The Clarke family

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JOHN CLARKE

ANN OHERN CLARKE

THE

CLARKE FAMILY

COMPILED AND EDITED

BY

LENA M. NIEMAN

Times-Mirror Printing and Binding House

Los Angeles, California

1905

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TO THE MEMORY

OF

JOHN CLARKE AND ANN OHERN

CONTENTS

Foreword by the Compiler.
Chapter,

I. — Introduction to Record of Rev. John Clarke.
II. — Ancestry on Father's Side.

III. — Ancestry on Mother's Side.

IV. — The Family Home — Cemetery.

Y. — Father's Family.

VI.- — Personal Autobiography — Mischievous Dispos tion.
A School Incident.

VII. — Family Settle at Sewickley — Early Conviction —

Obtained Position in Pittsburg — Revival Meetings.
Conversion — Persecution by Shopmates — Helpful
Associations.

VIII. — On the Tramp — At Meadville, Pa. — Bro. Bowman.

Class Formed — At Harrisville, O. — Perplexity in
Regard to Duty — Elected Assistant Superintendent
of Sunday School — Health Failed, Started South —
At Natchez — Slave Meeting.

IX. — Trip to New Orleans — At Gen. Ganeau's (St.
Jaques) — Experience with Drunken Irishman —
Meeting a Stranger, Collision of Boats, Bedfellow's
Death, My Providential Escape — Gen. Ganeau's
Generosity — Started Homeward — Arrest and Re-
lease— Disaster at Vicksburg — License to Preach.

X. — Safe Arrival Home — First Appointment to Preach.
At Conference — Aooointment to Georgetown Cir-
cuit — Providence Provides Through My Resource-
ful Wife.

XI. — Conference at Zanesville — A Ludicrous Occurrence.
Appointment to Ohio Circuit — Remarkable Con-
version.

XII. — Appointment to Cincinnati — Mob Violence — Aboli-
tion.

XIII. — Elected President of Ohio Conference — Dignities
in Traveling — Cheering Reception in New Cabin —
Crossing Flooded Streams — White River Valley,
Privations of Early Settlers — In Illinois — West-
ward — Painful Experience with Flies ■ — A Night
Near the Oglaze River; Narrow Escape in Crossing.

CONTEXTS— (Continued ).

Chapter.

XIV. — Springfield — Entertained at Peter Cartwright's —
My Dilemma — More Special Providence — Cordi-
ality of the Great Evangelist.

X V. — Southward — Camp-meeting at Winchester — Alton ;
Instance of Special Providence in Answer to Prayer.
Help in Sore Xeed.

XVI. — Agent Dearborn College — Trouble on Account of
New Student — Arrested on Charge of Assault — In-
cident in Court — Resignation of My Position —
College Buildings Burned.

XVII. — At Chappels — Transferred to Sharpsburg — Con-
version of a Scoffer — Escape of Slave Family, Man-
aged by My Courageous Wife.

XVIH. — Special Providence in Marriage — Attractive Jane —
Another Wooing — Divinely Guided at Last.

XIX. — Thomas H. Stockton at Madison.

XX. — On the Way to Rushville — Obstruction from Ice —

Abolition — Slanderous Persecution.

XXI. — Connection with M. P. Denomination — Church

Relations- — Requested Certificate of Release from
M. P. Church- — Joined M. E. Denomination.

XXII. — Appointment to Pulaski Circuit — Base Slander of
My Colleague — Providence Demonstrated.

XXIII. — Meditations on the Present.

XXIV. — Improvements — Early Workers in Methodism at
Pittsburg — Rise of Methodism in the West —
Bishop Roberts.

XXV. — My Wife — Her Family — Burning of Their Home.
Conversion — Incident, Returning from Quincy.
Traveling Across Country to Xenia, O.

XXVI. — Obituary of Thomas.

XXVII — Memoranda of Dates.

XXVIII— Family of Eleanor Greer.

XXIX. — Adam Clarke.

XXX. — The Family Tree.

FOREWORD

Two years and a half ago, for my own benefit. 1 began
a record of the descendants of my great grandfather,
Rev. John Clarke. For a year and a half I worked only
at intervals and with no definite object in view, but
last January again took up the record with more en-
thusiasm, going one generation further back. 1 knew
that grandfather had left a manuscript containing the
record of his family, so sent for it in order to verify
the dates, and found in it the account of his ancestry
and of his life as given in the succeeding pages. It is
evident that he intended this history to be preserved, and
I at once decided to copy it.

By reading grandfather's introduction we can see
under what difficulties he worked, and it is wonderful
that one weakened by age and long illness could write
so well. There were a number of repetitions, misplaced
words and phrases, as well as a few incomplete sentences ;
but these mistakes have been rectified in order to make
the. meaning clearer. I have not in any case changed
the thought, and have tried to make only the corrections
that grandfather would make were he and not I editing
this work.

Through the information given in the manuscript and
other data sent me I was enabled to trace the direct
descent back to Duncan Clarke, and the " Tree " there-
fore contains the record of eight generations, as nearly
complete as it could be made. Of the one hundred and
forty-nine descendants of Duncan Clarke, eighty-nine are
now living, eight of the fifth generation, thirty-three of
the sixth, forty-seven of the seventh and one of the
eighth.

If this little volume should be the means of drawing
nearer together the widely scattered members of the
family and of creating a feeling of greater interest in
each other, I shall be very glad. We have good reason
to be proud of our ancestors, who spent their lives in

FOREWORD — (Continued).

helping others, and who died leaving the legacy of a true
Christian character to their children and their children's
children.

In the *' Tree '* it is not known that the children of
Janus Clarke and Susanna Wood are given in their
proper order, according to age. Grandfather tells in his
record that his father (John) was the younger son, and
since there is no way of knowing positively where each
helongs, for the sake of convenience John has been
placed as the youngest of the family.

I have perhaps omitted facts that to some may seem
important, and inserted others that are unimportant, but
1 trust due allowance will be made for these and also
for all mistakes that I may have made as, everything
considered, I have done my best. I should like to be
apprised of any errors in names, dates or places, so
that I may correct them in my own copy. If the differ-
ent families will be careful to continue their records on
the blank pages in the back of the book, and will send
me all dates of births, marriages and deaths as they
occur, it will assist me greatly and save much labor and
delay in case a second edition is issued at some future
time.

I gratefully acknowledge my indebtedness to all those
who have in any way aided me. either by giving infor-
mation or by their words of encouragement. I am
especially thankful to the older members of the family,
without whose help T should have failed utterly.

Lena M. Nieman.

Pasadena, California, December, IQ04.

CHAPTER I

Introduction to Record of Rev. John Clarke.

( )f late years I have been frequently requested by
friends, and urged by members of my family, to record
some account of our ancestry and of my own life.
Although the requests thus expressed were entitled to
respect, I have felt averse to compliance from a con-
viction that such records were frequently tinged too
strongly with the writer's partiality, and might beget
doubts and suspicions of its accuracy. Besides, gen-
erally, what a person writes about himself is very often
net worth reading. 1 have kept no journal and have
very little data on which to base any account of ancestry.
Xow verging on my eighty-fifth year, besides the in-
firmities incident to old age, I am so paralyzed in the
lower limbs as to be almost helplessly confined to my
lonely room, beset with other ailments that together have
a disqualifying influence for the task I undertake ; yet
mind employment — and memory vividly retains circum-
stances and events of the long past, even to early boy-
hood — reveals that the proper form of expression
greatly fails me, and I hope that any who may chance
to read what I aim to write in the following pages will
make due allowance on this score.

CHAPTER II

Ancestry on Father's Side.

In 1834, while stationed in Cincinnati, I read the per-
sonal memoir of Adam Clarke, the great commentator,
and was surprised at finding in his extended account
of his family relations the mention of several of whom
I had heard my father often speak as relatives of his,
but 1 had no recollection of father speaking of any rela-
te nship to Dr. Clarke or his family. I then wrote to
father at his home near Pittsburg, Pa. My letter find-
ing him on his death-bed, he related to rny two sisters.

THE CLARKE FAMILY.

as strength and memory permitted, an answer to my
inquiry, my elder sister writing it down as dictated.
By a mishap in the mail it never reached me. From
my surviving sister (Mrs. Susan Wilson) I obtained
the only data upon which J base the conclusion that
both families are of the same ancestry. My father's
statement enabled me to trace it back to the early part
of the sixteenth century, at which time two brothers
of the family emigrated from Scotland to Ireland, one
settling near Dublin, the other in the County Tyrone.
Adam Clarke, I conclude, was a descendant of the
former, and my father of the latter of these brothers,
My great grandfather's name was Duncan Clarke, and
he was therefore a full cousin to Adam Clarke, and a
resident of County Tyrone. His son. James Clarke
(our grandfather), was also a resident of the same
county, a well-to-do farmer and a rigid adherent of
Scotch Presbyterianism. His wife's maiden name was
Susanna Wood, and both were noted as devoted Chris-
tians according to the standard of the times. Our
father was their youngest son. He had four sisters and
one brother. Archibald, who died in early life leaving
no family. Of the sisters I have no definite informa-
tion other than hearing them spoken of as distinguished
for piety and religious lives.

The county in which they lived was one of the first
fields of operation in Ireland by Methodist missionaries,
who were first known in that region by the name of
Ranters. A distinguished clergyman of the Established
Church of England, who had become an adherent of
the Wesleys in their great revival work in England and
a coadjutor in carrying it on, was one of the first mis-
sionaries to enter Ireland. The northern part being the
most under Protestant influence he sought to commence
his labors there. Entering County Tyrone he sought an
opportunity to open his mission, but found churches and
private houses alike closed against him. Coming into
the neighborhood of our grandfather ( which was
densely populated and known as Ardstraw Bridge, a
scattered village) to the alarm of the people generally,
but our ancestor in particular, fearing the stranger
might be of the Ranters of whom they had heard so

THE CLARKE FAMILY. 13

much, and would succeed in leading souls astray and
destroy the peace of the community, he could find no
place of entrance. So he took up a position on horse-
back in the most public place on the highway, it being
the most ready to escape from should he be attacked
by mob violence, and by the novelty of his lusty singing
soon gathered a crowd around him, in which was my
grandfather, who became impressed so by his dignified
manner and the solemn truths he uttered that he ventured
to invite him to his home ; and soon after, he with his
whole household, was rejoicing in a conscious salvation.
And his house became a preaching-place for Methodism
ever afterward, until it was more suitably provided for,
growing and multiplying in all that section of country.
Our father at that time was quite a youth, and I have
heard him say that he could not tell the precise time
when he was converted ; that from early youth he en-
joyed the evidence of a change of heart and the love of
God. Through the greater portion of his life he held
an official position in the church, and his end was full of
peace and bright with hope.

CHAPTER III

Ancestry on Mother's Side.

Of our ancestry on mother's side I have very limited
knowledge beyond her family, whose name was Greer,
and who were residents also, as were father's family,
of the County Tyrone. Ireland. They were well-to-do
farmers, and among the first, if not the very first, to
embrace and entertain Methodism in the section in which
they lived. The family consisted of three sons and four
daughters. My parents, with one son (my oldest
brother), came to this country in company with mother's
sister Rebecca, the wife of James Little, and I believe
her brother Joseph. For a time they settled in Xew
Jersey, and afterward in Lancaster County, Pa., where
I believe Joseph died. Most of the time they remained
in the East their home was in the city of Columbia.
They moved westward at different periods, and now ( in

i4 THE CLARKE FAMILY.

1891) are settled in Rushville and vicinity, a numerous
and prosperous portion of the community, nearly all
earnest adherents to the religion of their ancestors. I
have thus departed from the ancestral line because of
the more immediate identity of the parties named or
referred to. A great number of them are interred in
the cemetery of Rushville, awaiting a reunion in an ever-
lasting home where neither death nor distance will ever-
more separate.

In each new settlement of either family they immedi-
ately identified themselves with Methodism, though in
the earlier portion of their life in this country it required
much sacrifice. I distinctly remember when my mother,
on horseback, and father, cane in hand, traveled eleven
miles to attend class meeting on Sunday. Members
would frequently travel miles to attend a prayer-meeting
and were often in each other's homes as social visitors
and mutual helpers. The fervor of love and fraternal
feeling that was then a characteristic of Methodism has
greatly diminished in modern times. It was one of
mother's leading characteristics to be in the front of
such movements ; her generosity was always up to the
extent of her means ; often have I known her to deny
herself of needed comforts to supply the wants- of others.

Another sister and her husband, whose name was
Ward, had preceded my parents in coming to this coun-
try, and had settled as far west as Pittsburg (then Fort
Duquesne) on the border of what was then known as
the " Back Woods." Through their influence our
parents were induced to move back to the same place —
I think it was in 1814. I well remember the great diffi-
culties then encountered in crossing the mountains by
winding, improvised roads. The only method of travel
and conveying supplies was by horseback and six-horse
teams harnessed to heavy wagons. Frequently, at the
foot of a mountain, these teams would double horses to
each wagon, and with two men in the rear carrying
blocks to scotch the wagon when the horses were halted
for a rest, they would thus, with much difficulty and no
little danger, make the ascent. Houses of entertainment,
though at convenient distances, were devoid of what
would be accommodation in the present generation.

THE CLARKE FAMILY. 15

Getting safely to our destination we were comfortably
domiciled in the house with my Aunt Ward's family,
who, not long alter, returned to tne East and settled near
Alexandria, \ a. For some time correspondence was kept
up between the families, but I lost all trace of them.
Mother's sister. Rebecca, with her husband, James Little,
and family came West in the fall of 1837. whither their
only son, George, had preceded them, and who was
settled in mercantile business in Rushville. Their four
daughters also, at different periods, settled in. the place
and have raised respected families.

My two sisters being married — Susan the wife of
Thomas Wilson, and Ann Jane the wife of George-
Greer' — and they having also settled in Rushville, after
the death of my father in Sewickley. near Pittsburg, my
mother came also to Rushville, where she spent the bal-
ance of her days, and died at a great age. I have heard
her say that she was converted when six years of age, and
she must therefore have been not less than eighty-four
years a member of the Methodist Church. Her father's
house was one of the first, if not the very first, in that
part of the county opened to Methodism, as was our
grandfather Clarke's in another portion of the same
county. When their dwelling became too small for the
congregations that assembled, her father cleaned a large
barn on their premises, fitted it up with pulpit and rude
benches, and it served the purposes of a church. From
this center Methodism soon spread over a large portion
of that section of the country and became a great power
for good.

Soon after what is known as Wayne's Treaty with the
Indians was signed, several families from the neighbor-
hood of our parents in Ireland emigrated to this coun-
try and took up lands in Sewickley, fifteen miles west of
Pittsburg — then considered the western frontier —
and invited our parents to join them. My father
having purchased some wild land eligibly located,
the settlers united and soon had a respectable cabin in
the dense woods ready for the family's reception, to
which they moved out. aware that it was bringing on
them a new phase of life. I remember their reluctance
and serious deliberation of it. < )n our arrival we found

16 THE CLARKE FAMILY.

quite a number of the settlers gathered to make us wel-
come and an amount of provisions sufficient to supply
our wants until we could provide. On the way father
had bought a cow and calf. In front of our cabin they
constructed a strong pen in which to confine the calf and
thus detain the cow. In the morning all of the calf
that could be found was a few scattered bones, the wolves
having in the night entered the pen, and finding they
could not carry the calf out, made their supper of it in
the pen. Learning that there were still some straggling
Indians marauding through the country, and being so
discouraged by this first night's experience, my parents
determined to return East, and no influence of neighbors
could dissuade them from their purpose. So as soon as
preparation could be made the journey was commenced.
Meantime, father was persuaded not to sell the land, but
he leased it for four years, the consideration being a
certain amount of improvements. When about twenty
miles east of Pittsburg the team was delayed a short time
for some repairs, and my father met the offer of a large
school at a good salary. He readily accepted, compro-
mising with the teamster, and we were soon domiciled
in a comfortable house.

After spending four years in teaching, he visited his
wild purchase and found it pretty well improved and sur-
rounded by a dense settlement of desirable neighbors.
He soon returned to it and on it spent the balance of
his life in contentment and comfort. The house soon
became a regular preaching place and a home of Meth-
odism. For over twenty years he was the leader of a
large class in a room of his own house, and as far back
as I can remember the home was a house of prayer.
Morning and evening a hyrrm was sung and prayer was
offered to God. In early boyhood, to me it was a lone-
some evening when there were not from one to four or
five Methodist neighbors, who had been acquainted in
Ireland, in to spend the evening until bedtime. The
lively, and to me, deeply interesting conversation was
generally of persons, scenes and incidents in Ireland.
Their appreciative recollections of early preachers, many
of whom still live in history, early inspired my heart with
a feeling of reverence for their names that yet survives

THE CLARKE FAMILY. 17

with me. Methodism may not have deteriorated, but it
has certainly lost much of its primitive simplicity, fervor
of zeal and purity of love. To love with a pure heart,
fervently, was one of its most marked characteristics.

Of mother's death a brief record is due here. On
Sunday afternoon, Aug. 28, 1867, 1 spent some hours
with her in her room at my sister's home, and was some-
what surprised to find her much more vivacious and
cheerful than usual, her mental faculties not betraying"
any of the weakening so common at her age. Provi-
dential dealings throughout her long life employed much
of her conversation; her trust in God seemed to be im-
p icit, and rays of heavenly light to illumine the valley
of the shadow of death. When I arose to leave she said:
" Why, John, you would not leave without praying
with me." Kneeling beside her we joined in prayer.
As I was leaving she took my hand and went with me
to the door, with an affectionate goodbye, remarking :
" We may not see each other again." The next morning,
when the family gathered in her room for prayers, she
was yet in bed and appeared in her usual health. Her
son-in-law, Thomas Wilson, read a chapter to which
she appeared to give interested attention. My sister,
kneeling at the side of the bed, had her attention drawn
by an apparent struggle in mother's breathing, and on
hastily going to her, found her eyes set in death. The
spirit had fled to an everlasting home.

Her funeral from the Methodist Church was attended
bv a large assemblage. Appropriate services, conducted
by the pastor, were there held, and her remains thence
borne to the family lot in the beautiful Rushville
cemetery, where, shadowed by several evergreen trees
and inclosed by an ornamental, tubular iron fence, they
rest until the resurrection. Myself and one sister (Susan
Wilson ) survive the family, and our time on earth is
nearly spent.

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THE CLARKE FAMILY LOT AT RUSHV1LLE, ILL.

A NEARER VIEW

THE CLARKE FAMILY. 19

CHAPTER IV

The Family Home-Cemetery.

From distant parts I have disinterred and gathered
together, in the same lot and monumented, the remains
of our parents, their children and grandchildren, except-
ing my brother James and his family, who had been
buried in Pittsburg and vicinity, and who, for lack of
room in the, family lot, are reinterred in an adjacent lot
in the same cemetery. Of the immediate decendants
of father's family [brought up to November, 1904, by
Compiler], fifty-four are now deceased; eighty-nine sur-
vive, forty-seven of whom are of the fifth generation.

CHAPTER V

Father's Family.
My oldest brother, James, was born in County Tyrone.
Ireland, June 17th, 1800, and died at Pittsburg, Pa.,
Sept. 15th, 1855. Endowed with a strong intellect, and
being of studious habits, he became early a good scholar
in a common English education ; for some time he as-
sisted my father in teaching a large school, and was the
leader in all the intellectual enterprises of the neighbor-
James Clarke was a very handsome man, of fine physique, and
one who would be noted among hundreds. He had but three
months' schooling, but considered himself educated in all lines. He
both read and wrote a great deal. He was very outspoken on the
subject of abolition, and some of his family thought that he met
with foul play at the hands of enemies during the "Border Ruf-
fian War." About the time of his visit to Kansas, John Brown,
the liberator, became famous in that state, and later James P.
Clarke, son of James Clarke, Sr., was with John Brown during
the contest against the pro-slavery party's efforts to make Kansas
a slave state.

