BENJAMIN FRANK CLARK.

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         Another of Louisa county’s sons whose activities have always been directed along agricultural lines is Benjamin F. Clark, who was born on the 6th of October, 1854. He was a son of the late William and Calista (Bartemus) Clark, the father a native of Indiana and the mother of Iowa. They were the parents of the following children: Lewis L., who is deceased; the second, a girl, who died in infancy; and Benjamin F., our subject. Mrs. Clark had been married previously to a Mr. Cole and unto them were born four children: Henry, who is deceased; John, also deceased; Martha, the deceased wife of Charles Stone; and Thomas, who is a resident of Harrison county, Missouri.

         Benjamin F. Clark was reared upon a farm, acquiring his education in the district schools of this county, which he ceased to attend when he had a sufficient knowledge of the common branches to enable him to undertake the real work of his life. When old enough to choose a vocation he decided upon the one for which he felt he was best adapted, both by training and preparation, and for a time rented land which he cultivated. In 1879 he purchased forty-five acres, to which tract he has since added by purchase another forty and now owns eighty-five acres, upon which he has made all of the improvements. Here he engages in general farming and stock-raising.

         On the 13th of November, 1879, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Clark and Miss Anyce Hamilton. She is a daughter of Jesse and Maria (Kimerer) Hamilton, early settlers of Louisa county, who were the parents of three children . . .

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. . . of which Mrs. Clark was the eldest. The others are: Arnold, who is a resident of Fort Madison; and W. E., who is living near Morning Sun. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Clark were born two children: Jessie Pearl now the wife of Burt E. Lockwood; and William A., who is deceased.

         Mr. Clark is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and his political support he accords to the democratic party, but as he has never been an office seeker does not actively participate in township affairs. In religious faith he is a Methodist, with which church his wife is also identified.