For
Muscatine County Iowa
1911
| Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1911 | |
Source: History of Muscatine County Iowa, Volume II, Biographical, 1911, page 242
EDWARD W. CLARK....There is no doubt that Edward W. Clark, the veteran editor of the Wilton Advocate, is entitled to the title of pioneer. From his earliest recollection he has been a resident of Iowa, having lived in this state seventy-five years. He was born near Florid, Putnam county, Illinois, August 15, 1835, a son of Timothy T. and Lucy Clark, both of whom were natives of Ohio. The father came west in 1834 and spent two years near the Illinois river in Putnam county, Illinois. He removed to the Iowa purchase September 1, 1836, locating on a claim in Muscatine county, one mile north of Moscow. He passed away August 3, 1847, the beloved wife and mother dying at Wilton, Iowa, December 18, 1893. On the paternal side of the subject of this review comes from Revolutionary stock, his great-grandfather having served as captain of Minute Men at the time of the war between colonies and the mother country.Edward W. Clark received his early education in the common schools of the 40's and early 50's, the principal subjects taught being reading, spelling and arithmetic, although a little geography and grammar were occasionally introduced as advanced studies. In 1840 he moved with his mother and three sisters to Muscatine, which at that time was called Bloomington, and at the age of sixteen began learning the printer's trade. He completed his apprenticeship in 1854 after three years of active work, receiving for his labor his board and clothes and also one suit of clothes after completeing his part of the contract. In 1858 he went to Tipton, Iowa, where he worked in the Advertiser office, purchasing an interest in the paper in 1863. In August, 1869, he accepted an appointment to the railway mail service on the road between Davenport and Council Bluffs. At this time the distribution of mail was established on railway lines. He continued at this work until November 1, 1893, when he resigned, taking charge in December of the same year of the publication of the Wilton Advocate. in 1899 he purchased the Review and consolidated the two papers, being still actively engaged in a calling for which he is eminently adapted by natural ability and many years of experience.
Mr. Clark is a widower with three children---two daughters and one son, Charles S., who is now editor and manager of the Grain Dealer's Journal of Chicago. During his long and active career Mr. Clark has had many thrilling experiences and has lived to see peace and harmony restored to a land that for years was torn with dissensions. At the time of the Civil war he was a member of the Home Guards at Tipton, the guards being called out three times to quell the troubles threatened by the " Knights of the Golden Circle." The latter consisted of a company fully organized and armed with sixteen-shooters. In 1864 the organization outnumbered the Union men two to one in Cedar county. Mr. Clark was an active supporter of Abraham Lincoln for president in 1860 and ever since that time has been an unswerving advocate of the republican party. As an editor he has stanchly supported the interests of Muscatine county and today he is one of its most honored citizens.
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