The following obituary was written by James Clarke, Sr., upon
the death of his father, John Clarke:

" John Clarke, Sen., the subject of the following notice, was
born in the County of Tyrone. Ireland, 1769. At the age of
twenty-nine or thirty he became the subject of saving grace and
united himself with the Methodist Church in his native country.
He ultimately removed to America. He associated himself with

THE CLARKE FAMILY.

hood. When about eighteen years of age he was con-
verted at a camp-meeting in the vicinity of Pittsburg,
and at once began to hold meetings in the neighborhood
and labored hard for the conversion and upbuilding of
others. In this line he was very popular, and attracted
large congregations. He was strongly urged by the
church to go into the ministry, but he constantly declined,
^signing insufficiency as his reason, also that his voice
was not adapted to public speaking. In this I have no
doubt he seriously erred. After his marriage, his zeal
declined and his labors diminished, although until his

the Episcopal Methodists in this country, upon certificate from
the Rev. Thomas Barber. About eighteen years ago he was
appointed class leader, and was always particularly faithful to this
charge. So sure as the Sabbath came ^o sure he attended to his
little flock. Never to our knowledge was there a murmur or com-
plaint from one of his members for neglect of duty. Most of
this time the class met in his own house, which was also the
meeting-house and home of the preacher.

" Being almost constitutionally republican in feeling, when the
late division took place in the Methodist Episcopal Church he
was inclined to go with the Reformers. There were, however,
many difficulties in his way — the friendship of the preachers,
separation from the class, many of whom were the companions
of his youth, cold feelings and hard sayings — these had been
for six or seven years a counterbalance to his principles. Use
philosophy, religion, or whatever you please, such circumstances
are trying.

" However, last year Bro. Ba^sett was invited to preach at his
house, the preachers of the old fellowship continuing their
appointments and class as usual. Some time in August he took
occasion to advise with the writer of this article on the subject
of transferring himself to the new church, stating that his ' mind
latterly had been much agitated in relation to this matter, and
that he felt much disposed to take this step.' He was answered,
there was no prospect beyond his own family of forming a class,
and that, all things considered, if his principles would admit of
his enjoying himself as heretofore, he had better not make this
change in his relation, especially as the time of his stay in any
church on earth must in all probability be very short. Consider-
ing the relation I sustained to the Protestant Methodists, he was
pleased with the answer. But he replied : ' The shortness of my
stay here ought to be a strong inducement to me to discharge a
duty which my judgment and conscience dictate should be per-
formed: besides, these will not admit of my enjoying myself where
I am. as heretofore. I have deliberated and weighed the matter
long enough — the night is drawing nigh, when I cannot work.
To unite with the Protestant Methodists I believe is a duty — a

THE CLARKE FAMILY.

death he remained a devoted and liberal member of
the church, nearly always sustaining an official relation
to it. In the latter part of his life the abolition of slavery
so engaged his sympathies and efforts, that it seemed
the controlling purpose of his life to labor for its suc-
cess. It was thought that his labor and exposure on a
visit to Kansas, in order to bear a part in its struggle
for freedom, occasioned his death, which occurred on
board the steamboat at a landing almost at his home.

BROTHER GEORGE.

The second son of my parents, George, was born in
Lancaster. Pa., Sept. 6, 1802, and died in the city of Pitts-
burg, May 3, 1823. From very early boyhood he mani-
fested a remarkable aptness to learn, and a great fondness
for it, and had mastered most of the first rules in arith-
metic. Ofttimes, when yet a youth of tweJve years, he

duty which I ought to discharge and leave the issue to Him
who rules in righteousness.'

" The next opportunity which offered he cast in his lot with
the Reformers — so called — and true it proved that his stay on
earth was short. The seeds of mortality were taking deep root.
Shortly after, he was confined, by a paralytic stroke ; lost the
use of his left side ; a few days saw him mentally as well
as physically diseased by a second stroke of the same. In this
situation he urged his family not to be alarmed on his account;
stated that the fears of death did not disconcert him ; he knew
the Saviour was his friend, and that His grace would be suf-
ficient for him, though he had to walk through the valley and
the shadow of death ; He that had been with him for near forty
years he had reason to believe would not forsake him in his last
extremity.

" He set his temporal concerns in order,' so that he might
unreservedly devote himself to a preparation for death, and for
life beyond the grave. He continued for some weeks engaged in
prayer and in delivering advice to his family, expressing all
the time the greatest confidence in God, till on Tuesday morn-
ing, a few minutes past two o'clock, December 24, 1833, in the
sixty-third year of his age, he entered upon the joys of his
Lord, bequeathing to his family and friends a blooming hope of
immortality. And on the morning of that day when the Saviour
first visited the dark abode of sinful man, his friends and neigh-
bors followed him — mourning — thro' the storm to the mansion
of rest. Yours, etc.,

" James Clarke."

THE CLARKE FAMILY.

would keep father up till midnight studying problems in
mathematical science, and as there were then few institu-
tions of learning other than common schools, and they
much inferior to what now exists, our father took great
pains to assist him at home as far as he felt capable.
Some thirty miles distant from home lived a noted scholar
of father's acquaintance, with whom he arranged to board
George in his family and allow him the use of such of
his books as were required, father furnishing the others.
I do not remember how long George remained under
instruction, but it was as long as deemed necessary to
complete his studies. After his return from this private
instruction he commenced teaching, and for two years
was reputed very successful, when, by a mysterious
accident, he was injured by a gun from which a friend
was trying to dislodge a ball that had got fast in the
barrel while loading. Having opened the breech end,
an effort was made to bore it out by fastening a large
pegging awl in the end of the ramrod, which became
fast in the lead and remained as the ramrod was drawn
out ; then, in the endeavor to melt the ball, the barrel
exploded with a loud report, the melted lead and awl
entering the upper part of my brother's thigh, and the
lead passing so nearly through as to be taken out on
the opposite side. The awl remained imbedded in the
bone and could not be extracted. When, over thirty
years after, his remains were disinterred to be removed
to the family lot, the awl was found without the appear-
ance of rust upon it. The mystery was in the loud ex-
plosion from a gun barrel open at both ends, with the
powder all extracted, and water having been poured in
in the effort to move the ball. At the time the matter
was freely discussed in the newspapers by scientific
writers, but, so far as known to me, is still unsolved, and
remains for a mysterious Providence yet to make it plain.
After months of confinement and suffering he so far re-
covered— under skillful treatment — as to venture a
visit to the city, and took cold on the way which devel-
oped into pneumonia, of which he died soon after. He
kft a calendar for the ensuing year, almost ready for
publication, and a nearly completed volume on mathe-

THE CLARKE FAMILY. 23

matical science, which had been highly approved by s
well-known scholars, and these, together with some
mathematical instruments, his mother distributed as
souvenirs to distant friends, much to my regret.

1 give this detailed account as a part of family history
that may fall into the hands of their descendants and be of
some interest to them. Mention of the third son 1 my-
self 1 I will leave until the last, as least worthy : and my
desire is that whatever I record of myself may be an
illustration of the gracious Providence that has con-
ducted me through old age. and yet. when bending under
infirmities, forsakes me not.

AXX I AXE.

Ann Jane, the elder of my sisters, when young was
a great sufferer from asthma, and her condition gave but
little reason to hope that she would live to mature years.
Indeed ofttimes her life was despaired of from day to
day. This interfered with her education ; but. being
naturally of a clear, strong intellect and studious habits,
she became an intelligent woman of sound, clear judg-
ment. As she grew up. the left lung gradually dimin-
ished in size, and at womanhood the asthmatic trouble
left her. but that side of the chest was greatly sunken so
as to require outside padding to maintain the natural
form. For a time she taught school. I believe success-
fully, and eventually was married to George Greer.
Then with her sister and husband they came west and
settled in Rushville. 111., where their husbands entered
into partnership and prospered in mercantile business.
Her life exemplified the teachings of Christ, and her
death the hope of the Christian.

Ann Jane Greer was convened at a camp meeting in the vicin-
: Pittsburg. Pa., in August. 1831. Her religion was not
of the demonstrative kind, but evinced its power and genuineness
in the fruits of the spirit and an irreproachable life. Her experi-
ence was very uniform, never much elated, and never depressed.
As a daughter, sister, wife and mother, she was a model of
affectionate fidelity. During a residence of thirty-nine years in
Rushville she became the friend of all. but especially of the
needy, whom she was always willing to aid.

SUSAN WILSON

THE CLARKE FAMILY. 25

• SUSAN.

My sister Susan, the youngest of the family — she and
I the only survivors — was converted in early life, and
through all its vicissitudes still holds fast the beginning
of her confidence. Though not demonstrative in her
profession or manner of life, she has inherited her
mother's benevolence of heart, and with a plentiful sup-
Susan Wilson was a woman of unusual gifts and graces, be-
loved and honored throughout a long and eventful life. She
was well born and happily endowed by nature. A bright intel-
lect, a cheerful, buoyant temperament, a strong will and generous
instincts, combined with a sound body, capable of great endur-
ance— these qualities might insure a happy and useful life, but
the secret of her life must be found in her relation to her
Heavenly Father, as expressed in her favorite psalm : " T will
lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.
My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth."
Religiously inclined from childhood, the Bible was so familiar
to her that her children called her a " Concordance." She be-
lieved that the life of a child of God should be one of unbroken
fellowship with Him. Whenever her strength permitted, she
went joyfully to worship in the house of the Lord; and to
the very last the reading of the scripture with much prayer was
her daily habit. She knew that " Man shall not live by bread
alone, but by every word that proceeded out of the mouth of
God;" and she sought as her daily bread the bread from
heaven. Not only had she often read the Bible through from
beginning to end, but there were about sixty chapters which
she knew "by heart." She was also very fond of hymns, and
could repeat many word for word. For her part she was ful-
filling the exhortation of Paul: "Let the word of Christ dwell
in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one an-
other in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with
grace in your heart unto the Lord."

Her favorite hymns admirably revealed her Christian character.
She also loved the sweet evenine bvmns, and often to her children
and afterward to her grandchildren would at their bed time
repeat the lines :

" Whom Thou dost suard, O King of Kings,

No evil shall molest
Under the shadow of Thy wings

Shall they securely rest."

She had a remarkable memory, and was full of reminiscences
of persons and events of bygone years. And yet nothing seems
quite so remarkable as her recollection of incidents pertaining
to the kingdom of God. Tn t88.; she wrote in a little book : "A
collection of texts which T have heard preached during seventy-
five years. Written for my grandchildren." And then the first

26 THE CLARKE FAMILY.

ply of means at command the deserving needy always
find in her practical sympathy and a helping hand.

1 have thus recorded what little I have been able to
learn, and on my parents' side more in detail, so that
any of our descendants or friends into whose hands the
record may fall might have not only to some limited
extent an acquaintance with their ancestry, but that the
gracious provision of God might be recognized in the
results of hearing a sermon preached on horseback, and
of a little act of hospitality in entertaining a stranger,
as in the case of my mother's parents. " God often
moves in a mysterious way his wonders to perform."

entry : "First one remembered, 1819, ' Many are called but few
are chosen.' " This when she was but eight years old. The
last one recorded was : " My days are swifter than a weaver's
shuttle." She said that, with a single exception, she could
remember the text of every Easter sermon she had ever heard.

Her whole life spoke for the Master whom she loved. Patient.
kind, with a charity covering the multitude of others' sins,
always esteeming others better than herself, full of good works,
she rests from her labors, and her works follow her. As a
mother she was devoted, firm in her government, always looking
well to the ways of her household. No duty was ever neglected;
no sacrifice too great. During her early life and her struggles
with adverse circumstances, she was always brave and cheerful.
Her home was never too poor or the larder too nearly empty
to take in the preacher with his family. Often has she told
of a preacher with a large family coming when she was cleaning
house and very weary, and she went out behind the rain barrel
and prayed for strength to take them in cheerfully. When called
upon to minister to the suffering, nothing appalled her. She
was first to hasten to the afflicted, no matter at what personal
risk.

The missionary work lay near her heart, and one month before
her death her voice was lifted in a beautiful prayer at the
Woman's Missionary Society.

In her humility and heart-searching integrity she saw nothing
good in her life but the grace of God, and wished said of her
simply " A sinner saved by grace."

Her end was peaceful. She went to sleeD and wakened in
glory. It is a wonderful thing to have lived almost a century,
and to have been so guided as to stand at the end, still true,
still just, still humble, sustaining a moral character without a
flaw. Her children and grandchildren "arise and call her
blessed."

THE CLARKE FAMILY. 27

CHAPTER VI

Personal Autobiography — Mischievous Disposition — A
School Incident.

Having in the foregoing given some account of our
family personally, I now commence a record of my
own life, chiefly for the purpose of relating with thankful
heart the goodness of God, as manifested in a gracious
providence that as a golden chain of innumerable links
has extended all along over my past life, and which to
deny or doubt now would be to ignore my own ex-
perience, and to question the word of revealed truth.
Verging now upon my eighty-fifth year I am beset also
with other ailments besides such as are incident to old
age, yet memory retraces life almost to childhood and
vividly recalls the long past ; it seems to have lost noth-
ing that was ever impressed upon it. Ofttimes the in-
fluence of association brings up fresh to the mind mat-
ters that for many years had not entered my thoughts.

As shown by our familv record, I was born in Lan-
caster, Pa., on the 24th of Sept., 1806. While I was
still cpiite young my parents, with mother's sister's
family (Little), moved to Columbia, and occupied a
house divided by a hall and stairway in the center, the
families taking separate sides of the house. An itinerary
preacher of the Dunkards obtained permission of my
parents to preach in their lower room, and as was his
custom, he rode around and gave notice by a horn, and
soon gathered a congregation that crowded the room.
Mother sent the children up on the stairs, which by balus-
trade was guarded on the side next the audience. The
lower steps became crowded by hearers. The children
had no way of egress, and being very impatient I made
my way into the upper room where I found some tufts
of long wool, and in a large closet a dough-tray with
some flour around the edges. Being greatly interested
in the long white beard of the preacher it is likely that,
with the paste and • wool, I pretty well imitated it.
Taking my place on the stairs I attracted the attention
of the audience and occasioned much merriment. Mother
could not get access to me, and the struggle to defend

28 THE CLARKE FAMILY.

my beard against the efforts of my brothers to pull it off
increased attention and spoiled the meeting. I suppose
that at the time I was nearly four years old. I relate
this as a specimen, among many, illustrating the natural
order of my mind that my parents had to train and Grace
finally to subdue, and which grew with my growth and
strengthened with my strength. This disposition that
threatened my future with a reckless tendency, occasioned
much anxiety to my parents. One incident I well re-
member, as it has had a controlling influence over my
entire life. Coming into my mother's room when she
was very ill, 1 approached her with solicitude to learn
her condition. As I came near, 1 saw her eyes fixed
upon me in an expressive gaze. She took my hand and
said to me: "Johnny, if J am to die now, you are my
chief concern in leaving the world." Her words pierced
my heart, and hastening out I sought a secret place and
tried to pray, solemnly vowing to God that if He would
spare my mother I would lead a different life. She was
spared, but my vow, as were many subsequent ones, was
broken, yet was ever before me with more or less re-
straint. I was not given to profanity, or what would
be called wickedness, but seemingly had an overpower-
ing tendency to mischief for sport, together with an un-
governable temper that led me to say and do things that
were immediately followed by shame and remorse.

An incident characteristic of my leading besetment
very often recurs to memory. When eleven or twelve
years of age I attended the country school, which was of
the primitive order, and which was taught by a lately-
arrived Irishman who seemed to have no other idea of
governing than by physical force, and thus gained the
dislike of his pupils. He increased the stringency of his
administration by the addition of prayer at the closing of
school, during which all the scholars were required to
kneel at their seats. He had prepared for himself a
writing-board with one end fastened to the wall, the
other supported by legs like a stool, while for a seat he
had a bench made of a slab of old chestnut timber per-
forated with worm holes in close proximity. Immedi-
ately in front of where I knelt, there knelt also two
youths barefooted, their great toes touching each other.

THE CLARKE FAMILY.

In my propensity for mischief and sport, finding a string
in my pocket. I used all my ingenuity to get their toes tied
together. All backs were to me save that of a harmless
boy on the opposite side, who was watching the perform-
ance, and who broke out in suppressed laughter, at
which the teacher suddenly rose from his knees in the
midst of his prayer, seized his symbol of authority, ran
across the floor, caught the boy by the neck and brutally
beat him, then returned to his desk, finished his prayer
and dismissed the school. A number of the large schol-
ars remained in the yard discussing the matter. All
agreed on punishing the teacher, but not on the manner
of doing it. Too small to be admitted to their council,
and enraged at the whole matter. I determined on find-
ing some method of my own. The council agreeing to
meet the next morning an hour before school time, I
was among the first there, but before anything was
settled, the teacher and the boy's father were seen in
the distance coming toward the schoolhouse, and we
all ran in and took seats. The smaller girls had a play
they called " Pins." I hurried round among them, bor-
rowed what pins I could, and dropped their heads in the
worm holes of the teacher's seat. Thinking himself late,
he looked at his watch, pronounced it wrong, and, draw-
ing up the long skirts of his surtout coat, threw himself
into his seat; then, with an unearthly yell of misery,
leaped up, tearing his writing-board from its fastenings.
Drawing the skirts of his coat under one arm and stand-
ing in a half-stooped position, he gathered pins from the
seat of his pants. What seemed in his case more pro-
vokingly intolerable, was the fact that the whole school
was in a burst of laughter. Even the boy's father, who
had come along with the teacher for the purpose of in-
quiring into the matter, and who was standing in the
midst of the floor, had his gravity overcome, though a
venerable minister of the gospel, and tried to hide his
face from the ludicrous scene. While I was anxiously
watching for an opportunity to escape, my way was
hedged by the teacher taking his symbol of authority,
planting himself near the door and demanding the name
of the perpetrator. Not getting an answer, he threat-
ened violent measures, but was persuaded by the boy's

30 THE CLARKE FAMILY.

father to delay awhile as it was probably the work of
someone outside during the absence of the school, and
if the work of any of the scholars it would not be long a
secret ; nor was it, but it became a neighborhood affair.
The teacher was dismissed and I escaped punishment
and received some commendation that did not tend to
restrain or correct my wayward disposition.

While such tendencies of mind and a violent temper
seemed to have control of me, deep religious convictions
followed me and resolutions to break off from my course
of life were formed and often written down and carried
in my pocket, that remembrance might be retained In-
frequent reference to them — but all in vain, except to
increase a feeling of remorse by their violation.

CHAPTER VII

Family Settle at Sewickley — Early Conviction — Ob-
tained Position in Pittsburg — Revival Meetings —
Conversion — Persecution by Shopmates- — Helpful
Associations.

As before stated, the family settled at Sewickley,
twelve miles west of Pittsburg, while I was yet small.
Our house at once became a regular preaching place, a
welcome home for Methodist preachers and a common
place of social worship of the neighborhood, which was
chiefly made up of Methodists. I was thus early
brought under religious influence outside of home train-
ing, which was maintained with much vigilance. I was
soon led to feel the necessity of a " new heart," and
would often pray in secret, but my natural disposition
and irritable temper would so often break through all
restraints that life on the whole was miserable. Thus,
with occasional glimmerings of hope, did the Spirit of
God strive with me. About the age of fifteen I was led
into intimate associations with several youth of the
neighborhood, who, though of respectable families and
general moral habits, were given to excessive frivolity
and sport often leading to mischief. Among them I

THE CLARKE FAMILY. 31

was soon regarded as a leader, but when alone 1 would
suffer the upbraidings of a guilty conscience that dis-
pelled all peace of mind and drove me to the borders of
despair.

Hearing much of a great revival of religion in
progress in the city, 1 concluded that if I were free
from surrounding influences and could get within those
of the revival 1 might obtain " a new heart " and thus
be enabled to withstand these temptations. With this
object, and none other, in view I requested my parents
to allow me to go to the city and learn a trade. My
father's great objection was that I needed a better educa-
tion first; my mother's objection was from her fears
that I would be led farther astray. The realization that
I must have a change of heart or be lost forever, and
the terrible apprehension that my day of grace was past,
made me very urgent; and consent being obtained, my
father soon went to the city to seek a situation and make
terms, feeling assured that his judgment would be satis-
factory to me. An opening presenting in a hat factory,
lie made arrangements by which I was to serve six
weeks on trial, and if the parties were suited an indenture
for three years was then to be made. I felt encouraged
by the hope that in that length of time I might obtain
what most I sought and return home, a conqueror of self
and surroundings, to lead a new life. I left home with
a very sad heart, but assured that I was followed by
many earnest prayers.

