This gentleman is the oldest son of Judge Jeremiah Clark, and was born in the town of Manlius (now called De Witt), Onondaga county, New York, April 8, 1815. His boyhood was spent in that State, and he was educated in the common schools of that day. His parents came to Michigan when he was sixteen years of age, and to Oakland County about the time he had attained his majority. One of his first acts on becoming a citizen of Independence was to assist in the organization of that township, and he has ever since manifested a warm interest in its affairs. His townsmen have appreciated this interest, and have repeatedly called him to serve in an official capacity. He was constable nine years, justice of the peace twelve years, and supervisor four years.

In politics, Mr. Clark is a Democrat, and was elected by that party to the legislature in 1876. His services there reflected credit upon himself and proved acceptable to his constituents.

Mr. Clark is a farmer by occupation, and now resides in easy circumstances on his farm, on section 7, honored and respected by his neighbors. He was married on the 11th of August, 1834, to Miss Mary Lyons, of Wayne county, Michigan, and has had a family of nine children, only four of whom are living, Mary J., Lovina J, (now Mrs. James Harris), Edwin W., and Lawrence C.