As a man who not only merits but enjoys the respect and confidence of his fellow citizens, DAVID ANDREW CLARKE occupies no second place. He was born October 24, 1835, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where his parents were married October 31, 1834.

In 1838 they came to Mercer county. Illinois, and permanently located on Sec. 1, T. 15, R. 2, Preemption, and there Mr. Clarke, David's father, died in 1844, leaving, besides his wife who still survives, five children, three of whom are living: David A., Maggie, and Mary (wife of Henry Ketzel, of Perryton township). Those deceased were : Jane (who died in 1866), Henry B. (died in New Orleans aged twenty years, during the late war, a victim of the malarial fevers of a southern clime). David A. now owns and occupies the old home farm of 360 acres, and is actively engaged in stock raising and farming. He served the township eight years as clerk, and in 1876 was elected justice of the peace, which trust and honor he still holds.

He is also a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and contributes largely of his means for its support and prosperity. Himself and mother have been longer residents in the township than any others now living within its borders. His father, Benjamin Clarke, was born in. the county Fermanagh, Ireland, in 1802, and was reared a farmer, following that vocation through life. His mother was also a native of Ireland. Mr. Clarke was married in 1864 to Sarah Ellen Little, daughter of David Little. She died in 1865, and he has not since married.

 

History of Mercer and Henderson County

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