On my arrival in the city. I commenced attending
revival meetings every night, praying much in secret, and
diligently studying the Bible as I had opportunity. But
all seemed of no avail, darkness still enshrouded my
mind and a sense of guilt oppressed my soul. All the
while I felt an aversion to going up with penitents to
the altar, and thought if I were out in some retired place
I could succeed better. One evening, while sitting back
in the congregation, a youth about my own age crowded
into the seat by my side and asked me whether I en-
joyed religion, I answered " No."

" Do you desire to? " was his next question.

T answered. " Above all things." He took me by the
arm and led me forward. No sooner had I knelt than

32 THE CLARKE FAMILY.

it seemed that all eyes in the house were upon me and
that I was the prize for which heaven and hell were in
contest, and a desperate agony of soul came upon me.
Previous to this time my six weeks of probation had
expired, but owing to some cause my indentures were not
made out, and a determination came upon me to obtain
deliverance in the meantime and return home a convert,
and at the altar I made the solemn vow that I would
not sleep until I obtained deliverance. Several being
converted at the altar, I was the last to be led away from
it. As I crossed the door-sill, leaving the church, it
flashed into my mind as if an evil spirit had spoken it:
" You are a reprobate. You cannot live without sleep.
For months you have been seeking in vain. Foreordina-
tion is true." For a short time the awful gloom of de-
spair seized my mind, and I wandered about the streets,
sometimes resting in a secluded place, reasoning with
myself on the subject and trying to pray. The dark
cloud began to break, and gleams of hope would enter
my soul. In the dawn of morning I went to the shop
and attended to my work as usual. My sadness being
observable to my shopmates, i was frequently jeered
through the day by them, however, without any weak-
ening of purpose.

At bedtime I went upstairs, but passing my room, I
went on into the attic of the three-story building. There
being no seat in the apartment, the night (until about four
o'clock in the morning) was spent in walking the floor
and kneeling at the sill of an open dormer window.
While in this position the bright moonlight, the city in
silence, the two rivers in calmness flowing by on either
side, the sky studded with stars, all produced a calm in
my feelings, and hope sprang up. Everything seemed
to proclaim the goodness of God, and I was beginning to
feel a certain degree of confidence that He would not
cast me off, when suddenly, as a flash of light in the
midst of gross darkness, the passage : " He that spared
not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how
shall He not with Him also freely give us all things,"
seemed audibly spoken in' my ear. My darkness fled,
the burden fell off, all was light and joy unspeakable.
I wanted to shout, but dreaded to alarm the familv, so

THE CLARKE FAMILY. 33

hastened out into the street. The first persons I met
were three Quakers walking abreast, their garb sug-
gesting that they were Methodist preachers. Running
up to them with hand stretched out, I was shoved aside
as a lunatic. A little farther on I found a young man
opening a store. Taking him by the arm, I led him
into the store and began ray story. He clasped me in
his arms and took it from me by telling his experience,
which was a duplicate of my own. The great wonder
with me now is that I should have labored so long in
wretchedness, in the hopeless task of saving myself by
works of my own, endeavoring to establish a righteous-
ness of my own and rejecting that of Christ, so freely
offered. My heart overflowed with love and an ardent
desire that others should be partakers of the same great
salvation, and 1 resolved that the future efforts of my
life should be to that end, as opportunity would permit.
My associations in the shop were of the vilest kind,
and how it got to be known among the hands so early that
1 had made a profession of religion, I do not know. On
the first day I found myself the object of derision and
^port, and finding that I did not resent it they kept it
up to a very trying degree, sometimes having a quan-
tity of filthy water poured on my head in mock baptism.
My naturally irritable temper was thus put to a severe
test, and I was driven to the closet and the Bible to seek
support which was not withheld. It was a custom with
them that the apprentices should take turns in bringing
in their daily supply of whisky. When my turn came
I refused, but the bottle was put into my hand. Drop-
ping it on the floor, I was dragged through a narrow
alley out to the sidewalk where the bottle was again put
into my hand, but was thrown on the pavement and
broken, and I started in an opposite direction to the
office of a magistrate whom I knew to be a member of
the church. On hearing my statement he advised me
not to go back to the shop, but to take its proprietor
a note, which he handed me. I delivered it, and was told
to remain at the store for the present. To my great
relief I was retained there some weeks, assisting in the
business of the store under the instruction and protec-
tion of the workmen who defended mv rights and in-

34 THE CLARKE FAMILY.

terests. Under the trials that 1 had endured. I recog-
nized the hand of God in a discipline that has ever since
greatly aided me in the control of my previous beset-
ments.

The love of God, so wonderfully manifested in my
experience, constrained me to seek congenial associations.
The class meeting was my delight, and unless necessarily
prevented every evening found me at a religious meeting;
nursing mothers and fathers took me by the hand, and
with special and loving pains encouraged me to take
a leading part in social meetings: and, before my proba-
tion ended. 1 was sent by the authorities of the church
with other young men to hold religious meetings at the
coal mines, and was generally pushed forward as their
leader. We were all encouraged by the attention and
manifest interest of the miners. From this, while yet
in my eighteenth year. I was removed to take charge
of a large mission Sunday-school in a suburb of the city
and was kindly aided by older brethren and obtained
much help of the Lord. The school wonderfully pros-
pered and some scholars were converted.

CHAPTER VIII

On the Tramp — At MeadziUe, Pa. — Bro. Bowman.

Class Vanned — .// Harrisville, 0. — Perplexity in
Regard to Duty — Elected Assistant Superintendent of
Sunday-school — Health Bailed, Started South — At
Matches — SI are Meeting.

When out of my apprenticeship, I started out to see
more of the country and practice my trade, the pastor
favoring me with a fraternal letter of introduction. The
first place at which I stopped was Meadville, Pa., and
finding employment I immediately sought for Methodists,
but found there was no organization of the church there,
though I learned of a family two miles out by the name
of Bowman, and went to visit them. I received a cordial
welcome, spent a very pleasant night, and discovered I

THE CLARKE FAMILY. .15

was being entertained by a brother of the present Bishop
Bowman. He. with bis family, belonged to a society
in, the adjacent circuit in charge of R. C. Hatten, who
had been a frequent lodger in my father's house, and
who then had an appointment for the following Sunday
afternoon in the town, and Brother Bowman agreed
meantime to visit tbe town and ascertain whether a class
could be formed. The result was a class of ten members,
nearly all females, with Brother Bowman as a leader,
under whose faithful efforts it greatly increased in num-
bers during my stay. Meadville is now the great seat
of Methodism in Northwestern Pennsylvania, and the
home of Allegheny College. I go out of my way to make
this record, because in the autobiography of Rev. Alfred
Brunson it is claimed that he introduced Methodism in
Meadville. a claim that justly belongs to Brother Bow-
man and Brother Hatten.

To return to my personal record. After spending
some three months in Meadville, I went by previous pur-
pose to Harrisville, O.. and there wrought at my trade
for some months, still being under the abiding conviction
that I was not in the line of duty, and the love of Christ
still constraining me to devote my life more exclusively
to His service. My limited education and feeling of in-
sufficiency seemed an insuperable barrier and 1 endeav-
ored to dismiss it from my mind. Often would I leave
my work and retire to a secret place and pray for de-
liverance from the perplexity of mind that so disquieted
me. After several months I returned to Pittsburg and
engaged in work at my trade with increasing perplexity
of mind, trying to conclude that if preaching the Gospel
was my line of duty God would make it plainer to me.
So I endeavored to bar it from my thought, and settled
in business on my own account, which seemed for a
while to prosper. I was soon after appointed leader of the
first class organized in what has since become the large
city of Allegheny, with numerous large churches and
separate charges. My youth and want of self-confidence
made me shrink from this responsibility and cross, but
drove me nearer to God. Some devout older members
rendered me assistance and encouragement, and thus
a Special Providence was leading me on by a way I had

36 THE CLARKE FAMILY.

not known. The only church in the place was the Pres-
byterian, in which was organized a large union Sunday-
school, superintended . by the pastor, and which J at-
tended as a teacher. Without my knowledge, and I be-
lieve at the instance of the pastor, 1 was elected assistant
superintendent, and by his resignation soon after the
whole responsibility fell upon me and increased the
necessity for prayerful study. The great prosperity of
tin- .school gave me encouragement, and step by step I
was led on, the conviction still pressing on my conscience
that duty demanded that I should go out and call sinners
to repentance. But now business hedged up the way.
A good old local preacher, whom I venerated, took oc-
casion to introduce tin- subject to me. and to him only L
opened my heart, and received counsel and sympathy
such as I needed. Very soon after I was seized with a
violent attack of pneumonia, which physicians decided to
be terminating in consumption of the lungs. Having
been confined from business during the summer, I was
advised to close it up and spend the winter in a southern
climate.

Meantime, and over two years previous to all this. I
had concluded that as I was settled in business, my
mind would be at ease if I had a home of my own, and
accordingly I found her who for sixty years was my
chiefest earthly comfort and fellow-helper in all the in-
terests of life, and we were soon settled in a home.
Yet. after two years, my conscience still troubled me.
Health was gone, business gone, and the thought of leav-
ing home, with the likelihood of filling a distant grave
among strangers, seemed to impel the conclusion of the
old patriarch — " All these things are against me."
YVinter approaching, health not improving and friends
advising, \ decided to leave on what seemed to me an
almost hopeless journey. Looking back up the street
as 1 was conveyed to the boat, I saw my wife with our
baby daughter in her arms, gazing after me. Clouds
and mists overhung my mind and grief seemed to be
breaking my heart.

( >n reaching Louisville, Ky., I called on Rev. J. H.
< )verstreet, to whom I had a letter of introduction, and
in whose home T was very hospitably entertained for sev-

THE CLARKE FAMILY. 37

eral days. From there I went to Natchez, where I
stopped eight days at a well-ordered hotel. I introduced
myself to the local pastor and met a very fraternal
reception, and on Sunday afternoon attended with him
the African church, where, by his pressing solicitation, I
opened the service. We then heard a short sermon by
an old slave, that in manner and matter would have been
no discredit to any pulpit, and so surcharged with the
love of Christ was he that his voice would sometimes
falter while a shout of praise would at other times drown
it. The sermon was followed with a love- feast, in which
the power of the Holy Ghost was manifest. As we were
leaving, I saw an intelligent-looking colored woman
outside the door wiping the tears from her cheeks with
a coarse apron. I stepped up and reached out my hand.
She looked amazed and hesitated, but gave me hers. I
said: " You had a good meeting." She replied, giving
me an earnest but suspicious look : " Yes, massa, that
is the only good we have in this world, but it will not
be so in the next," and walked off. Directly after, the
white pastor told me to be very careful in talking with
slaves ; 1 would be recognized as a stranger and it might
lead me into trouble. Though an ardent abolitionist. 1
never before realized so fully the infernal nature of
slavery, nor so fully that its continuance would bring
the judgment of God upon the nation. Many other in-
stances of its diabolical nature, yet more flagrant, did 1
witness during my sojourn in the South. Thank God!
it is now wilted out, though it was in blood.

CHAPTER IX

Trip to New Orleans — At Gen. Ganeau's (St. Jaqnes).
Experience with Drunken Irishman — Meeting a
Stranger, Collision of Boats, Bed -fellow's Death, My
Providential Escape — Gen. Ganeau's Generosity.
Started Homeward — Arrest and Release — Disaster
at Vicksburg — License to Preach.

After spending some days in Natchez. I took boat for
Xew Orleans, and on the way formed a pleasant ac-

38 THE CLARKE FAMILY.

quaintance with a young man from the East, and we
became intimate companions. Leaving our baggage on
board we strolled along the wharf viewing the great
variety of vessels that lined its entire extent. Passing
near a steamboat that appeared ready to start oft. we
noticed a large group of men gathered near her bow,
excitedly gesticulating and talking. Curiosity led us
near and we remained some time interested by their
strange language and manner. While thus looking on,
there stepped up to us a gentleman who seemed to be the
most boisterous in the crowd. His first salutation to us
was: "You be Americans?" Answered affirmatively,
he next asked : " Where you be going? " I replied that
I was traveling for health. My companion answered
that he was traveling for pleasure. In broken English
the man replied : " You come aboard my boat, we are
just ready to start. J take you to the prettiest and
healthiest country in the world." We supposed him un-
der the influence of liquor and began to excuse ourselves,
stating that our trunks were yet on board the vessel we
arrived on. " Well, I send for them, cost you nothing."
So we consented, saw our trunks safely aboard and berth
selected for us and had a very pleasant trip of over one
hundred miles. We were landed at the sugar plantation
of our friend and as far as the eye would carry saw a
beautiful landscape. Meantime, we learned our strange
friend's name was Francis Ganeau. and he bore the title
of General. He resided in Xew < )rleans, conducting his
plantation through an agent, and at that time was a
member of the legislature then in session at Donaldson,
a short distance farther up the river. I also learned
that the conversation of the group that engaged our at-
tention and led to the foregoing results was a question
of speed between two rival boats and as to which would
carry out the most passengers. The question whether
it was chance or Providence that produced the results
will be more clearly settled by subsequent events. When
my companion left I was cordially invited by our new
friend to make that my home as long as I wished, and
the overseer was directed to see to my comfort. There
being very few persons, except slaves, that spoke or
understood the English language, I could have but little

THE CLARKE FAMILY. 39

conversation with the people, and hence occupied much
of the time with the few books I had with me. As
the General's boat was chiefly employed along the coast,
it often lay up at his wharf and afforded me pleasant
quarters away from the malaria of the interior, and 1
was considered by him to be of service in guarding it
against intruders, and indeed, in every way 1 sought to
make myself of some use and thus relieve the monotony.
Receiving an invitation from a gentleman three miles
down, and on the opposite side of the river, a decent-
like Irishman employed on the levee proposed to take
me there in a skiff. Accepting, I enjoyed a pleasant trip
on the river to a very hospitable mansion; different
liquors and fruits were set out, and I soon discovered
that the Irishman had great relish for. the liquor and
was beginning to show its effects; so, to draw him away,
I proposed to our host that we take a walk and view
his grounds. Appreciating* the Irishman's case, he
promptly accepted. We soon found the other was really
drunk, and we could hardly persuade him to return to
the skiff; and. when there, he was incapable of managing
the oars. Though inexperienced in their use, I took them
from him, but made very little headway against the cur-
rent, and my slight strength began to give out. I could
not keep him from staggering in the skiff, in imminent
danger of falling out or upsetting our craft, and he
continually contended for the oars and attempted to
force them from me. I thought of home — that it would
never be known what had become of me — and I thought
it a duty to try and save my life at the expense of his. so
prepared to strike him on the head with the oar and
knock him overboard. While the oar was raised for
this purpose, an awful feeling came over me. and some-
thing within me seemed to say : '* Can't you trust God ? "
Raising my heart in an agony of prayer, I lav down the
oar, and almost immediately the man sank in a drunken
stupor; then with renewed energy I began to ply the
oars. We finally reached sbore at an almost perpendicu-
lar bank; and with a rope that was fastened to the bow
of the skiff I made fast to the projecting root of a tree.
Daylight now had departed and there was no prospect
of help. Failing to arouse the man from his stupor and

40 THE CLARKE FAMILY.

realizing that it would be impossible to get him up the
perpendicular bank, 1 helped Tnyself up by the roots pro-
jecting from the bank, and exhausted and feeble tottered
up the levee hoping to find someone to whom I could
make known my dilemma. Meeting no one. finally,
after midnight, 1 reached the boat on which I was in the
habit of lodging, and with thankful heart was soon at
rest. Early in the morning I got some of the fellow-
laborers of the man I left in the skiff to go in search of
him. They returned with the skiff? but found no trace
of him. My sad conclusion was that he had met the
fate he so narrowly escaped at my hands ; but late in the
evening he appeared in their camp, much to my relief.
Should I doubt m or question the Special Providence of
God in that day's experience, 1 would have to ignore it
altogether, the circumstances and my own profoundest
convictions.

As before stated I was in the habit of frequently lodg-
ing at night on board the General's boat. I was also in
the habit of taking a walk along the levee in the evening.
( hi one of these evenings I met an elderly gentleman
whom I saluted in passing, and was, to my surprise.
answered in my own language. We immediately entered
into conversation, in which I learned he was from Cin-
cinnati, where he kept a small grocery and provision
store, and lived with his two unmarried daughters, who
conducted a successful millinery business. Having lately
lost all by fire, and not finding a situation in the city, he
had come south in search of one, but as yet had been un-
successful. His appearance and manner excited my sym-
pathy and I invited him to stop with me until he could
see my host, whom I had found to be very generous,
and who could likely aid him in obtaining a situation.
He thankfully accepted and accompanied me to the boat,
where for a trifle I purchased provisions from the cook.
The vessel then being tied up, and in my charge we
had our meals on board, and as the berths were single
I arranged a temporary one alongside of another for
convenience and conversation, and we lay down for the
night. I learned he was not a religious man but tried to
live an upright life. Urging on him the necessity of a
change of heart, he answered that if he got home, it

THE CLARKE FAMILY. 41

was his intention to join the church. I tried to argue
the danger of such delay, but turning over he remarked
that he was tired and sleepy, and would be glad to renew
the subject in the morning. Turning up ihe lamp at my
bedside I commenced reading, and shortly hearing the
whistle of a steamboat at some distance, went out on
deck, and in a dense fog I saw that it was rounding to a
warehouse about two miles below, so I returned to bed
and soon went to sleep. I was waked up by a terrible
crashing of the timbers of the boat, and found myself
immovably wedged among them. I could not call, but
directly I heard men at work near me, also a heavy moan
and a call for more help. While they were extricating
my bedfellow 1 was so far relieved as to make myself
heard, and when freed found myself more stunned than
hurt, though my bedfellow lay on a board speechless.
The concussion made by the other boat had broken ours
from her fastenings and had driven her some distance
before the_\- were separated. While towing ours back to
her moorings the thought seemed to thrill through my
soul as though uttered by a voice : " Is your life your
own now ? "

Quite a number of persons gathered the next day to
view the disaster, and I became the chief object of in-
terest to all, each pronouncing it unaccountable that 1
should have escaped. The mattress on which I lay, the
covering and pillow, were torn to fragments, our berths
were carried from their place and broken almost into
splinters. A leather-bound wallet-book, placed under my
pillow, was pierced through the cover and several pages
by an iron spike. The other boat was not injured and
soon went on her trip. The injured man was borne on
a mattress to the house, and soon expired without having
spoken. I have ever since regretted not having learned
his name or being able to get a trace of his daughters.
The General arrived that evening and made arrangements
at bis own expense for a decent burial in a neighboring
Catholic churchyard.

