Clark, I.N.

CLARK, ROUNDSVILLE, CONREY

Posted By: Mary H. Cochrane, Volunteer
Date: 6/28/2019 at 19:57:38

Biography ~ I. N. [Isaac Newton] CLARK

Biographical and Historical Record of Ringgold and Decatur Counties, Iowa
(Lewis Publishing Company (1887)), p. 507:

"I. N. CLARK, livery-keeper, Leon, was born in Tippecanoe County, Indiana, March 18, 1831, son of William and Anna (Roundsville) Clark, the former a native of Virginia, and of Irish ancestry, the latter a native of Ohio, and of German ancestry. I. N. was reared on a farm, and when five years of age accompanied his parents to Missouri. His early educational advantages were good, having attended the Edinburg College two terms. In 1849 he commenced clerking in a grocery store for a brother, where he remained two years, then entered a dry-goods store for one year. In October, 1851, he came to Decatur County, and entered into the mercantile business, two miles south of Leon, where he traded with the Indians. In 1853, when the city of Leon was laid out, Mr. Clark erected the first business house. It was built of logs, the lumber used being hauled from Missouri. In this building he was employed as clerk of Switzer, Davis & Co., dealers in dry-goods, groceries, hats and caps, boots and shoes, etc., where he continued three years. He then moved to Decatur village, and engaged in his business with Mr. Cleveland for a partner. In 1858 he sold out to his partner and contracted with Major & Russell, Government contractors, to furnish them 500 yoke of cattle. When the civil war broke out he recruited a company, and was elected Second Lieutenant of Company G, Third Missouri Cavalry. He served five months, and was obliged to resign on account of being afflicted with bronchitis. Returning home, he engaged in buying and selling horses for one year, then clerked for a short time. In 1869 he opened a livery-and-feed stable at Leon. He was married in Decatur City, in 1856, to Elizabeth A. Conrey, born in Edgar County, Illinois, in 1837. Their children are -- Willard P., Ollie T., Oakey C., Frank H., Orpha N. and Sarah F. Mr. Clark is a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows lodges, and also of the Methodist Episcopal church. His father was in the war of 1812, and was present at Hull's surrender."

(Submitted to the Decatur County GenWeb site by Christy Jay, email: Jaygenie@aol.com)