My Genealogy Hound

RICHARD V. CLARK, an enterprising early settler and successful general agriculturist of Buchanan Township, Berrien County, Mich., and a prominent member of the Executive Committee of the Pioneers’ Association, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, May 25, 1841. Our subject was the second in a family of seven children born unto George and Jane (Nairn) Clark, long-time and highly respected residents of Wayne County. The father was a native of the Buckeye State, and was born in Columbiana County in 1811. The mother’s birthplace was in far-off Scotland, and the year of her nativity 1816. The paternal grandfather, George Clark, was born in Virginia, and, a man of spirit and courage, served with gallantry in the War of 1812. The Clarks were of the F. F. Vs., having emigrated from England in an early day in Colonial history and settled in Virginia, where they occupied positions of usefulness and influence. The maternal grandfather, Alexander Nairn, and his good wife spent their entire lives in Scotland. Two of their sons, Will- iam and Duncan, came to America in 1832 and finally located in Ohio. Jane Nairn was sixteen years old and a bonnie lassie from the Scotch Highlands when she made her home here, a stranger in a strange land. William Nairn never married and died after some years at the residence of his sister and brother-in-law, George Clark. Duncan married and died in Medina County, Ohio, leaving no children.

The father of our subject left Columbiana County in 1845 and located upon one hundred and sixty acres of land in Wayne County which had been given him by his father, and which he cultivated until his death, in 1876. The old Columbiana County home sheltered ten happy children. The brothers and sisters who once clustered about the family hearth of the paternal grandfather were: Alexander, who died in Ohio; Stephen, who engaged in the milling business, and passed away in Ohio; Eleanor, who married Abner Fisher, and died in Ohio; Lydia, who married Levi Brothers, and also died some years ago in Ohio. Elizabeth, deceased; George, father of our subject; Diana, wife of James Hannams, a resident of Iowa, in which State she died; Fannie, wife of James Gilson, deceased; Richard V., a citizen of Oskaloosa, Iowa; and Perry, who makes his home upon the old homestead in Columbiana County. George and Jane (Nairn) Clark reared three children: Richard V.; Hannah, Mrs. James H. Garnett, residing in McMinnville, Tenn.; and Jane L., wife of J. B. Stratton, living in Kansas City. Having walked tranquilly together side by side many years, the parents were not long divided by death. The mother passed away February 4, 1876, sixty-one years of age, and the father died the same year, aged sixty-five years. Honored and beloved by all who knew them, they entered into rest in the early evening of their age.

Our subject was educated in the common schools of his native county, and also enjoyed instruction in Canaan Academy for two years, and for one year pursued the higher studies at Mt. Union College, Ohio, finally receiving a six-months course in Oberlin. In 1867, Mr. Clark was united in marriage with Miss Louisa Helmick, daughter of a well-known and prominent resident of Michigan. In 1868 our subject and his estimable wife located on a ninety-acre farm given Mrs. Clark by her father. Mr. Clark had arrived in Michigan in 1864, and for two years prior to, and one year subsequent to, his marriage had successfully taught school, a portion of the time in Troy, and from 1868 for thirteen consecutive years profitably combined the duties of an instructor and farmer. The originally unimproved acreage has been increased, and since 1881, devoting his time and attention entirely to its culture, our subject has achieved most satisfactory results, having brought up to a high state of productiveness one hundred acres of valuable land. Mr. and Mrs. Clark have welcomed to their hearts and home eleven children, but three of whom now survive. Elmer is with his parents; Edith E. is the wife of Charles Shell, of Sodus Township; Richard D. is the youngest living child. The father of Mrs. Clark was a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Berrien Springs, and the mother was the thirteenth member enrolled. Mr. and Mrs. Helmick joined that religious organization at the same time, and were ever faithful and consistent Christians and workers in the cause of religion. Mrs. Clark is also a member of the Oronoko Methodist Episcopal Church of Mt. Tabor, Grange Hall. Our subject and his wife are likewise members of the Grange, and participate in all the social and business gatherings of that fraternal association. From his earliest residence in Berrien County Mr. Clark has been prominently identified with the progressive interests and rapid advancement of his locality, and, ever ready to assist in all matters of mutual welfare, is esteemed a liberal-spirited citizen, and together with his wife enjoys the confidence of a host of friends. As Highway Commissioner he has given excellent service to the township, and for two terms efficiently discharged the duties of the position to the satisfaction of the entire community by whom he is surrounded.