The day preceding, T had written a letter containing a
request not to rent our leased property, as I hoped to
return to business again ; but had not mailed the letter.
nor did I ever. The thought of business had now wholly

THE CLARKE FAMILY.

left my mind and I requested my generous host to let
me know my indebtedness, fearing it would exceed my
resources. He replied that he had not the means with
him to reward my service, and asked me to deliver a
line, that was written in French, to his wife in New
Orleans. Without waiting to see the body of my bed-
fellow buried, I hailed a passing boat, took passage for
New Orleans, and on arriving, hastened to deliver my
message to the General's wife, without knowing its con-
tents. I was invited to be seated. 1 complied with an
uneasy feeling. She soon returned and handed me forty
dollars. Quite bewildered, I hesitated. She showed me
the lines 1 brought her. I answered that 1 could not
read French and she turned away. I then, with emo-
tion, hastened to find a boat that would take me towards
home, and engaged passage to Louisville. Upon going
out to procure some articles to take along I was arrested
by an officer, to be detained as a witness in General
Ganeau's behalf, in a suit for damages to his boat. < >n
hearing my predicament the officer took me to the Gen
eral's lawyer, from whom 1 learned he had no orders
from the General to detain me. He requested me to call
again the next day, and upon compliance 1 obtained my
release. The '* Helen McGregor," a new, splendid boat
on which I had arranged to leave, was gone. Fortu-
nately I had not put my baggage on board. Finding an-
other boat ready to leave, next morning. I had my bag-
gage put on and remained with it. Reaching Vicksburg,
a horrible scene was presented. ( )n leaving the landing
the boilers of the " Helen McGregor " had exploded with
such terrible violence as to blow the vessel to fragments,
and of her passengers (with which she was crowded)
1 believe none escaped an awful death. Newspapers, in
publishing the disaster, called it the greatest that had
ever happened on the Mississippi river. The wharf was
strewed with dead bodies laid on boards, and many men
were dragging the river and recovering more. Language
cannot express the feelings that overcame my soul, not
more from the awful spectacle presented than from the
thought of my wonderful escape. Never since has a
doubl crossed my mind of the Special Providence of God.

THE CLARKE FAMILY. 43

The boat going no farther than Louisville, I was de-
tained a couple of days awaiting another, so called on
my former host. Rev. J. H. (Jverstreet, and was handed
a letter addressed to me in his care — the first I had re-
ceived during my absence. With great eagerness I
opened it. and found it was from my venerable brother,
Father Munden, an esteemed minister at Pittsburg, and
contained license to preach, given by the Quarterly Con-
ference of Smithfield Station, Pittsburg, with some ex-
planation and much fatherly counsel. Seeing my deep
emotion, my friend inquired if I had sad news. I an-
swered by handing him the letter, on reading which he
remarked: "You have been trying to act Jonah." I
have no language with which to describe my emotions
on the occasion. I could only say in my heart: "The
hand of God is in all this." The logic of facts and ex-
perience thus added to the cumulative evidence of nature
and revelation, compels unquestioning belief in the Spe-
cial Providence of a Heavenly Father.

CHAPTER X

Safe Arrival Home — First Appointment to Preach — At
Conference — Appointment to Georgetown Circuit —
Providence Provides Through My Resourceful Wife.

After an absence of six months, and after many vicis-
situdes and much experience, I safely reached home about
midnight. Passing from the boat, my anxieties were
greatly relieved on learning ttiat all were well. On
reaching the dooryard I fell on my knees, and for the
space of about an hour poured out my soul in grateful
praise to God for His wonderful mercies, and renewed
the dedication of my life to His service.

Of the license received, I spoke to no one until the
pastor informed me that he had made an appointment for
me to preach in the afternoon on the following Sabbath.
I plead excuse on the score of lack of health and time to
stud\-. but unavailinglv. I, in the meantime, applied
myself to preparation for what seemed clearly my duty.

44 THE CLARKE FAMILY.

\\ hen the hour came I faced a congregation largely made
up of familiar acquaintances and associates in the past,
among whom I supposed were many critics. Trem-
blingly I tried, trusting in God, and though discouraged
by my effort, encouraging words from many others were
helpful to me. From that on, through the summer, I
studied diligently for what I felt to be the calling of my
future life, and occasionally filled appointments at differ-
ent places. The Annual Conference met in Cincinnati in
the latter part of September, and being recommended by
the same body that gave me license 1 was received in a
class of eighteen, and now for over ten years I have
been the only survivor of that body of one hundred and
nineteen.

My first appointment was to the Georgetown Circuit
in Southwestern Ohio, and embraced twelve appointments
in a three weeks' circuit. The principal societies were
in communities chiefly under Quaker influence, and a
large proportion of our members were from these fam-
ilies. They had the Quaker hostility to a hireling min-
istry, as in their view all were who received salary for
their labor in the ministry, a doctrine which Methodists
readily imbibed. The result was that, with quite an in-
crease of members at the end of the first quarter, I
received seven dollars, a large proportion in horsefeed.
1 could not reconcile myself to remaining with a sense
of duty, though in all other respects I was treated with
great personal kindness, and had every reason to believe
my labors wTere appreciated and encouragingly successful.
I wrote to my wife the state of matters, and that I was
about to apply for a release from the circuit, and received
by return mail for answer : " Having put your hand to
the plow, don't look back. Come and see me." Providing
for outstanding appointments I started, and reaching
home the second day found her in readiness to return with
me. Against the remonstrance of her parents, she persisted
that it was her duty to share my Providential destiny. It
is proper here to state that when she was not over eight
or ten years of age her parents by a fire lost all save their
night-clothes, and wisely determined that their only and
idolized daughter should not be left to the uncertainties
of disaster and misfortune ; so, as soon as she had ac-

THE CLARKE FAMILY.

quired a fair common school education, she entered a
fashionable millinery establishment, and at fifteen was
an expert, and soon after engaged in business on her
own account. These facts had much to do in settling
her purpose to share my financial prospects. Our
goods were got in readiness; my wife was to start by
water for our nearest landing, while 1 went ahead on
horseback to prepare matters. I readily found pleasant
quarters occupied by a lone widow who, for a small rent,
gave us all but one room in a large house, and in due
season I met my wife at the river landing and we were
settled in our new home. However, my thoughts were
anxiously occupied about the future. I had to leave in
a few days on an absence of four weeks, and there was
nothing for her support but what she had in her purse.
The last of my appointments on the round was within
six miles of home, and my anxiety made them seem very
long. On coming to a corner, at which 1 turned to our
house, the first thing that struck my attention was a
millinery sign hung over the door. My first thought
was that her means had run out and she was waiting at
some friend's house for my return. 1 hastened to the
door, was met with a cheerful embrace and led into a
room changed into a millinery establishment, and a large
number of leghorn bonnets were scattered in different
parts of the room. While I stood mutely gazing with
unutterable emotion, a purse of money was put in my
hand, with the remark : " I knew if we would do our
duty, Providence would provide."

From that on to the close of the year we had enough
and to spare. I cannot but conclude that those who
daily pass through the varying incidents of life, and wan-
der amid the operations of God without recognition of a
Divine Hand, can of right claim no higher rank in
the scale of animated beings than the brute that lives
upon His daily bounties and wanders among His works
with unconscious gaze. In settling at the close of the
year, it was found I had received thirty-seven dollars, a
crock of honey and two bushels of oats for my entire
salary. Yet, after living plentifully through the year,
we had a greater sum left of my wife's earnings.

46 THE CLARKE FAMILY.

CHAPTER XI

Conference at Zanesville — A Ludicrous Occurrence —
Appointment to Ohio Circuit — Remarkable Con-
version.

The next session of Conference was held in Zanesville,
where a large new church had just been completed.
During the year the Conference was considerably en-
larged by accessions, among whom were some very able
ministers. Being yet a probationer I had no particular
part in Conference business, and devoted most of the
time in preparing for examination. Instead of night
sessions the evenings were occupied with preaching and
religious exercises, and it was always announced at noon
adjournment who was to he the evening preacher. On
Friday 1 was startled at hearing my name announced for
the evening. Immediately applying to the committee 1
protested without avail, and returning to my lodging
applied myself in making such preparation as i could in
my great agitation of mind, which increased as the hour
drew on. The house was filled to the utmost, the front
seats and altar with the older preachers. Brother Ragan
opened the service. I besought God for help, and with
a faltering voice announced my text, but the subject ar-
ranged in mind was all gone. While stammering some-
thing that might be related to the text, a kind and sym-
pathizing brother, unobserved by me, set a glass of water
on the newly-cushioned book-board, directly beneath
which was seated Brother Lesley, a venerable and lusty
local preacher who was afflicted with an uncontrollable
tendency to sleep when unoccupied. He likely did not
expect to be interested and had got into his big arm-chair
in his accustomed place, with his heavy cane held by both
hands against his breast. Unconsciously moving my
hand, the glass of water was thrown off and fell upon
his head. Pitching himself forward he dropped his cane,
gave an unearthly bawl, and on all fours reached the altar
railing where, raising himself to his knees, he looked
around at me with a comical expression of surprise, and
then on the congregation which was in half-suppressed
1.-' lighter. Even the grave old ministers in front had

THE CLARKE FAMILY.

their faces covered with their hands. My attention was
completely drawn from my previous nervous condition
and wholly occupied with the ludicrous scene. As soon
as matters had settled down to a nearly normal condition
1 announced a hymn which was sung with great spirit.
Then 1 announced my text again; and very seldom, in
all subsequent experience, do I recollect enjoying greater
liberty and unction, and the services wound up with an
interesting prayer-meeting and a joyful time. This
ludicrous occurrence is recorded because it had in it a
Special Providence, resulting in events that otherwise
cannot be accounted for.

A petition from Georgetown Circuit was sent up for
my return, and 1 confidently expected to be sent back and
having the humiliation of being mainly supported by my
wife's labor. Judge McKeever was attending the Con-
ference for the supply of ( >hio Circuit, of which he was
a prominent and influential member. Having presented
his case (as I .afterward learned) to the stationing
authority, he was advised to select his choice, and an
effort would be made in his behalf. Having no acquaint-
ance with me he requested the committee on evening
preaching to appoint me, which was accordingly done,
and at his instance they refused to release me. The re-
sult was as above statexl, and I there spent two of the
most successful and happy years of my ministry. The
charge more than doubled its strength on all lines; and,
in addition to a liberal salary promptly paid, our larder
was always kept supplied, and unity and love were the
prevailing elements all round.

I will here record a remarkable conversion while on this
charge, that with many others of like character serves
to demonstrate God's gracious and wonderful dealings.
A great revival attended the dedication of a new church
(Bethel), and continued for several weeks following.
That portion of the county was largely settled by differ-
ent orders of rigid Calvanists who had several large
churches and no sympathy with Methodists. The revival
interest and curiosity attracted many of the younger
class to Methodist meetings, and quite a number were
converted and became useful members. On one Sabbath
I observed in the rear of the congregation a lady who

THE CLARKE FAMILY.

was a stranger to me, but whose face was very ex-
pressive of culture and a high order of intelligence, and
whom I afterward learned to be the principal of the
Florence Female Seminary, some six miles distant, and
a very prominent and active member of the Presbyterian
Church. On a Sunday soon following, at the close of
service, a lady pressed her way to the pulpit steps and
urged me to go with her to dinner ( the distance was
about three miles), that a lady at her home desired to see
me. I accordingly went and was ushered into* the
dining-room, where dinner wras waiting. I thought it
strange that no one was present, as 1 expected. Dinner
over, I was conducted into the parlor. There on a sofa
lay the lady I had observed at church, with a small Bible
in hand, and such a picture of despair and anguish of
soul I had never witnessed before. I was dumfounded,
The lady of the house, with faltering voice, remarked :
" Miss Dickey is in great trouble." Turning to her I
asked if she felt free to tell me what her trouble was.
She replied with a shudder: " ( )h, I am a lost sinner! "
Putting on an air of confidence I replied : " You are
not, you have the guarantee of salvation in your hand."
She opened the Bible, stained with tears, and pointed to
passages in great numbers which she had marked as
proving her destiny foreordained. Seeing that it would
avail nothing to discuss the doctrine with her, or enter
ir.to argument, I remarked that our camp-meeting com-
menced nearby on the following Thursday week, and I
would be pleased to meet her there. I also obtained from
her the promise that in the meantime she would search
her Bible and mark as many passages as she could find
that assured her of a present salvation. I then withdrew.
On Thursday forenoon, as I approached the line of
tents from without, I passed near a pile of straw in-
tended for use in the camp, and observed a female re-
clining against it having a book in her hand and a smile
of recognition on her face. Turning aside to speak to
her, I recognized Miss Dickey ; and, with a countenance
all radiant with inward joy, she grasped my hand. I
asked if she had kept her promise. She smiled an
affirmative reply. "Does it prove you a lost sinner?"
Pressing the Bible to her heart she replied: "Oh. no!

THE CLARKE FAMILY. 49

but a sinner saved. A miracle of grace!" A clearer
evidence of a thorough conversion 1 have never wit-
nessed. She regularly attended our church, but did not
unite as a member. At the close of her term at the
seminary she was married to a Presbyterian minister, to
whom (I was informed) she had been long engaged, and
together they left for a distant missionary field. Months
after I received a letter from her assuring me of her
continued joy in the Lord and in His service. 1 record
the foregoing as a particular instance of Divine leading
and supernatural agency in the affairs of men.

CHAPTER XII

Appointment to Cincinnati — Mob Violence — Abolition.

My appointment in October, 1831, removed us over
three hundred miles, and to a charge of over six hun-
dred members, among whom some divisive elements
were at work. During the summer cholera prevailed
very fatally. Then the anti-slavery excitement was at
its height and had its parties on both sides in the church.
Being a decided and conscientious abolitionist I found
it hard sailing among such breakers. On the anti-
slavery question I had to be very mute in order to avoid
opposition in my appointed work. For a time I was
quite successful and was favored with sympathy and co-
operation from both parties until near the close of my
term, when a mob crossed from Kentucky, marched up
Alain street to the office of the Philanthropist — an ably-
conducted yet moderate anti-slavery paper edited by
James G. Birney — and with such implements as they
needed broke open the office, destroyed the press and
all the material belonging to the office, loaded all in a
cart, hauled it to the river and threw it in, and returned
unmolested by city authorities, but cheered by many of
the spectators. On the next Sabbath I characterized the
affair from the pulpit, and denounced it in terms I
thought most appropriate. I was soon given to under-
stand that I had disturbed a hornets' nest. The lines

50 THE CLARKE FAMILY.

were now drawn and the Rubicon passed. Several of
my former best friends bitterly denounced my course,
while others rallied to my support, and I was driven
from the stultifying position of sacrificing conscience by
conniving at a hideous wrong and outrageous violence.
True friends became more numerous and ardent, peace
and prosperity were restored and the year closed pleas-
antly. Although in the great excitement that then pre-
vailed many suffered violence and insult, and although
I was thrown into a public position as corresponding
secretary of the Indiana vState Anti-Slavery Society, a
merciful Providence saved me from the personal out-
rages so common to others. Yet I had to share in the
popular odium then attached to abolition, and was often
threatened by anonymous letters and placards put up
on and near our home.

CHAPTER XIII

Elected President of Ohio Conference — Difficulties in
Traveling — Cheering Reception in Sew Cabin —
Crossing Flooded Streams — White River I alley,
Privations of Parly Settlers — /// Illinois — West-
ward — Painful Experience with Flies — A Night
Near the 0 glaze River; Narroiv Escape in Crossing.

The Conference closing my appointment at Cincinnati
was held in Louisville, Ky.. where public sentiment and
state law suppressed discussion of the slave question.
My appointment, by election of Corrference, was to the
executive charge of the district (denominated President)
which being yet frontier had no limits westward, and
extended to several important charges in Illinois, chiefly
in the western portion. These 1 started to visit in June,
when by late storms and rains the roads and streams
were rendered very nearly impassable. The season of
green-backed flies had become a great calamity in por-
tions of Illinois, and they were a great annoyance on all
my route. On this trip throughout I trace the visible hand
of Providence, in several instances especially manifest.

THE CLARKE FAMILY. 51

My duties were to travel at large over the district, organ-
ize circuits and societies, and exercise a general super-
vision of church interests. The work being scattered at
great distances apart, much of the traveling over naked
prairies was done at night on account of the swarms of
flies making it dangerous through the day, and in many
instances the only guides to the traveler were long poles
set up at distances that made them scarcely visible in
daylight. Except on the eastern and western borders of.
the state, the settlements were then confined to the
growths of timber along the streams. On learning to
some extent what was before me, at the eastern border
I provided a good covering and a large bottle of fish
oil, the former to protect the horse against the flies dur-
ing the day. the latter to protect him against the enormous
clouds of mosquitoes at night by being well rubbed on
the uncovered portions of his body.

On this trip 1 experienced several instances of deliv-
erance from most imminent dangers and apparently fatal
results that seemed inevitable. In visiting some points
in Western Indiana 1 was obliged to pass down a por-
tion of the White River Valley that for several miles
was unsettled and very heavily timbered. The recent
tornado that had passed over had obstructed the road
with fallen trees and scattered limbs. ( )ften I had to
unhitch the horse from the buggy and get it over logs
by such means as I could devise. Just as my strength
seemed exhausted and night was closing on me 1 espied
what seemed an opening. I thanked God and took cour-
age. Making all possible speed 1 reached a new cabin,
the light from within glimmering through the chinking.
A woman appeared by whom I was told that half a mile
ahead was an impassable stream, and had I attempted
to cross it in the dark T would have been lost. In a very
sympathetic manner she told me I was welcome to the
best they had. They were but partly moved into the cabin
when the storm and flood stopped them ; her husband had
since been helping to clear the road;* and, in her own
language, they were " in a poor fix." Pleased with her
proffered hospitality, I alighted, unharnessed the horse,
secured him to a corner of the cabin and entered, to see
that it was vet devoid of all that misrht be considered the

52 THE CLARKE FAMILY.

essentials of housekeeping'. There were a few chairs, a
table and some tableware, and in a corner a pile of straw
covered with bed clothes was the only indication of
sleeping quarters. Yet there was something in the cor-
dial, graceful manner of the woman that bespoke better
surroundings and imparted a feeling of thankful content-
ment with my lot, and the knowledge that the enjoyment
of life but little depends on external circumstances. On
being informed that neither myself nor horse had had
anything to eat through the day, she sent out her two
little girls with table knives to gather grass for the horse,
and for me very soon had some excellent corn dodgers,
fried bacon and tea oil her substitute for a table. Her
husband, then arriving, was equally cordial, and after
supper secured the horse in a grass plat while she pre-
pared me a bed of straw in a corner of the cabin, on
which 1 slept soundly and waked thankful that I shared
with the ravens and sparrows in a gracious Providence.
My kind host would not allow me to depart until he
had ascertained whether the flooded stream was yet
passable. ( )n his return, I was informed it would be im-
possible for me to cross it. During the forenoon five
young men on horseback on their way to an election were
warned by my friendly host not to attempt crossing the
stream. Determined if possible te) get to the election,
they insisted on trying. I went with them, and we recon-
noitered the stream for some distance in search of a
more shallow ford. Despairing, we were all turning-
back, when a boy in a small canoe was seen floating down
the stream above us. He was hailed and induced to land
on our side. It was then determined to make a cable
of halter straps, saddle girths and buggy lines, fastened
to the bending limb of a tree that leaned over the stream,
and thus swim the horses across, then take saddles and
all else in the canoe. My horse was the last to take over.
I held the rein while another guided the canoe, which
happened to get farther out of its course than on the
preceding trips, and so closely in contact with a small
tree, that appeared to be in mid-stream, that the horse
took the opposite side of the tree and compelled me to
let go the bridle rein. By the force of the current he
was borne down the stream and was soon out of si°:ht.

THE CLARKE FAMILY. 53

Thankful to get safely on land, I left matters in charge
of the young man, and hastily, with trembling anxiety,
pursued the horse in the hope that he might get to land
alive. In the distance of half a mile or over I espied him
standing on the bank. On discovering me he expressed
his joy in his own language, and when I got him 1 found
him in a tremor and scarcely able to walk. After 1
had spent some time in rubbing him, he so improved as
to be slowly led back. I found the young men waiting
and contending with the owner of the canoe, who
seemed determined to take it from us and leave us.
With the offer of reward I got him reconciled, and with
his help got the buggy safely over the stream by taking
it apart and floating a portion at a time.

That evening I reached a farm house where myself
and horse were comfortably entertained, and the day fol-
lowing 1 arrived at my appointment in due season and
had a profitable meeting.

