My Genealogy Hound

CHARLES A. CLARK, junior member of the well-known firm of G. A. Blakeslee & Co., and President of the village of Galien, was born in Huntsburgh, Geauga County, Ohio, on the 23d of August, 1849. He is a worthy representative of a family which for several generations was identified with the development of New England, having been established in Connecticut in an early day. The paternal grandfather of our subject was Abner Clark, a native of the Nutmeg State, where he was reared to manhood. In Northampton, Mass., he made his home for many years and there he married Miss Olive Strong.

As early as 1810 Grandfather Clark, accompanied by his family, removed Westward and settled in Geauga County, Ohio, establishing his home in the midst of the dense forests. The residue of his life was there passed, and his attention was devoted to the clearing of the land and improving the farm. He and his wife were the parents of nine children, the only one now surviving being Harriet, who resides in Michigan. In their religious convictions they were active and consistent members of the Presbyterian Church; their honorable and useful lives furnished a constant exemplification of their faith, and dying, they left to their descendants the priceless heritage of a good name.

The father of our subject, Albert Clark, was born in Northampton, Mass., whence he removed with his parents to Geauga County, Ohio, and there grew to manhood. On the 10th of February, 1845, he married Miss Eliza Howell, a native of Geauga County, and the daughter of Jolin Howell, a prominent man of that section of the State. In 1857 he removed to Lake County, where he purchased land and resided for six years. The year 1863 witnessed his arrival in Galien Township, Berrien County, where he continued to make his home until death terminated his useful existence, on the 12th of April, 1893. His last days were spent on the old homestead, located two and one-half miles south of Galien.

As a neighbor, Albert Clark was just and true; as a citizen he was always on the side of what he deemed calculated to enhance the best interests of the people. Throughout his entire life he adhered to the principles of the Republican party and was counted one of the foremost members of that organization in his community. He served as Supervisor of Galien Township and held the same position while a resident of Ohio. He united with the Christian Church in his youth and was ever afterward a faithful student of the Bible and an earnest advocate of the principles of Christianity always ready to defend the truths of God’s Word, which he held in the greatest reverence. For many years he officiated as one of the Trustees of the church.

In the parental family there were four children, one of whom, Everett, died at the age of two years; Emily S. died at the early age of thirty-three. The two survivors are Charles A. and Albert E. The mother of this family was called hence on the 24th of February, 1890. She, too, had been long identified with the Christian Church and was a woman of great piety and nobility of character. As was stated above, our subject’s birthplace was in Geauga County, Ohio. He was about thirteen years of age when he accompanied his parents to Berrien County, Mich., and here his education was gained in the common schools of the district. Upon completing his studies, he engaged in teaching school at Dayton, Mich., later in Galien Township, and in the Reform School at Lansing, being Principal of the last-named institution.

The business career of Mr. Clark commenced in 1877, at which time he entered the firm of G. A. Blakeslee & Co. as a clerk, remaining in that position for a time, and in 1881 purchased an interest in the business, becoming a partner. He is also the agent for the American Express Company at Galien. The firm does a large business, steadily employing three clerks and carrying a large and complete assortment of goods. In addition to conducting the most extensive mercantile business in Galien, they have a large trade in lumber, salt, shingles, grain and wool, and also do a general banking business.

The marriage of Mr. Clark took place March 8, 1874, at which time he was united with Miss Lydia, daughter of George A. and Lydia (Alcott) Blakeslee. Mrs. Clark was born in Batavia, Ill., and received a good education in the schools of Galien. Two children, Stanley and Leslie, have blessed the union. A Republican in his political opinions, Mr. Clark has held the office of Township Treasurer for two years and has also served as Village Clerk for eleven years. At present he is serving as President of Galien, having been an incumbent of that office for three terms. His interest in educational matters has been unceasing, and as a member of the School Board he has been efficient in promoting the grade of scholarship in the village school. He is Notary Public, to which office he has been appointed by Governors Alger, Luce and Rich.