Francis S Clark

CLARK

Posted By: County Coordinator (email)
Date: 6/1/2010 at 19:18:00

Among the representative young farmers of Peoples township is Francis S Clark, who has made farming and stock raising his life work. His place is today one of the valuable farm properties of his section of the county and in the midst of well tilled fields stands a commodious and attractive home, built in modern style of architecture and most tastefully arranged and furnished. It was in Peoples township that Francis S Clark was born on August 9, 1883.
His father, Lambert W Clark a native of Vermont, was born May 14, 1842, and was a youth of fourteen years when he came to Iowa in 1856. He settled in Clinton county and afterward removed to Boone county, where he has since made his home, now living on the old homestead with his son. He wedded Amelia Davis who was born in New York, January 19, 1847. She also survives and they, with their son Francis, remain upon the old farm, which has now for many years been in possession of the family and which is one of the well improved properties of this section of the state. They had seven children: George L who was born November 17, 1862, and resides in Peoples township, Elmer who makes his home in Minnesota, Mrs Effie Smith a resident of Texas, Mrs Jennie Vickroy, living in Montana, Charlie whose home is in Dallas county, Francis S of this review, and Allie deceased. It was in 1866 that the family arrived in Boone county and in that year they took up their abode I Peoples township, where they have since been numbered among the most prominent and highly respected citizens. The eldest child was born in Clinton county, Iowa , the second in Illinois, and the younger members of the family in Boone county. All attended the common schools of Peoples township and from pioneer ties to the present representatives of the name have been prominent in connection with public affairs, especially the agricultural development of the district.
Francis S Clark was reared on the old homestead and after mastering the branches of learning taught in the public schools concentrated his energies upon agricultural pursuits to which he has devoted his entire life. His work is carefully and intelligently directed. He is methodical and systematic in all that he does and is today engaged in the cultivation and further improvement of 360 acres of choice land, constitution the old Clark homestead on section s26 and 27, Peoples township. In recent years have been erected there some of the best buildings to be found on farm properties in this district. there is a pleasant home, pervaded by a spirit of hospitality that is most enticing.
In Dallas county in 1902, Mr Clark was united in marriage to Miss Katie Painter, who was born in Peoples township, April 26, 1884, was reared to womanhood in this county and attended the public schools. Her parent, David and Dora (Needham) Painter, are now living in Perry, Iowa. The mother belongs to one of the old pioneer families of Boone county and, in fact, both parents were early settlers of this section of the state. In their family were eight children of whom seven are yet living. Mrs Marie Cunningham, who also resides in Perry, Iowa, Mrs Clark, George living in Perry, Mrs Florence Walsh, whose home is in Chicago, Illinois, Mrs Grace Parker, of Perry, Edward living in Perry, and David whose home is in Peoples township, where all of the children were born and reared.
Mr and Mrs Clark have become parents of two sons. Lambert Watts, born December 8, 1903, and Freddie Andrew, born September 21, 1905. In his political views Mr Clark is a republican and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day, but does not seek nor desire office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs, which have brought hi close connection with the agricultural development of this part of the state. He is a man of unfaltering energy and after carefully formulating his plans carries them forward to successful completion. Always a resident Peoples township, he has a wide and favorable acquaintance, and the many substantial traits of his character have placed him high in the regard of those who know him.

1914 Boone County History Book