In my sojourn in the White River and Wabash Val-
leys some experiences and sights were had that would
be scarcely credible even to the present generation of
settlers. A mother rocking her child in a sugar trough ;
on one side, an iron pot containing sufficient fire to af-
ford a dense smoke to defend it from mosquitoes, while
she. on the other side, was diligently engaged with a
Itafy green branch in protecting herself and child. The
rich soil of the White River Valley had as yet invited but
few settlers, owing in part to its being very heavily tim-
bered and in part to its swarms of large green-headed
flies and mosquitoes, to which was added the unfailing
annual visitation of chills and fever and all sorts of
miasmatic diseases. Through a kind Providence I passed
safely through its dangers, finding naught but kindness
and hospitality among its rude settlers. Passing up the
Wabash Valley to the village of Terre Haute I crossed
into Illinois, my objective point being the village of
Paris. A dark night overtook me in a strip of timber;
and, having no knowledge of the country or the distance
to a house, I tied my horse to the limb of a tree and
with the buggy cushions for a bed prepared to spend
the night. Just as I got matters arranged two men came
along on horseback, and by their direction I reached a

54 THE CLARKE FAMILY.

cabin about three miles distant. Though the family had
retired, i met a cordial reception and soon found that
I was in a warm-hearted Methodist family. My heart
rejoiced in grateful recognition of the presence and care
of God's Special Providence.

I learned that my appointment for the circuit was pub-
lished for Grand View, several miles westward of Paris.
No experience previously had with the large green-
headed Hies would compare with this day's travel. Xot
yet provided with protection against them, it was only
b\ constant and hard effort that 1 could restrain the
horse from running at full speed or violently throwing
himself on the ground, while I was compelled to submit
to their painful attacks. Fly season, chill season, and
harvest season altogether did not prevent the zealous.
earnest people from having all requisite arrangements
made at a pleasant little grove for a two-days' meeting,
which was attended by a large congregation and much
spiritual influence.

After enjoying for a few days the hospitality of some
excellent Christian families, J equipped my horse and
myself with protection against the murderous flies and
mosquitoes and started for the western portion of the
state. It was that afternoon that I experienced one of
Egypt's great plagues that made even Pharaoh for a
time relent. I saw a new settler breaking prairie with
two yoke of oxen smeared over with tar, a veil over his
face and mittens on his hands, while a lad who was
driving was protected in like manner. The oxen at
times would get unmanageable under the assault of flies
on unprotected parts of their bodies. Late in the after-
noon I reached an improvement on the edge of the tim-
ber, and on inquiring of a man at the door of a respect-
able-like cabin whether I could obtain lodging, I met a
cheerful welcome. After having the horse provided
for I accompanied him to the house, and on entering the
door saw lying on a bed to the left an elderly woman of
deathly pallor. In an opposite corner lay two young
women, apparently very sick; a fourth, very wan-looking
and feeble, busied herself in getting supper. xA.s we were
sitting down to the table two carriages drove to the door,
and a gentleman inquired for lodging for four ladies and

THE CLARKE FAMILY

two men, and was answered with eordial welcome, with-
out any apologies. I concluded my chances now lost.
While the horses were being cared for the ladies entered
with as much vivacity and pleasantness as if it were a
fine city hotel, and at once gave their attention to the
sick. Their sympathetic inquiries were answered with :

It is only the chills we have." While three were giv-
ing kind attention to the sick, the fourth was assisting
in enlarging preparation for supper and entertained me
with agreeable conversation. While at supper all eat-
ables were praised. The corn dodger was so good, the
fried bacon so nice, the butter excellent, and so of all
surroundings, and they seemed heartily to enjoy them
and make all cheerful and pleasant. At bedtime the host
lighted a taper in a saucer of lard, and ascending a step-
ladder placed it on the edge of the loft floor remarking:
" There are three beds in the loft ; you can divide to suit
yourselves." The ladies insisted that I must go up and
make my choice first. On submitting. I found three
nice clean beds. Dividing one I made myself a com-
fortable pallet in the most distant corner and gave notice
to the company. The ladies distributed the rest all seem-
ing to their liking. The night was chiefly spent in a
bloody war with the great armies of mosquitoes that
seemed resolutely determined on having our blood. The
ladies in great good humor, spent much of the night in
mutual defense and amusing jokes.

Having learned that there was a farm house five miles
ahead I made an .early start in view of getting to it for
breakfast, not knowing that the Oglaze river, swollen by
recent rains, was to cross in the way. Reaching it about
sunrise I found its eastern bank overflowed and the water
extending several rods over the bottom. On the west it
was bound by a high and nearly perpendicular bank in
which a way was dug, and a small ferry boat was tied
up. After waiting and calling for over an hour I con-
cluded to unharness the horse and swim him across.
For about half the distance the water was not over skirt
dtep, but suddenly the horse began to flounder — I sup-
pose in the deep mire of the eastern bank of the main
stream — and threw me off. As I could not swim I
seized his mane, and, until righted on his back, we both

56 THE CLARKE FAMILY.

were occasionally under water. After extricating him-
self from the deep mire he took me safely across, but
refused to enter the narrow space between the flat and
perpendicular bank. Being unskilled in swimming a
horse I tried to force him by the bridle ; but, instead
of turning his head in the right direction, my effort
turned his body over in the water. His mane was then
my alternative and his great danger. In the struggle
we were nearing the branches of a large tree that had
fallen from the bank, and as I could see no possible way
of deliverance, in despair of all effort, I ceased trying to
guide the horse and committed myself to God. No
sooner had 1 yielded the reins to the horse and given
up hope than the seemingly exhausted animal turned
his head up the sluggish stream and made a feeble effort
to swim until past the ferryboat several rods, when he
espied the buggy through the intervening timber. At-
tempting to whinny he turned short, aimed straight for
it and came out at it so exhausted that with difficulty
he could stand; nor was I in a better condition. In at-
tempting to change my wet for dry clothing, such
myriads of voracious mosquitoes would attack me as
if determined on my last drop of blood, that it was only
after a painful siege that I succeeded. As soon as so far
recovered as to be able, I harnessed up and started back
the way I came, but had not gone far when I heard a
voice of someone driving oxen. Turning back I dis-
covered a man and boy on the opposite side of the stream
whom I induced to ferry me across, minus hat and buggy
whip. From him I learned the flat was public property
and occasionally had an attendant that lived a mile dis-
tant. About two o'clock I got some breakfast and
pursued my journey over a great expanse, of prairie
infested with flies presumably of Egyptian descent. The
way was marked out by poles set in the ground at visible
distances from each other. I record this experience as
an evidence of the ever watchful oversight of God's Spe-
cial Providence.

THE CLARKE FAMILY. 57

CHAPTER XIV

Springfield — Entertained at Peter Cartwright's — My

Dilemma — Cordiality of the Great Evangelist.

The third day thereafter I reached Springfield, a
gloomy-appearing village of scattered tenements and one
public house, which was of limited dimensions and much
crowded by settlers who had gathered to hear a speech
from the Rev. Peter Cartwright, of whose fame 1 had
heard much and who was then a candidate for the State
Legislature. Finding a family of former acquaintances
lately moved to the place, I spent a very pleasant after-
noon and night with them.

From there I passed the next day through a pretty,
well-improved and inviting portion of country. As even-
ing approached I was on the lookout for night quarters.
Seeing a fine-looking dwelling some distance from the
road, to which a lane led, I turned in. and finding- the front
door open 1 entered on hearing conversation in a rear
room. A young man answered my rapping, from whom
I learned I could be accommodated, and he requested
me to be seated until they had finished supper. I found
myself within distinct hearing of several voices in ani-
mated conversation about church matters. One, in very
emphatic tone, made the remark: "If ignorance and
impudence are qualifications, he ought to be licensed."
1 concluded that I was in a Methodist house; but, having
learned that there was a Baptist congregation in the
neighborhood. I thought I would try to assure mvself
and act accordingly. Looking around the room for in-
formation I found a late number of the Christian Advo-
cate addressed to Rev. Peter Cartwright. I knew then
where I was, and if my name were known I would be
recognized as President of the Ohio Conference of the
Methodist Protestant Church, of which my host was
known to be an inveterate opponent. Soon my horse

Peter Cartwright entered upon his great work at the age of
sixteen. When but twenty-four be began work in Illinois. In
thirty-three years he preached fifteen thousand sermons and
baptized twelve thousand converts. In his autobiography be

THE CLARKE FAMILY.

and myself were well cared for, and I found myself in
company with a communicative, intelligent host. Aware
of complete antagonism 1 determined to keep myself off
church matters. And, rather discourteously avoiding
politics, on which there was a manifest disposition to
draw me out, I tried to engage his attention by remarks
on the fine portion of country around him and the
large harvest being then gathered. My effort had a
reverse result. The country and crops were splendid,
but the many so-called religious sects were ever at
variance, keeping up discord and spreading ruinous
heresies. Beginning with Campbellites, nearly all de-
nominations but Methodists shared in his denunciations.
Knowing that some flourishing Methodist Protestant so-
cieties existed not far distant I had reason to dread an
unpleasant contact, so deemed it best to try and draw
him off before he reached them by remarking that free-
dom of conscience was an American right, and those who
differed from me exercised the same right that I exer-
cised in differing from them, and yet might be equally
honest. 1 met a stern gaze, as though he would say:
"Who are you?" But the subject was dropped and I
escaped a dreaded controversy. Then the old lady placed
a Bible and hymn-book on the stand. Looking at me
inquisitively for a moment he asked : " Are you a pray-
ing man ? "

I answered: "That is my practice."
Will you have prayers with us?"

" If desired," was my reply. As I rose from my knees
he was already seated in his chair gazing at me, and
presently remarked: "I suppose you are a preacher."
I answered affirmatively.

" I suppose you belong to some evangelical denomina-
tion." was the next question.

" I believe it to be evangelical," was my answer.

Quite a pause followed, and then the emphatic remark :
"My name is Peter Cartwright. I belong to the Metho-
dist Episcopal Church."

speaks of attending a Conference in Rushville, and grandfather

must certainly have been there also. He — Cartwrisht — say- a
pocket Bible, a hymn hook and the Discipline constituted his
library. Also: "It is true we — itinerants — coul 1 not, many of

THE CLARKE FAMILY. 59

To which I responded : *' My name is John Clarke. I
belong to the Methodist Protestant Church."

Quickly rising from his chair he seized my hand with
great cordiality, saying: " We differ about government,
but are one in faith."

By pressure I remained till afternoon next day and
was treated with the utmost fraternal hospitality. When
I left he accompanied me a good distance and gave direc-
tion and information that was of great service to me.
Six years after when moved to the West. I met him
in the road a distance from our home and was immedi-
ately recognized by him with the most hearty fraternal
salutations, and after I became a member of the Illinois
Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church I found
in him a cordial brother and earnest friend. I give the
foregoing narrative out of respect for the memory of a
noble though somewhat eccentric pioneer Methodist
preacher who did as much or more than any other to
plant Methodism in the Prairie State.

CHAPTER XV

Sauthzvard — Camp-meeting at Winchester — Alton; In-
stance of Special Providence in Anszver to Prayer —
Help in Sore Need.

My plans led me westward at Beardstown ; and, find-
ing the demand greater southward, I abandoned some
appointments beyond in the Military Tract otherwise
provided for, and from thence my travels were zig-zag
to a point some twenty miles below St. Louis, through
a portion of the state pretty well settled and improved.
My first appointment was a camp-meeting in Scott county
in the vicinity of Winchester, then a small village but
now quite a populous town and the county seat. The
camp-meeting, held in a very fine grove, was well ar-

us, conjugate a verb or parse a sentence, and murdered the

King's English about every lick. Hut there was a Divine unction

attended the worG preacher, and thousands fell under the mighty
power of God."

60 THE CLARKE FAMILY.

ranged and very largely attended. Good order and true
Methodist hospitality prevailed, and much good appeared
to be accomplished. The next appointment was a quar-
terly meeting a day's travel southeast. We had preach-
ing services from four to six times a week, which were
well attended. I made a stay of two weeks at Alton,
enjoying the hospitality of the pleasant home of Brother
Charles Howard, a local preacher; who, during the time,
rendered effective help in a protracted meeting held in a
neat stone church just completed and owned, and which
was blessed of God in much apparent good.

An incident here occurred that made an abiding im-
pression on my mind. After preaching on the last night
of the meeting, Brother Howard, in concluding the serv-
ices, prayed most fervently for my wife and children,
and that 1 might be spared to meet them in life and
health on my return. The exceptional character and
fervor of the prayer struck my heart with the sad ap-
prehension that he had received news, kept secret from
me, of sickness or death in my family, and as soon as off
my knees I inquired of him. He answered me no. but
that they seemed peculiarly impressed on his mind. Such
was the impression made on me that, as there was no
hope of successful communication otherwise, I decided
to return immediately. I disposed of my buggy and har-
ness and procured a saddle and bridle as the most
expeditious way of travel on account of flies and un-
bridged streams. Having an engagement ahead for a
camp-meeting and one for a quarterly meeting I was pre-
vailed on to meet them, so after riding some twenty
miles through a well-improved section of country 1
reached my next appointment, found a charge of excel-
lent working members and all preparations for a large
camp-meeting, but little prospect of ministerial help.
1 <ay members took hold in good spirit and God gave
glorious success. The next published appointment was
some twenty miles below St. Louis two weeks ahead.
Meantime I visited other societies, preaching nearly
every night. Returning to Vandalia, the then capital of
the state,, and spending a day and night of rest, I was
warned not to venture crossing the prairies in daytime as
the flies made it dangerous. Accordingly at sundown

THE CLARKE FAMILY

on a very sultry evening I left there for home, and had
not proceeded far when I was attacked by swarms of the
large poisonous flies. The horse became unmanage-
able and would throw himself down and roll over. I
had put his cover on the saddle under me, but finding
it impossible to get it on him rolled it up into a swab
and beat the flies off and got him up. How to get
mounted was a difficulty hard to overcome. By con-
tinued beating with my swab for a time I got again
seated in the saddle, and by incessant use of the swab
and constant jerking of the rein I kept running at full
speed. As day began to dawn I entered timber where
two men were herding some cows in a great smoke they
were keeping up by the side of the road, while a woman
was trying to milk them. Taking in my condition they
took position on each side of the road ; and, as I came
up, sprang in, caught the horse by the bit and ran him
off into the smoke, and sent me off some distance to the
house ■ — which was enclosed by sheets hung at the door
and windows — where I spent the day in a gloomy mood.
In the stable where my horse with others was housed, a
smoke was kept up all day. 1 was told the flies were
worse at that time than they had known them to be be-
fore, and that much of the work in their corn had to be
done in the night. They hoped for the future. From
that on. until across the state, I traveled at night, meet-
ing with but little annoyance, and with all the speed my
horse would endure made my way across Indiana to
our home in Xenia, ( ). On my arrival I learned that on
the night alluded to at Alton, on which the remarkable
prayer of Brother Howard occasioned me such painful
anxiety about my family, two physicians had given up
our eldest son to die. His mother had given up all hope
but in God. A good brother had staked off a spot in
his cemetery lot for the grave, had procured the burial
clothes, and some friends were watching at his cot.
His mother, alone in another room, engaged in prayer.
He suddenly turned over and asked for her, and
from that hour speedily recovered. Can anyone acccv.nt
for these facts and occurrences by natural causes ? I
here record it as evidence of God's Special Providence
in answering prayer offered in submission to His will.

62 THE CLARKE FAMILY.

Another incident connected with the trip above de-
scribed i here add in evidence of the fatherly care of
God in special cases. While my wife was engaged in
arranging my clothing, and 1 was out harnessing and
hitching up my horse for a trip of not less than six
weeks. Brother Towler, who resided half a mile ort of
town, had come in to get his mail and see me off. In
his mail was a letter for me directed to his care, on open-
ing which I found a ten-dollar bill. It was from a
stranger, in another state, of whom I knew nothing. Its
contents were: " I see in the church paper you are about
starting on a long trip. You may need the enclosed."
My eyes filled with tears and 1 handed the letter and
contents to my wife, who with it in her hand immedi-
ately left the room, 1 supposed privately to give thanks
t" the God of providence. Our lardei was very low
and we had but one dollar to share between us. My
wife's unyielding faith in Providence had often cheered
and encouraged me. and this I record as one of many
instances of the results of her faith in God. and as an
instance of His special care for those that trust Him.
Relieved of a burden of sad anxiety I kept the dollar and
left the ten, and on my laborious trip covered expenses
by rigid economy.

CHAPTER XVI

Agent Dearborn College — Trouble on Account of New
Student — Arrested on Charge of Assault — Incident
in Court — Resignation of my Position — College
Buildings Burned.

The next session of Conference (1837) was held in
Madison, Ind.. at which I was elected agent for a col-
lege under the patronage of the Pittsburg and Ohio Con-
ferences. A board of trustees selected from each Con-
ference had been incorporated by the Legislature of
Indiana, but the location had not yet been settled. My
first duty was to visit the different places in both Con-
ferences asking for its location, obtain their propositions
and reoort to the trustees in aid of a selection. This

THE CLARKE FAMILY. 63

resulted in a great deal of travel, and much time with-
out compensation rendered self-denial and privation a
necessity. Getting the trustees collected in a meeting at
Cincinnati my support was provided for, the location
settled at Lawrenceburg. a valuable tract of land pur-
chased, the payment of a sufficient amount to secure the
contract made, and I was sent out to raise several thou-
sand dollars in a given time. Finding my efforts a partial
failure in the Pittsburg Conference on account of loca-
tion, it was by the hardest and most unpleasant labor
of my itinerant life that 1 succeeded with the first pay-
ment. The trustees then decided on temporary build-
ings and on commencing a school in order to secure pub-
lic attention and confidence. Then became my labor still
greater. To collect means, to purchase material and pay
workmen as called for, taxed time to the utmost, but 1
finally succeeded. The next year commenced with
twenty-two young men as students, X. Snethen as presi-
dent and professor, and the entire burden of business
interest on my hands — the trustees all being at too great
a distance to co-operate. I make this record as an im-
portant part of my experience, but there is more, with
a different phase added, yet to come.

Brother Snethen, on his return from the General Con-
ference in Baltimore, brought with him as a student a
son of Major Pease of Wheeling, a wealthy citizen who
had some little trace of African blood, scarce discernible.
With the boy came one hundred dollars for me to use
in his expenses, and authority to draw on his father as
more was needed. Being a well-trained, interesting
youth, we took him into our family. After a time a
few pro-slavery students discovered the taint of African
blood — or perhaps had only heard of it — and com-
menced a course of proscription and abuse that met with
very decided opposition from the other students. As
an alternative Brother Snethen gave him private lessons
at our house, but this only increased the trouble,
man of the baser sort, employed on the farm, and his
son, about sixteen years of age, made themselves very
active in spreading the matter, representing the boy as a
full-blooded negro. When out on business in the town
or neighborhood I discovered myself often looked at witli

64 THE CLARKE FAMILY.

a peculiar glance, and without my knowledge a delega-
tion went to Cincinnati to see the trustees on the subject.
A portion of them got together and wrote to me to send
the boy home immediately. I wrote back that 1 would
not and neither should they, unless the money sent by his
father was returned. Soon a portion of the board came
U> see me and concluded to leave the whole matter with
Brother Snethen and myself. Brother Snethen, seeing
no hope of conciliating the pro-slavery influence, resigned
and left, and a competent teacher was temporarily em-
ployed until the place could be provided for. Meantime,
1 was the pro-slaver}- target, ofttimes receiving anony-
mous notices of threatening character. By a kind Provi-
dence I was saved from barm or personal insult, a few
of the more violent students left and seeming quiet was
restored.

One day, while some of the students were occupying
their noon recess in the garden, the son of the employee
on the premises, at the instance of his father, who was
concealed nigh at hand, entered and used abusive lan-
guage, evidently to provoke a quarrel. The young men
attempting to put him out of the garden were resisted,
and 1 was called from the house. Taking the lad by
the shoulder he was pushed along to the gate, shoved out
and sent away. Soon after, I was arrested by an officer
on a charge of assault and battery. The students, ap-
prised of it, ran ahead and had a prominent lawyer with
them at the magistrate's office. On my arrival a sus-
picious looking crowd was collected, and 1 saw my
danger, as also did the lawyer, who had a bond soon in
readiness with a heavy penalty for my non-appearance at
the circuit court, his own name attached as security.
Finding themselves thus foiled the crowd scattered, and
1 started home accompanied by the students.

