of our subject. In connection with the raising of grain he is engaged in breeding thoroughbred Short-horn cattle and thoroughbred Poland-China hogs.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Clark were born five children as follows: Minnie Gertrude, now the wife of George Frost; Lucius C., who graduated from Mt. Vernon College in June, 1898, and now is a student in the Boston Theological Seminary; John and Ada May, who are yet under the parental roof; and Jeffie, who died at the age of eighteen months. The parents hold an enviable position in the social circles and are numbered among the prominent people of this community. Their home is the abode of hospitality, and the latch-string always hangs out.

Our subject is a Republican, and takes an active interest in the work of the party. For many years he has served as School Treasurer. He holds membership with the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Source:
Portrait and Biographical Record
of Jasper, Marshall and Grundy Counties, Iowa
1894