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1907 Past and Present Biographies
Alexander ClarkAlexander Clark’s educational advantages were very limited and at a very early age he was obliged to depend upon his own resources. In his native land he managed to get along,but felt that if he was to accomplish anything in a larger way he must seek it in the new world. At the age of thirty-two he accordingly set sail for America and located in Fayette county, Iowa, where he secured employment upon a farm. In 1873 he removed to the Lake Superior country in Michigan, where for four years he was employed in the iron mines. By this time he had accumulated a little capital and was inclined to return to agricultural pursuits. He accordingly came to Greene county, Iowa, where he bought eighty acresof unimproved land in Highland township. So successfully did he farm this that he was not only able to build his first residence, but to move this off and erect a second larger and more convenient dwelling. He worked industriously to improve this farm and when he had brought it to a high state of perfection he was offered a price which paid him well for the labor he had put upon it. With the money thus received he purchased one hundred and sixty acres in Highland township, which he still owns. In 1892 he decided to retire from active farming and accordingly moved to Jefferson, where he had built a pleasant home in which he now lives. In his native land Mr. Clark was married to Anne Thompson, who was born November 11, 1837, and who is still living. No children were born to this union, but they adopted one son, John D. Clark, who was killed in 1903 by an accident while unloading hay with a derrick. His wife, who was formerly Miss Buswell, and four children now reside in Jefferson. Mr. and Mrs. Clark are both members of the Methodist church, in which Mr. Clark has been steward for the past five years. In politics he has always been faithful to the men and measures of the republican party, but has never sought any of its honors, preferring to devote his time to his agricultural interests. He is a man who has always been unassuming and modest, ncver caring to amass a great fortune. Like most men of this stamp, he has in consequence put his efforts on building up a character which is sterling in every particular. He is known to be always honorable in his dealings and to have met with the success he now enjoys by means which are above reproach. |
Transcribed from "Past and Present of Greene County, Iowa Together With Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Prominent and Leading Citizens and Illustrious Dead," by E. B. Stillman assisted by an Advisory Board consisting of Paul E. Stillman, Gillum S. Toliver, Benjamin F. Osborn, Mahlon Head, P. A. Smith and Lee B. Kinsey, Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1907.  Site Terms, Conditions & Disclaimer |