Soon after, the circuit court commenced its regular
term, and as the news of my case had got well noised
abroad the courthouse was well crowded. All connected
with the school attended with me. and on that account
the attorney urged an early hearing ; so on the second
day the case was called. The prosecutor not answering,
the sheriff was ordered to call him at the door, and he
bad no sooner bawled out his name than a jack across

THE CLARKE FAMILY.

the street began to bray. On calling the second time, a
wag in the courthouse halloed out at the top of his
voice: "Why, he answers; don't you hear him?" A
great laugh, that officers had to suppress, followed.
When the prosecutor and his attorney appeared, the same
wag halloed out: "There he is now." Renewing the
laughter, he received the reprimand of the court. The
prosecution stated the case with severe reflections on the
accused, and called his witnesses (father and son).
After a little cross-examination, on motion of counsel,
the prosecutor was bound over in bond of one hundred
dollars to keep the peace, and spent that night in jail.
The case is recorded as an instance of the overruling
providence of God and a characteristic defense of slavery.
The youth who was the innocent occasion of so much
trouble and danger was sent home, the trustees assum-
ing all liability.

Having served three years of hard and very responsible
labor I determined to resign, though against the protest
of the trustees, who urged that another could not have
the knowledge of the interests involved that I had ac-
quired. The Conference accepted my resignation with
the understanding that I would take an appointment to a
charge at Chappels. in that vicinity, in view of rendering
such aid as other duties might allow, and Brother A. H.
Bassett was made my successor. An auditing commit-
tee was appointed at my instance, all accounts closed up,
a receipt given for all property and a bond of indemnity
against all liabilities on account of the institution, and a
vote of thanks. Thus was I relieved of a great re-
sponsibility, crushing anxiety and threatening danger.

Brother Snethen having also resigned, was succeeded
by David Crall. I believe of Philadelphia, who was pos-
sessed of recommendations from prominent names. Un-
der his administration the students soon left, the buildings
were burned down, and I believe the land indemnified the
trustees. I give so much of detail in this enterprise not
more as personal history than as a matter in which the
hand of Providence can be so visibly traced ; and the
character of the anti-slavery controversy, as I was identi-
fied with it, may be a matter of record for some of my
descendants.

66 THE CLARKE FAMILY.

CHAPTER XVII

At Chappels — Transferred to Sharpsburg — Conversion
of a Scoffer — Escape of Slave funnily Managed by
My Courageous Wife.

After two years very pleasantly spent at Chappels with
a generous and kind people, who exemplified the charac-
ter of primitive Methodism more fully than any church
that 1 have known, I took transfer to Pittsburg Confer-
ence and was stationed at Sharpsburg, a thriving suburb
of the city. Here a new church edifice had lately been
completed, and a gracious reviival rewarded the enter-
prise; at every public service the church was overcrowded
and numbers were added. In the progress of the revival
some incidents occurred out of the common order, one
concerning a very profane opposer of Christianity, who
was reckoned a well-to-do and, in other respects, a good
citizen. His wife was an active and useful member
of the church, without restraint from him other than that
he would not allow a Bible in their house. Occasionally
he would attend with her to find matter of ridicule when
in suitable company. On a certain night I noticed him
with his usual grin of contempt on his countenance. \
powerful manifestation of the Divine Spirit was present,
and on the first invitation the altar was crowded with
penitents with whom his wife and others were laboring.
Espying her husband in the congregation she hastened
to him and plead with him to seek the salvation of his
soul, and, to the surprise of all who knew him, led him
to the altar. Observing his careless expression I quietly
requested the wife and those laboring at the altar to pay
no attention to him, but pray for him. Finding himself
left to his own reflections the Spirit of God reached his
heart, and in the anguish of despair he began to cry for
mercy, and before he left the altar was converted. Next
morning he went out and bought a family Bible, estab-
lished family worship, and ever after, while I remained
in the charge, was a useful member of the church.

Another instance of supernatural control of the affairs
of life occurred while in the above state, and concerns
others rather than myself. A planter, who lived on the

THE CLARKE FAMILY. 67

Kentucky side of the Ohio river, was the owner of a
family of slaves consisting of a mother and five children.
Becoming emharrassed in business, and fearing that this
family that he intended to emancipate might be seized
by creditors, he made a bill of sale of them to his son-
in-law, with the secret agreement that they were to be
returned to him as soon as he could otherwise settle the
claims of his creditors. Having surmounted his finan-
cial difficulties the slaves were returned to his possession,
and soon after were manumitted and settled on a forty-
acre farm in the vicinity of Rev. John Rankin, a pastor
of a Presbyterian Church on the Ohio side of the river,
who was a very prominent abolitionist and distinguished
minister, and who believed he was doing God's service
when helping slaves to freedom. The family were soon
settled in their home of freedom, the eldest son being in
a good situation as steward on a steamboat on the Mis-
sissippi river. Shortly after their good old master died,
and immediately the son-in-law. who had clandestinely
retained the sham bill of sale, hastened to Louisville,
awaited the arrival of the boat on which the son was
employed, and armed with the bill of sale found it an
easy task to secure his surrender to slavery by a Ken-
tucky court. He promptly sold him to a southern trader
and commenced arrangements to secure the balance of
the family. This fact became known to Rev. Rankin,
win > at once had them distributed among his parishioners
and. hastening to Cincinnati, effected an arrangement
with the captain of a steamboat to receive them at a
designated point as passengers to Pittsburg, and dis-
patched in advance to friends there to see to their safetv
on arrival. In due time they arrived and were conducted
to a place of supposed safety.

At this time (1842) I was pastor of the Methodist
Protestant Church in Sharpsburg and was conducting a
meeting which was attended by many persons from the
country. The parsonage was on the corner of two
streets, fronting on each. Our family bedroom was on
the lower floor of the wing fronting the least frequented
street. All other bedrooms were occupied by visitors
attending the meeting. About midnight when all were
retired, a gentle rap at our bedhead was answered bv the

68 THE CLARKE FAMILY.

inquiry: "Who is there?" '"Friends!" (in an un-
dertone). Partly dressed I slipped out by a back way,
and, cautiously looking around the corner, espied close
to the sidewalk a span of horses and carriage. Mean-
time my wife had struck a light and held it out of the
window, and I recognized the carriage of our friend
Edward Stephens of Allegheny City, in charge of the
son of the noted abolitionist, Rev. Edward Smith, who
suddenly blew out the light, requesting us to keep silent.
My wife, hastening out, inquired what was the matter
and was told that Mr. Stephens had sent some friend's
to our care. Opening the carriage door he handed out
five fugitive slaves, the mother and four children, rang-
ing from a young woman to a child six years old. I at
once objected to receiving them as detection was almost
certain and the penalty fine and imprisonment; but my
wife's motherly instincts at once decided, and, remarking
that she would take the responsibility, led them by a
back way into the kitchen, gathered up some old carpets
and unused comfortables, and took them by a back stair-
way into an unfinished room. Charging them to main-
tain perfect silence she locked them up, and for four days
attended to their wants without discovery. The fugi-
tives proved to be the family before alluded to — free
American citizens, claimed as chattels under a fraudulent
bill of sale by the unprincipled son-in-law, and powerless
to save themselves from being relegated to slavery.
The mother was a sensible Christian woman and the
children well-trained; all were comfortably clad, but
they wore a pitiable expression of dread anxiety. As
soon as practicable I hastened out to Bakertown, fifteen
miles distant, in search of a well-known peddler, who,
with a good span of horses and a light closely-covered
wagon, traveled with his wares as far north as Erie, and
was well known to me as being reliable. Failing to find
him at his home I arranged to have him sent to our
house prepared for a trip to Erie.

In the meantime the claimant, learning of the slaves'
escape to Pittsburg, had hastened thither, and by offers
of large reward soon had detectives on the search, who
after a time located them at the home of a colored man
in the outskirts of the city. There they were met by a

THE CLARKE FAMILY. 69

barred door, and informed that it would be death to the
first man that entered .without legal authority. Sure
now that he [the claimant] had his game corralled, and
leaving a guard at the door, he had hastened to obtain
legal authority ; but, in his absence, the family were taken
by a back way to safer quarters and secured until night,
when they were safely conducted over the Allegheny
river to Edward Stephens' mansion, thence, as above
stated, to our home. Equipped with legal authority the
pursuer had a vain search for his prey. Suspecting that
they had been spirited off toward Canada, with two men
on horseback he pursued in view of overtaking them be-
fore they could get passage for Canada, leaving others
in the meantime to keep up the search about Pittsburg.
While the}- were thus engaged the peddler arrived at my
house earl}- in the night. We soon had a good supply
of provisions and a couple of old comfortables packed
up, and about midnight they were started on their peril-
ous journey, with many God bless you's bestowed on us
by the grateful mother.

From the peddler I afterward learned that, when half
way to Erie, they met three men on horseback of whom
he took no particular notice as they were on a very "pub-
lic road, but the keenly watchful mother recognized at a
distance one of them as their pursuer, and hurriedly got
all laid down, covered them with an old comfortable and
pulled some loose tinware over them. The peddler, un-
conscious of any danger and driving carelessly along,
observed one of the men take a keen glance into the
wagon as they passed. Soon after the mother, now re-
covered from her fright, informed him that one of the
men was their pursuer. He finally saw all safely aboard
for a land of personal freedom. Though I have not
heard of them since. I have no doubt the Special Provi-
dence that so marked every step of their escape still
watches over and cares for them.

I have given so much of the details of this thrilling
narrative because it clearly exhibits the overruling provi-
dence of God in the affairs of human life. Wherever
there is life or motion God is there. That He hears the
young ravens when they cry. cares for the sparrow, and
is imminently present in minutiae as in magnitude, only

7o THE CLARKE FAMILY.

an infidel can doubt. But I have given it also as an
instance of the heroic spirit and benevolent heart of my
departed wife.

CHAPTER XVIII

.Special Providence in Marriage — Attractive Jane —
Another Wooing — Divinely Guided at Last.

There is such conclusive evidence of a special and
overruling providence in the circumstances of my
marriage — resulting as it did in the union of two
lives that were one in sympathy, interest and aim for over
sixty years, and making for me a home the most desirable
and happy that earth could afford — that 1 must ignore
my domestic experience and most of my success in life
were I to deny or disown the overruling providence of
God in thwarting my own plans and purposes in the mat-
ter, and bringing about results that involved my dearest
interests in life. I feel it due to the one who was so
long my greatest source of earthly comfort and ever the
wise counselor and efficient helpmate ; and, above all, to
the gracious Providence that so directed my lot, that I
leave this record behind, when I too pass from earth,
in the hope that it may some time fall under the notice
of others and have some influence in leading them to
commit more fully their ways unto the Lord.

As an explanation of, if not an apology for, a seem-
ingly premature intention of marriage, it may be stated
that at the age of nineteen years I was free from my ap-
prenticeship, master of a good trade, as fully developed
in physical manhood as I have ever since been, and at
twenty was settled in business on my own account. Un-
der these circumstances, and others that have no con-
nection here, I was possessed of a desire to have a home
of my own, and in order to get it must needs have a
companion.

At this time a young lady two years my senior, and a
member of the same church with me, strongly attracted
mv attention. It would not be childish to say I loved

THE CLARKE FAMILY. 71

her, but her social position and the reputed wealth of her
father seemed insuperable barriers to any hope of gain-
ing her hand, though she did not rebuff my attentions.
Indeed I thought she rather encouraged them, so that
they grew into intimacy, and my love for her became a
passion ; yet I could not muster courage to attempt to
surmount the seeming barriers in disclosing it. and hence
made arrangements to work at my trade in a city over
a hundred miles distant (Meadville). Some time before
my intended departure her aunt took occasion to ask me
privately what my purpose was in keeping company with
Jane. Supposing her intention was to forbid it. I an-
swered that social enjoyment was the chief object. She
then told me that I had gained her niece's affections to
such an extent that I should let her know my designs
before I left. This announcement came to me as cold
water to a thirsty soul, and I told her that I could not
possibly have stronger hold on Jane's affections than she
had on mine. The aunt then, with apparently motherly
interest, urged that we come to an understanding and
shape our course accordingly, a matter we were not long
in accomplishing.

As I had given up my situation and had arranged to
leave the city, it was agreed that frequent correspondence
should be maintained during my absence, and that she
should set the time for our marriage and give me due
notice, all of which was done with tokens of undying
affection. The notice of the wedding date was so late
that I had very little time for preparation, and I there-
fore wrote her not to expect me until the day previous.
I arrived on time and, excited by glowing anticipations,
hastened to her home. The doorbell was answered by
my betrothed, but what was my surprise on meeting a
rather cool reception and a very downcast expression.
Seated in the room were her aunt and my brother, whose
look of confusion and embarrassment utterly confounded
me. My brother arose and saluted me with the remark
that this was an unfortunate affair. The aunt retained
her seat without speaking. Standing in the door, utterly
confounded, I was beckoned by Jane into an adjoining
room, and followed her with much trepidation of feeling,

72 THE CLARKE FAMILY.

anticipating a sad explanation. She there assured me of
her fidelity and begged me to be patient, as the present
difficulty would soon blow over. She then told me her
aunt had very indiscreetly spoken disparagingly of me
to my parents as not being Jane's equal in position or
fortune, whereupon they retorted with a protest, alleging
that the inequality was all on the other side ; so my
brother had been sent to try and intercept me on my
arrival, and, if possible, prevent the ceremony, or at least
try to conciliate matters. Failing to meet me he came
there, and found her aunt in a very unhappy mood, and
matters seemed to grow worse. This revelation over-
whelmed me and for a while I was like a sheep dumb
before the shearers, but was much relieved by Jane's
proposition to renew our engagement and await the out-
come of events. This I assented to, and we promised
to keep up a clandestine correspondence through the post-
office. We bade each other an affectionate goodbye, and,
without speaking to the aunt, my brother and I left for
a hotel.

I soon obtained employment in the city, the corre-
spondence agreed upon was faithfully kept up. and oc-
casionally we found opportunity to be in each other's
company, still expecting a chance to carry out our plan.
Sometimes passing the house, on my way to prayer-meet-
ing at the church, on an understood signal she could slip
away from her aunt and go with me. On one occasion,
as I turned aside to give the signal I observed company
enter the door, and so passed on. Returning from church
with a young friend he asked me if I knew that Jane was

to be married that evening to Mr. P . Regarding

him as joking I answered " No," but he assured me it
was a fact. I had no words to express the effect pro-
duced upon my feelings by this news, but the impression
was thrust into my mind as though by an audible voice :
" Now God has a hand in this thing." and with that
conviction I consoled myself.

Several mornings after I met her on the sidewalk.
Seeing her inclined to look the other way I halted her
with a familiar " Good morning," remarking that I heard

the incredible story of her marriage to Mr. P . She

answered as if a frog were in her throat: " Well, John,

THE CLARKE FAMILY. 73

it is so." To which I responded: " Thank God, it is
not to me! " and walked on. 1 put this bit of personal
history on record not so much to interest any one who
may happen to read it, but as an evidence of a Special
Providence in thwarting the purposes and best laid plans
of rrven and influencing their future destiny.

Another instance, coming under the caption of the
preceding, may well be recorded : Soon after this ex-
perience I commenced business on my own account, and
not having lost confidence in female integrity I began to
again indulge in thoughts of a companion and a home
of my own. Directly opposite my place of business re-
sided a very wealthy family with whom 1 became famil-
iarly acquainted. The middle one of three grown-up
daughters was a very attractive young woman, to whom
my attentions seemed to be quite acceptable, and we had
many pleasant evening walks together. She gave me to
understand that these were preferred on account of her
mother's objection to her entertaining company, which I
supposed might have reference to myself, though no
intimation of the kind was given. I found that our in-
timacy was ripening into affection and that I was in
honor bound to decide whether to risk eternal interests
with a companion who had no sympathy with me on the
subject of religion, and whether the family's great wealth
was a preponderating consideration. On the mother's
account, it was understood between us that when it was
convenient to take an evening walk she would put out a
signal on the front porch. The signal appearing one
evening, I felt constrained to make an ultimate decision,
and retired to a back apartment for reflection and prayer.
My mind was haunted with a dread of mother's and
aunts' interference in such matters, though she had as-
sured me that it was her mother's natural temper and
not because of any objection to me. Leaning upon the
sill of an open window and engaged in serious thought
I determined to watch and follow the indications of Prov-
idence, by whom I had been so signally controlled in my
purposes on the previous similar affair. My attention
was suddenly attracted by three young ladies enjoying
themselves in an adjacent lumber yard. One of them —

74 THE CLARKE FAMILY.

who seemed to be the leader, and who exhibited great
agility, grace and flow of spirit — especially drew my
attention as capable and disposed to make others happy.
On going to my boarding-house for supper I met the
same trio, and was introduced by the landlady to the one
above referred to, as a relative, " her parents and I be-
ing Methodists." (With the others I had some previous
acquaintance.) The girl's ladylike reserve and extreme
modesty most favorably impressed me, and the common
expression " love on sight " was verified in my case.

On returning for the evening walk, as had been signaled
by the other, my mind was made up as to preference and
duty, and on the pretext of her mother's objection I pro-
posed that our association should continue purely on the
score of friendship. With some inquiries and seeming
surprise she assented, and such henceforward it was.

Soon after, 1 met on the sidewalk tbe young woman
that had attracted me, and stopped her to inquire whether
she was engaged in a Sabbath School. I learned that she
was. her father being a teacher in a large school of which
I was superintendent. As I was then looking for a
teacher to supply the place of one about moving away
I inquired whether she would take the place and attend
our school with her father, it being more convenient.
Shq assented, on condition that her class be provided for.

A few Sundays after she came with her father, and
I was prepared to place her in charge of a large Bible
class of young ladies, the great number of whom were
her seniors. I soon discovered that she acquitted herself
with rare good judgment and tact, gaining the confidence
and esteem of her class. I formed a high estimate of
her character, and became a frequent visitor at her
father's house on a campaign of courtship ; but, owing
to her extreme diffidence and modesty, found it much
easier to court the parents than the daughter. Yet
through the good providence of God and my persever-
ance it resulted in the union of two hearts and lives that
for over sixty-one years proved my greatest source of
earthly comfort and help, until death took her from me
to a better home than earth could afford. We were one
in interest, sympathy and aim, and she ever made my

THE CLARKE FAMILY.

home the most desirable and pleasant place to me the
world could furnish. In our journey through life to-
gether we have sometimes had rugged hills to climb and
heavy burdens to bear ; great sorrows have cast their
shadows over our path, yet we ever found in each other
mutual sympathy and comfort. Our days of sunshine
have been many and bright, and when death so often in-
vaded our home with deepest sorrow, it has been bright-
ened by hope, and we profited by the process in preparing
us for a higher and better state where we shall be joined
with loved ones in a more enduring home. It doth not
yet appear what we shall be nor can the mind conceive
the rapture of renewing the bonds of earth amid the bliss
of heaven, when death is swallowed up in eternal victory.
If I were now to doubt or question the doctrine of God's
Special Providence and loving care for His creatures, I
would be compelled to ignore my own experience through
eighty-five years of life, and to deny man his greatest
source of consolation under the common ills of humanity.

CHAPTER XIX

Thomas H. Stockton at Madison.

.March 28, 1892. Having written thus far at inter-
vals, in broken health and great feebleness, and having
been compelled to lay my work aside for months, it is
again resumed in the hope of being enabled to fill out
the pages, and leave some further record of the Divine
Goodness in dealing with a very unworthy servant.
Hitherto I have not attempted to observe a consecutive
order of events or dates, aiming mainly at such record as
demonstrated the loving care and gracious providence of
a Heavenly Father.

In allusion to the Annual Conference at Madison, a
matter of interest occurred, though not connected with
personal history, of which I do not believe any record has
been made. Thomas H. Stockton, than whom Methodism
has produced few if any equals in its ministry as a pulpit
orator, combining in character the simplicity of a child

THE CLARKE FAMILY.

and the meekness of Moses, was then in the height of his
popularity, but in feeble health. It was given out that
he was to preach on Sunday at eleven o'clock. When
the hour came it seemed as though the whole city had
come together. The large edifice was not only filled to
its utmost capacity, but door and windows were crowded
outside. His opening prayer was as that of a man in
profound humility talking face to face with God, and
produced a solemn quietude in the vast crowd. When
he rose from his knees many eyes were bathed in tears.
As he expounded the Scripture lesson a death-like silence
pervaded the assemblage. His text was Solomon's im-
passioned exclamation when messengers brought to him
the news of the safe return of his long absent fleet —
" As cold water to a thirst}' soul, so is good news from
a far country ! ",

In the introduction of the subject he gave a very
brief and fascinating account of its surroundings, and
drew a statement and description of the news brought
from heaven by the messengers of God to a sinful and
ruined race, giving the most vivid and realistic recital
of the bitter fruits of sin, in the sufferings and sorrows
it had entailed and consequences in which it had re-
sulted. So realistic was the description of some of
earth's woes and sorrows that the audience would give
expression to the emotions realized by their actual ex-
perience. One picture of a mother kneeling by the
couch of her dying child, sobbing out the grief of an
anguished heart, brought forth sobs throughout the audi-
ence from individuals who had been so bereaved. Then
instantly a joyful glow would light up his countenance
as he followed the child from its couch of suffering to
the bliss of heaven and described it as an immortal cherub
in unending happiness, where the mother might again
embrace it in a home of eternal felicity — good news from
a far country. As he described in vivid and realistic
manner the " good news " brought by God's messengers
from a far country, the alternation of emotion in the
audience was manifested by those around the doors and
windows. A distinguished lawyer of the city, from
whom death had latelv taken a beloved wife, had so far

THE CLARKE FAMILY. 77

forgotten himself as to rise to his feet back in the con-
gregation. When the sadness of such an event was de-
scribed he gave vent to his feelings, and when the sweet
bends of earth were again renewed amidst the " bliss of
heaven " in an everlasting home, he exclaimed : " Oh, I
don't want to come back." Then, as if ashamed, he sank
down in his seat, and bowing his head buried his face
in his hands and remained silent. At the conclusion of
the service the people seemed reluctant to leave the place.
Though I have seen published many instances of
Brother Stockton's wonderful power over an assembly. I
have no knowledge that the foregoing ever has been
given. My intimate personal acquaintance with him and
love for him prompt its record here.

CHAPTER XX

On the Way to Rushville — Obstruction from Ice — Ab-
olition — Slanderous Persecution.

I now return to my personal record : Having suc-
ceeded in making satisfactory arrangements for the sup-
ply of my place as pastor of the church in Sharpsburg
for the balance of my third year, we left for Rushville,
111., on the 5th of May, 1843, where we met with a very
kind reception from a hospitable people, and I received
pressing invitations to occupy the pulpits of the different
churches.

A circumstance characteristic of the times revealed my
connection with abolition. Early in the previous Novem-
ber I started upon a visit to Rushville to examine the
prospects before finally deciding to make it my home.
Before the second day had closed it became so intensely
cold that the boat was tied up for the night, and in the
morning the river was covered with floating ice. From
there to Cairo the obstructions from ice were so great
as to require over double the usual time for the trip.
Reaching Cairo we found the Mississippi covered with
floating ice, and a fleet of boats awaiting possible naviga-
tion with quite an army of anxious passengers. After
several days, the weather having moderated, a number of

78 THE CLARKE FAMILY.

passengers clubbed together, and for a liberal sum above
ordinary fare induced the captain of a small, staunch
vessel to venture the trip to St. Louis, which after many
risks and delays was made in double the usual time.
After being detained eight days at St. Louis the weather
moderated, the Illinois river cleared and a steamer,
crowded with passengers, put out for upper points. A
few miles above Alton we found an ice gorge extending
across the river from shore to shore. The boat was
run back some distance and took shelter behind a small
island, and there we lay until provisions became scarce.
The captain, unable to board us longer, advised us to
seek quarters in the country, as he would be responsible
for his cargo if he turned back. Passengers for the
Missouri side went out in search of quarters and those
for the Illinois side were piloted across on the gorge. In
company with two young men I traveled on foot that day
and at night found lodging at a farm house. In the
morning we succeeded in hiring two horses and a boy
to take us out to a main road. Two rode on each horse
with only a horse blanket for a saddle ; we found the road
so rough that we soon gave up that mode of conveyance
and took it on foot from there to Rushville, a distance of
about sixty miles, which we increased by avoiding main
roads as much as possible on account of their 'exceeding
roughness. I make this record because the winter of
1843 was tne longest and severest that, within my
knowledge, the country has ever experienced; but also,
chiefly on acount of results which follow.

On leaving home on the trip it was agreed with my
wife that, to save the trouble of writing as often as de-
sired, she would send a newspaper with an understood
mark that indicated to me how matters were at home.
Faithful, she, in her innocence, sent the Spirit of Liberty,
a very able abolition paper published at Pittsburg. While
I was delayed as above stated the papers accumulated in
the office, and no person being known by my name the
good Democratic postmaster distributed them as in-
cendiary matter, so that when I arrived I was pretty
well advertised as the incendiary abolitionist. Even after
I had called at the office for mv mail I ascertained the

THE CLARKE FAMILY. 79

paper was given out to others. Although annoyed by
not hearing from home. I was glad to be the uninten-
tional instrument of introducing anti-slavery intelligence
to that extent, which was the means of an introduction
to two steadfast friends of the cause. Air. Pettijohn,
from near Huntsville. came about fifteen miles to visit
me and avow himself an original abolitionist from Ohio.
Also Benjamin Chadsey, thus learning of me, sought
me out and introduced himself as a firm believer in the
doctrine of abolition, and subscribed for the Philanthro-
pist, the leading anti-slavery paper of the country.
These were, the only men that for a long time I found
of sufficient courage to avow anti-slavery sentiments.
I should mention a young man (name forgotten) in
McCreery's drug store that later became a zealous ad-
herent of the cause. Numerous relatives and friends
earnestly urged me to either disavow the sentiment or
keep it wholly to myself. The latter, as a matter of
policy if not safety, I endeavored to do for a reason. I
was frequently invited to preach at different places, con-
ditioned that I would say nothing on the subject of
slavery, but my prompt and perhaps sometimes un-
courteous refusals gave the impression that that was my
reserved hobby, and thus I became the victim of slan-
derous tongues among the baser sort. Strange as it may
appear, persons who, by position and profession, would
lead one to expect better things of them, gave counte-
nance and encouragement to vicious and slanderous as-
saults ; yet in no instance have I ever allowed myself
to resist such attacks or give attention to them, though
I have preserved several testimonials and affidavits, pro-
cured without my knowledge and put in my possession,
that place in an unenviable light persons of whom honor-
able things might be expected. Xow, in looking back, I
can see the hand of a gracious Providence in all those
matters that at the time were painful to endure.
Through all, I ever found support and comfort in the
judicial counsel of my ever-faithful wife, whose unfalter-
ing faith in a divine Providence so greatly helped to sus-
tain us both in all the emergencies through which we
were called to pass.

80 THE CLARKE FAMILY.

CHAPTER XXI

Connection with M. P. Denomination — Church Rela-
tions— Requested Certificate of Release from M. P.
Church — Joined M. E. Denomination.

As before stated, I have not aimed at a consecutive
order of events, but have recorded them as they were
suggested to the mind. Hence this subject, which in
order of time and events would have come earlier in
place, is deferred to the latter part.

As early as 1820, the church was agitated by the dis-
cussion of the subject of clerical power. I well remem-
ber that at that time a pamphlet was published by Bev-
erly Waugh, John Emory and two other distinguished
men of the Baltimore Conference, in which substantially
the following was used, and it fastened itself on my
mind with controlling influence: " Power is held with
tenacious grasp, when once acquired, and its exercise is
ever greater in its tremendous tendency to accumulation."
Hearing the subject occasionally discussed in my father's
house, the principle of lay rights in the church became
imbedded in my mind, and when I first learned of a
paper published by W. S. Stockton of the Philadelphia
Conference (I think in 1823) I obtained some numbers
of it, and found it devoted to the advocacy of lay rights
in the M. E. Church. I was glad to find my cherished
sentiments so ably maintained in a Christian spirit, but
its circulation was so strongly interdicted by the
preachers that it found very limited access to the mem-
bers. Many of the leading preachers, however, sym-
pathized with object and design, and union societies were
formed in various portions of the church for the promo-
tion of the cause in unanimity and concert of action.
The Wesleyan Repository was succeeded by the Mutual
Rights, established in Baltimore, strongly backed and
ably edited. The decree then went forth from " the
powers that be " that it must be suppressed, the agitation
permitted to extend no farther, and the work of proscrip-
tion and expulsion commenced. The first two victims
were Dennis B. Dorsey and W. C. Poole prominent

THE CLARKE F.UIJLY

members of the Baltimore Conference, who were ex-
pelled for recommending the Mutual Rights to a per-
sonal friend. Dorsey appealed to the following General
Conference, held at Pittsburg in 1828, and though very
ably defended his expulsion was affirmed. While but a
youth, not quite twenty-two, I had been six years a
member of the church and for some time a member of
the official board. I suppose there were but few in the
Conference that felt a keener interest in or more thor-
ough convictions on the subject, and there were few
more attentive to proceedings on the question. Numer-
ous and strong petitions from all parts of the country
were presented and advocated by very able men. The
answer of the committee to whom they were referred,
and which was adopted by the Conference, with me
capped the climax. Said the Conference: " We know
no sucJi rights and comprehend no such privileges."
Henceforward the work of proscription, expulsion and
secession went on, resulting in the organization of the
Protestant Methodist Church. I was among the first in
the city to be identified with it. Hitherto the laity,
having no part in the government of the church, con-
cerned themselves almost exclusively with maintaining a
religious experience in which they looked to the preach-
ers for instruction and aid, neither thinking nor caring
about government. Entering an organization in which
they became an essential element and formed the chief
basis, they were unprepared to act their part, hence the
new organization had to start on a defective foundation.
Assuming that the laity understood and were competent
for their part in the management of the complex ma-
chinery of government, it was soon demonstrated that
the organization, though right in principle, did not work
harmoniously. In the eagerness to increase in numer-
ical strength, it became a retreat for disaffected and un-
worthy members of the old church, and early acquired a
disturbing and destructive element that drove off many
of the most useful members and ministers to other
churches and Annual Conferences. From scenes of
strife between parties, personal preferences, the ignoring
of law and order, disintegration was the result. Min-

82 THE CLARKE FA MI I A'.

isters who left generally united or co-operated with other
evangelical churches.

In places where intelligence, combined with Christian
principle, predominated, the M. P. Church has prospered,
and ranks fairly with other similar bodies. Being pub-
licly identified so long with the cause of lay representa-
tion in Methodism 1 deem it proper that 1 should leave
this record in vindication of my action in returning to
the church of my early fellowship and love, an event
that probably would not have occurred had not that
church introduced in its policy the principle for which I
so ardently contended. The seed that was sown in much
contention and strife over half a century ago is of late
germinating and producing important results. The arbi-
trary power then held and exercised by the ministry of
the M. E. Church would not now be tolerated within her
borders, yet I feel it due to leave on record the fact that,
personally, I enjoyed fraternal relations with and broth-
erly kindness from all in the church. I never shunned
avowal of my sentiments, but tried to maintain them
on all proper occasions, though proscription and expul-
sion was the general order of the times. I have wit-
nessed scenes and tumults in Smithfield church over the
question of clerical supremacy that would be discredit-
able to political parties ; amidst which the most influential
half of the church seceded in a body ; and, in a conven-
tion called for the purpose, organized an association that
afterward became the Methodist Protestant Church.
For a time it rapidly increased in numerical strength ;
but, through influences mentioned before, followed by
the anti-slavery agitation and consequent division, the
body has not maintained its own in the Western States,
and in most instances . has utterly failed. The church
had always honored me with its most important and re-
sponsible positions. Four successive times was I sent
as delegate to the General Conference. Hoping against
hope, I clung to it until, impelled by a sense of duty, I
requested a certificate at the session of the Illinois An-
nual Conference held in Vermont. Being thus released
for two years and isolated from church relationship, I
occupied myself, to the extent of time that paramount

THE CLARKE FAMILY. 83

duties in ministerial service allowed, chiefly with the
Presbyterian Church, being reluctant to offer myself un-
invited to the church I had left. The Presiding Elder,
Brother Guthrie, ascertaining my position, gave me a
pressing invitation and I accepted. He called a meeting
of the Quarterly Conference next day, by which I was
invited and received into the M. E. Church without being
called on to answer any questions. At the Annual Con-
ference thereafter I became enrolled as a member of the
Illinois Conference of the M. E. Church, and had re-
ceived four consecutive appointments, when the second
year of the war had made such changes in my family
and domestic affairs as to require my location. I am
now (May 1st, 1892) within four months of being sixty-
four vears in the ministry. I give these church matters
thus in detail, regarding them as important in my life's
history, in which some of my descendants may take in-
terest.

CHAPTER XXII

Appointment to Pulaski Circuit — Base Slander of My
Colleague — Providence Demonstrated.

On another page I had begun a record of an instance
of the overruling providence of God that should properly
succeed the foregoing narrative, and hence I resume it
here.

My appointment being for the second year to Pulaski
Circuit, to which I had been asked by a unanimous vote
of the Quarterly Conference, and a brother having been
sent with me in charge (I will spare his name), I was
detained at home by sickness when within less than a
day's travel of the circuit. My colleague had given out
that I had declined the appointment ; and, so far as I
could learn, on his own responsibility employed the man
that had served with me at the close of the previous
year. To justify their action and maintain their course
defamation was resorted to. It was asserted by my
colleague, as susceptible of the fullest evidence, that I had

THE CLARKE FAMILY.

defrauded a negro of the wages earned in my service,
had decoyed another into Missouri and sold him as a
slave, and other such like allegations, originating, no
doubt, with the lowest and basest anti-abolition workers.
Having made the mistake of detailing such matters in
the family of an official member of the circuit he was
promptly threatened with prosecution for such base
slander, and the brother went before a magistrate and
registered an affidavit as to the facts; but, finding out
my averson to such a course or to paying any attention
to it, he sent me the affidavit, which is yet in my posses-
sion. His employed assistant was an active abettor in
this work of defamation, and the Presiding Elder was
claimed as being in sympathy with the results intended
by it ; certainly he gave me no evidence to the contrary.
Through all this somewhat tragical affair I was greatly
sustained by the sympathy and counsel of judicious breth-
ren. Seeing that evil results were inevitable, I wrote
as brief and mild a statement of matters as I could to
Bishop Simpson, requesting an official release from the
circuit, and promptly received a kind and sympathetic
answer advising me to remain in my position, and inclos-
ing an open letter to my colleague. The first Quarterly
Conference was then at hand, and I had no opportunity
meantime to deliver the open letter. Before Conference
opened I was handed a commission from the Presiding
Elder asking my colleague to act in his stead ; and I,
seeing his forces were strongly on hand and he disposed
to exercise all the prerogatives of his position, at once
withdrew to my lodgings, accompanied by some mem-
bers. Then, after a brief statement of my reasons, sent
in writing to the Conference, my withdrawal was an-
nounced. Not thinking of the Bishop's open letter until
after returning home, I retained it that I might hand
it to my colleague personally. My first opportunity was
at the meeting of the next Annual Conference, when I
saw him a few paces in front of me on the sidewalk.
Hastening up to him the letter was handed, and I stepped
back while he read it. He then threw it into the gutter
and walked on. I picked it up, though it was too much
saturated with muddy water to be preserved.

THE CLARKE FAMILY.

I record so much of the details of this, the most un-
happy affair that has befallen in all my Christian ex-
perience and that I would gladly have dropped from
memory long ago, not because it is an item of personal
experience, but because it falls in line with my purpose
throughout this record — to give instances that to my
mind furnish demonstration of the Special Providence of
God. I have long ago forgiven the actors in the case,
assuming that they were influenced (though improperly)
by a base class who deemed it their place to use means
to put down abolition ; and, giving credence to such
stories, in ignorance of their origin, they fin part) sup-
posed they were acting in view of the interests of the
church. God, by a Special Providence, overruled the
means employed, whatever the purpose may have been, to
their sad discomfiture, but also to opposite results. I
am sure the circuit has gained by the retirement of such
elements as were discordant and had long been the
occasion of dissension. As to the main actors in the
drama, my colleague, who seemed the leader, has passed
into retirement. Kis name has never been attached to an
appointment since, though I believe it is retained on
the Conference roll. His coadjutor in the trouble, soon
after the scenes of trouble and affliction through which
I was led, disappeared from my knowledge, and I be-
lieve from that region of country. The Elder that I
have reason to believe privately abetted in the matter,
was soon after expelled for an immorality ; and. so far as
I can learn, the circuit has harmoniously prospered and
I have consciously profited by the painful experience and
learned to commit my ways more fully unto the Lord.

In writing the foregoing abbreviated account of an in-
cident so related to others, I have sometimes paused
and doubted whether oblivion were. not the proper place
for such an occurrence. Under that impression I have
been led to cut out some pages and on reflection to re-
place them; my object and purpose being to leave some
record of the Special Providence of God as evidence in
my experience. That the human will is free to act is a
matter of universal consciousness, and whatever the con-
trolling power of motive may be the action once per-

THE CLARKE FAMILY.

formed is passed into another realm ; it is hence under
the control of a Supreme Power that cares for the ravens
and sparrows and yet can make even the wrath of man
to praise Him. The actions here recorded are in no
wise attributed to Providence. That their results, so
contrary to their design and purpose, are attributable
to the invisible agency of infinite wisdom and goodness
is manifest. Such results could not be accidental, nor
did human agency have any connection with them. What
is here to be understood by a Special Providence is the
action of God's general providence in special cases. That
we shall reap the fruit of our doings is the decree of
immutable justice that nothing but repentance and divine
mercy can avert.

CHAPTER XXIII

Meditations on the Present.

When I now review my almost eighty-six years of life
— memory going back to its very early stages — I am
compelled either to ignore my conscious experience of its
many vicissitudes, or acknowledge with grateful heart
the directing and overruling care of a Heavenly Father,
very often delivering in great dangers when human
agencies could not avail, and often thwarting my most
cherished plans and purposes that I have afterward seen
would have led to results adverse to my greatest interests
and brightest hopes. Now in the evening shades of life,
burdened with the weight of years, many ailments and
privations, I realize that life is still worth living and
much enjoyment can be had in it. While the shades are
gathering the star of hope grows brighter, and though
death and distance have bereft me of a large family ; of
the companion that for over sixty-one years was with
me, one in sympathy, interest and aim, and the greatest
earthly help and comfort God had bestowed on me in the
past ; of a home to call my own, which had ever been
the dearest place on earth to me ; and though shut up in
my room away from outside intercourse with society —

THE CLARKE FAMILY. 87

yet clues a gracious Providence supply all needed com-
forts for this life, open for me many sources of consola-
tion and enjoyment, and preserve me from despondency
and discouragement. " Oh, who can tell the joy when
the bonds of earth are renewed amidst the bliss of
Heaven ! "

" Thrice blessed be His holy name.
Who. for the fallen race,

Hath purchased by His bitter pain,
Such plenitude of grace."
Death, as the portal of an endless life of felicity, appears
desirable, yet I am content to wait all the days of my
appointed time.

Death and distance have scattered my family ; early
associates are all gone. ( >f the one hundred and one or-
dained ministers and eighteen licentiates that composed
the Ohio Annual Conference at the time of my joining
it in 1830, I have been for over twelve years the only
survivor. ( )f my school-day and early church associates,
I learn by correspondence, there is not one surviving.
Thus, as wave upon the neck of wave, are generations
succeeding each other, and very often the thought occurs
to me. "Why am I thus spared?" The only answer I
find is that I may be better prepared for the solemn
event of death and an everlasting home with loved ones
where Jesus is, and to behold His glory and be forever
with Him. I now feel that there is very little else that
I can do in this world. ''.The wheels of life are giving
out at the cistern."

CHAPTER XXIV

Improvements — Early Workers in Methodism at Pitts-
burg— Rise of Methodism in the West — Bishop
Roberts.

What marvelous changes have been wrought in my
time ! I can well remember the first steam-engine started
in the city of Pittsburg and the first steamboat that
plowed the waters of the Ohio river — a small stern-

88 THE CLARKE FAMILY.

wheel craft that had been generally predicted a failure ;
and so of nearly all the discoveries and improvements
that at present abound all over the country, relieving the
burdens of humanity and increasing the comforts of life.
Educational facilities have kept pace, and, with Chris-
tianity, have remodeled civil and social life on a corre-
sponding scale.

It is within my recollection that the Methodists of
Pittsburg and vicinity occupied for preaching and social
worship a room in Thomas Cooper's house, he being one
of its principal founders in the place (then known as Fort
Pitt). Mr. Wrenshall, the grandfather of Mrs. U. S.
Grant [Julia Dent Grant] was a very prominent citizen,
and I used to hear him spoken of as a preacher (though
local) of superior talents. These two names are con-
nected in my memory with the introduction and establish-
ment of Methodism in the city of Pittsburg that was soon
included in what was called Redstone Circuit, extending
from the western foot of the Allegheny mountains west
and northwest without limit, and supplied by the Balti-
more Conference. It should be here stated that among
the most efficient and successful workers in the religious
element of Methodism were the four daughters of Wren-
shall, young ladies of education, refinement, exemplary
piety, and a zeal for God that manifested itself on all
proper occasions with remarkable influence. The fore-
going circumstances connected with Methodism date back
to my early boyhood, but were so frequently the subject
of conversation in my father's house that they became
fastened in my memory, and now on the verge of my
eighty-sixth year are more vivid than much later events.
In after life I became familiarly acquainted with several
of the early actors in the scenes here recorded. One of
the Wrenshall daughters by a second marriage became
the wife of Asa Shin, one of the ablest and most prom-
inent ministers of his day, and they were to me a second
father and mother. The home of another, who was the
wife of a merchant in Washington, Pa., was my very
pleasant lodging place when on my second appointment.

With the third, the wife of Fielding, a prominent

local preacher in the city of Pittsburg, 1 was but slightly

THE CLARKE FAMILY.

acquainted. With the mother of Airs. U. S. Grant I had
no personal acquaintance. If I am correctly informed
there are now over twenty large Methodist churches,
many of them spacious and of architectural grandeur,
and all within my recollection.

An instance characteristic of those early times and
illustrative of the Special Providence of God, occurred
in what was then known as the Shenango settlement, into
which Methodism was introduced, soon after its start in
Pittsburg, by the settlement of some pious families,
among whom was the family of the subsequent Bishop
Roberts' father and the family of a very devout local
preacher by the name of McClellan, connected by mar-
riage with the Roberts family. Though the country was
new and heavily timbered, the opening of farms very dim-
cult and laborious, and the means of living to be pro-
cured, these pious families by their labor and influence
soon had a log church raised in the woods where the
settlers would meet on the Sabbath to worship God.
This primitive Methodist zeal soon resulted in the con-
version of souls and the spreading of a saving influence
in the region roundabout, and was the nucleus of what
ere long was a prosperous circuit. The subsequent
Bishop Roberts, as I have often heard related by Thomas
McClellan (who I believe was his spiritual father and
faithful counselor in early youth ). was extremely diffident,
yet would always, when called upon, pray in public and
sometimes exhort in prayer-meetings — to McClellan's
mind clearly exhibiting a talent for usefulness. But no
influence he could exert seemed to avail with the self-
deprecating youth, until he related to him a dream that
had made a serious impression on his own mind, and in
which the most disastrous results followed the refusal of
his protege to give himself up more fully to the work of
God. The youth seemed alarmed, and declared himself
willing to do whatever God required of him, and before
they parted consented that McClellan on his own re-
sponsibility might make an appointment for him. Two
weeks hence their log church was filled with men and
women, mostly clad in homespun. At the close of a
short sermon he turned the hymnbook over to McClellan,

go THE CLARKE FAMILY.

hastened for the door and thence to the woods, and no
more was to be seen of him until late evening at his
home. That first short sermon by a trembling youth clad
in homespun was the beginning of a career of usefulness
and honor that, without collegiate aid, few men have ever
reached. When I last saw him he was presiding over a
tumultuous Conference in the city of Pittsburg, when
pro-slavery prejudice was running into fanaticism and
violent measures were resorted to in order to quell the
small element of abolition that began to show itself. It
seemed to me that the meekness of Moses, the patience
of Job, the wisdom of Solomon and the courage of Paul
were in a great degree exemplified in the Bishop, who
was satisfied to close his honored useful life on his little
farm near Greencastle, Ind., and be buried on the soil he
owned. Years after, the church removed his bones to
a cemetery at the city of Indianapolis and placed a monu-
ment over them. It is chiefly from knowledge obtained
from members of his parents' family and his early friend
and advisor, McClellan, also from his sister, with whom
I enjoyed an intimate acquaintance for years, that I make
diis imperfect record of the Bishop, regarding him as a
Providential man in an emphatic sense, raised up by God
for a special purpose — as much so as were afterward
Abraham Lincoln and U. S. Grant.

CHAPTER XXV

My Wife — Her Family — Burning of Their Home — Con-
version — Incident Returning From Quiney — Traveling
Across Country to Xenia, 0.

Inclination and duty combine in demanding that the
partner with me for over sixty-one years in life's vicissi-
tudes, joys and sorrows, and my chief earthly helper and
comfort, should have a place with me in this record.
Though now going on six years separated by death,
she is daily present in my thoughts, and when I look up
at her picture as it hangs on the wTall near me a thousand

THE CLARKE FAMILY. 91

associations of the past rush into my mind, and I doubt
not that memory, as a faculty of the soul, abides with
her in an everlasting home of felicity, and the scenes and
associations of earth are retained, nor has she ceased to
care for me, a tottering- and homeless pilgrim here below.
Oh, who can tell the joy when the sweet bonds of earth
are renewed in heaven, to be separated no more forever!
Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, nor heart conceived the
bliss of that home and its associations.

Heretofore I have given some account of the Provi-
dential leadings in courtship and marriage, and will now
give place to such few biographical sketches of my part-
ner in life, as have come authenticated to my knowledge.

She was the only daughter of John and Sarah Ohern,
and had one brother. Her father was a native of Ireland,
and was reared a Roman Catholic by parents that I con-j
elude were in good circumstances from the fact that he
received a liberal education. He was reputed a thorough
mathematician, and brought with him to this country
and retained to old age many costkr instruments per-
taining to the science. He was frequently called on
to determine disputed lines in land, and would often em-
ploye himself in solving some obtuse problem in science.
T learned from himself and others that while quite a
young man he was placed in charge of a large estate
by a wealthy nobleman near London, England. While
in this situation he renounced the Catholic faith and
identified himself with the Episcopal Church. Afterward
he was placed in charge of premises belonging to the
crown, and procured the title of King's Gardener [George
ITT.] While in this position he was married to my wife's
mother, of whose ancestry I have learned nothing, know-
ing only that she was a refined and amiable Christian
lady. Her brother, who came with them to this country,
was a very prominent and successful business man,
acquired wealth, and was an influential member and
officer in the Episcopal Church.

Soon after marriage her (my wife's) parents came
to this countrv, and in company with her brother came
direct to Pittsburg, bringing with them a handsome little
fortune in British srold, and with it foreign notions of

92 THE CLARKE FAMILY.

how it should be employed. Her father's first invest-
ment was in a farm, some ten miles from the city,
which he set about improving after English methods.
He scientifically platted the land, and employed men to
carry out his plans and show Americans how they ought
to farm. Next was the building of a mill to be pro-
pelled by the wind. All proving a failure, he rented out
the farm, and on the bank of the Allegheny River, out-
side the city limits, he procured a small plat of ground,
with a desirable residence — it is presumed with a view
of scientific gardening. Soon after they were comfort-
ably settled in their new home, when asleep in' their bed,
the wife was awakened by a crackling noise in the room
over them, and saw fire through the breaking plastering.
Rousing her husband, she sprang for their son, sleeping
in a cot close by, while the father seized an article of
furniture containing their silverware. There was some
delay in getting the front floor open, and he dropped
his burden to force the door, through which they barely
escaped as the upper floor fell, a mass of fire, on the
burden he had dropped, and all the building was a blaze
of fire. Tt was so ordered that the little daughter was
spending the night with some associates, and escaped the
calamity. They soon found an asylum with the wife's
brother in the -city, but the occurrence waked up a new
train of thought. Were they prepared for the eternal
future, from the verge of which they had so narrowly
escaped?" They turned their attention to earnest inquiry.
Their church associations did not meet the demands of
awakened conscience. Tn reading and studying the scrip-
tures the husband became assured of greater vitality
in Christianity than he had been taught, and began to
visit other churches. Starting out one Sabbath he met
Edward Moore, a very devout and earnest Methodist, on
his way to meet his class. Being acquainted, they
stopped, and in a short conversation he learned the
object of the man, and invited him to accompany him to
his class. Ignorant of what sort of a meeting it might
be, he accepted, and, as he afterward declared, found
the place and association he was looking for. Soon
after he was a converted man and ardent Methodist, as
was also his wife.

THE CLARKE FAMILY. 93

As a link in the chain of Providence in their case,
and the chief design of this record, it must be also
stated that their means of living were now very much
reduced. The future in this respect was very gloomy,
when an aged Englishman of their acquaintance, who
had no family, and had long been organist in the church
to which they belonged, presented them with a valuable
home, in which they spent the balance of their days in
comfort and plenty. In later life the husband became
immersed in business and alienated from the church.
He died a member of the Episcopal Church, and in
reduced circumsances, his wife having preceded him sev-
eral years. The title to their home being- in her name,
it remained in his possession during his life. They had
learned wisdom enough through parental affection and
forecast in preparing their two idolized children against
the mishaps of varying fortunes of life to foresee that
it was their duty to train them to some productive pur-
suit. Hence they availed themselves of all possible facil-
ities to secure to them an education in the most essential
branches of studv afforded by the common schools, and
placed the daughter at an early age in an extensive
millinery establishment to learn the business, in which
she soon became an expert, and when but little over
sixteen was successfully conducting the business on her
own account in the city. Then she became my partner in
the subsequent cares and interests of life, and for over
sixty-one years we journeyed together in oneness of
sympathy, interest and aim. when death took her to a
higher sphere. Her mother told me that when eight
years of age she [my wife] was taken with her parents
to a camp meeting at Gertie's Run, about five miles from
the city. Her parents missing her made search for her
over the encampment, and finally found her with the
seekers at the mourners' bench. Supposing her too young
and that she was influenced by the excitement, thev took
her away to the tent, where she plead with them so earn-
estly to let her return that her father took her back.
After a season she rose of her own accord, joy beaming
in her face, and asked to see her mother. She made no
profession other than the silent expression of countenance
and general deportment. That she was soundly con-

94 THE CLARKE FAMILY.

verted at the time her mother had no doubt, and all her
future life gave evidence of it. She was of a very cheer-
ful, vivacious disposition, though extremely modest and
diffident; yet with heroic courage and fortitude she faced
the dangers and encountered the difficulties that came in
her way in the line of duty. Physically she had an
exceptionally sound constitution, and good average of
health, courage that never quailed at danger, and pres-
ence of mind that was never lost. Many are the instances
where her example shamed me. A case I will here relate.

In returning to Rushville from a visit at Quincy, and
having two ladies in the two-horse carriage with us, we
missed our way, taking a road that led to a steep, long
hill, down which we had gone but a few rods when the
tongue and hounds broke loose from the carriage and let
it run against a pair of restive horses. My efforts to hold
them were unavailing, and our fate seemed inevitable.
Our company screamed with fright, and tried to throw
themselves out. Instantly my wife jerked one of the
lines from my hands, and pulling so violently as to
bring the horses round in an angle with the carriage,
and there held them in such position as to stop the wheel
next them by the hounds and tongue coming under it,
while she hurried me out to unhitch the tugs and get a
scotch for the other wheel, for which I had to go several
rods to procure a fence rail. Meantime, she had much
trouble in keeping our company in their seats while she
held the horses and I got the wheels blocked and things
so far righted as to make us feel safe ; but through the
whole trouble she seemed as calm and self-possessed as
if she felt no sense of danger. We each took a horse's
bit, and with our company on foot we got safely down
the hill and to a neighboring farm house, where we were
assisted in getting things adjusted so as to pursue our
way.

Another instance of our experience in our itinerant
life recurs to memory vividly, and serves the purpose kept
in view in this record, while also it exhibits a distinguish-
ing characteristic of my companion. YVe were detained
several days at Columbus, C, by the condition of the
road that we would have to pass soon after leaving the
city. About eight miles of track of the National were

THE CLARKE FAMILY. 95

thrown up across a piece of marshy land, making impas-
sable ditches on either side, and being hemmed in by
dense timber. Impatient of our long delay, after a few
days of fine weather, I agreed with a man who had a
strong span of horses and a light vehicle to take my wife
and trunk through, and I would venture to follow after
with horse and buggy. I paid him five dollars, with
the promise of more when safe through if that was not
sufficient. When about half the distance he refused to
go any farther, got my wife and trunk out, and when I
caught up had his team turned in the road. We could
not prevail on him to go farther, and he offered to
return the five dollars, but believing he had earned it I
declined the proposal. The trunk being put into the
buggy, my wife took the lines, while I on foot took to
the woods, keeping in sight of her, and we struggled
through and reached Jefferson, a village on terra firma.
where we found comfortable lodgings for the night.
There we were advised to take a road across the country
to Xenia. and found we were great gainers by it, until
early in the afternoon we reached a slough around which
it was apparent the travel had passed through an adjoin-
ing field, the proprietor of which was rebuilding the
fence and closing the passage through his field. He
sternly refused to let us pass, assuring us that the slough
was sufficiently crusted to bear us across. My experience
with Illinois sloughs made me fearful, as there was evi-
dence that none had yet crossed, but no influence I could
use with the man would avail to let us pass through his
field as odiers had up to that time. Closely inspecting
the crusted surface, and with the man's assurance of
safety, we ventured, but when within a short distance
of the opposite side the horse broke through up to the
shafts of the buggy, and in his struggling so broke the
crust around us as to leave no way of getting out. The
man at the fence had left, and our dilemma seemed hope-
less. My wife saw I was giving away to despair, and
calmlv tried to cheer and encourage me by her confidence
that Providence would not leave us to perish in that con-
dition. While she was thus trying to keep tip my spirits
we discovered a man crossing the road in front of us,
driving two yoke of oxen, and having a wagon with a

g6 THE CLARKE FAMILY.

large load of old rails bound at either end by log chains.
Screaming at the top of my voice I gained his attention,
and leaving his team he came to us, surveyed our condi-
tion, pronounced us in a bad plight, then walked off
while I was begging him with great earnestness to help
us. My anguish of despair was dissipated when I saw
him turn his team toward us, drive to the margin of the
slough, unbind his load, search out such rails as answered
his purpose, and make a bridge by which he got us out
safely. Returning, he got into the buggy, reached over,
unhitched the horse, and secured the harness round his
hips (he being so completely exhausted as to be submis-
sive;) then by a bridge of rails he got the chain securely
fastened to the collar and hames at his breast, and,
hitching his oxen to the other end, brought the horse out
safely, and by like process the buggy. Pointing to a
house some distance off the road he requested us to go
there and get the horse and buggy cleaned of mud, then
began to load up his wagon. I offered him pay for his
service, but he positively declined, saying it was no more
than we owed to each other. Both busied ourselves for
some time scraping mud off the horse and buggy, then I
hitched up and went to the house pointed out to us, where
we found the same spirit of kindness. The lady, fur-
nishing a broom and some castaway rags, carried water
to us and assisted us in getting cleaned up. The horse
on being thoroughly washed and rubbed seemed ready
for the road, and, declining with thanks an invitation to
remain until next day, we slowly pursued our journey
with grateful hearts and increased faith in the Special
Providence of our Heavenly Father. On congratulating
my wife on her cheerful confidence in such a dilemma,
her reply was that she was confident if we trusted God
He would not let us perish in that mudhole ; He had
plentv of resources for our deliverance. We see the
great contrast in human character between the man that
refused to let us pass through his field and the friend
that relieved us in our distress. I have since very often
regretted that I did not get the latter's address,, that I
might bv letter or in some tangible way acknowledge his
kindness, but I feel assured that he has reward in his
own consciousness, and the approval of an all-seeing,

THE CLARKE FAMILY.

righteous Judge. The placid confidence of ray wife has
ever since been an inspiration to me in confirming my
faith in Providence.

A TRIPUTE TO THE MEMORY OF MY
DEPARTED WIFE .

Born Aug. 30, 1809: Married Nov. 16, 1826; Died..
Feb. 2. 1887.

Tt was on the 16th of November, 1826, that Ann ( >nei n

and I gave ourselves to each other as husband and wife,
and it was for me subsequently to learn that I was pos-
sessed of the greatest gift earth could afford. Drawn
together by mutual affection, while with me it was some-
what of a fascinating charm, by a combination of womanly
graces ; while in her I found a true, pure, womanly love,
that from that hour for over sixty years it increasingly
manifested itself in true wifely love and wifely offices.
Tt was not the weakling girl of sixteen (her age when
married) that would surrender her will and reason with
a loving heart to obey the behests of a husband, but with
whom the ever controlling motive was loyalty to God
and duty : and with hearty confidence and inflexible pur-
pose she adhered to it with unswerving purnose through
all the trying vicissitudes of subsequent life. Tt was
not the whimsical ardor of girlish love that would sur-
render her own womanhood, with slavish carefulness to
obediently wait on the whims of a husband. T very soon
discovered that I was possessed of a companion of well-
rounded and well-developed womanly character, though
half concealed by extreme modesty and shrinking diffi-
dence ; careful only that her generous devotion to duty
should be known to God, approved by conscience and help-
ful to her husband.

Her devoted, cheerful life that was so frequently devel-
oping some unsuspected grace of character, coupled with
a self-depreciation that ever sought retirement from public
recognition, bent my spirit into profound esteem and re-
spect, and touched my heart with increasing affection,
and filled up the cup of connubial felicity. If I at first

THE CLARKE FAMILY.

loved with passionate fondness, it became modified by
the daily exhibition of womanly graces that excited admir-
ation and respect, and I realized that she was my peer.
With clear, unbiased judgment, and keen womanly in-
stinct, she could see and justly appreciate whatever of
good was in me. and give it impulse and direction, and
my faults ( though many) were only mentioned with
loving diffidence or reproved by loving example that
strengthened my heart against them, and gave encourage-
ment in every worthy direction. I learned to have the
utmost confidence in her judgment, and the keen, clear,
womanly instinct that often seemed to me endowed with
prophetic insight, and often when faltering and giving
way to discouragement, has her cheering companionship
and loving counsel, with her unfaltering faith, encouraged
and strengthened my heart. We often met with seeming
misfortune and overwhelming sorrow, through all of
which she ever exemplified a noble Christian fortitude,
receiving all as from a kind parental hand, and adminis-
tered in love, and with trusin? heart would kiss the rod
while smarting under the stroke. Often has my -inking
heart been buoved up when passing together through the
deep waters of affliction in the repeated _ deam of our
loved ones in whom had centered many of our cherished
hopes. Her Christian faith would see rays of heavenly
light illuminating the dark vallev throusrh which r re-
passed from us.' In difficult ways and trying circum-
stances I ever found her at my side strengthening my
heart, by sharing my burden, and oftentimes rekeving
me of it.

Naturally extremely modest and diffident, she always
shrunk from notorietv, and when urged to take a more
prominent part in public enterprises, her reply Avould be
that it was not her sphere. In domestic duties, and
serving the interest of others, she found ample space for
her robust powers and active energies ; no domestic need
or want escaped her eye or hand. I never knew an in-
stance of unredressed want turned away from our door,
if she had the means to relieve it. Mere pretense and
sham she intensely abhorred, and aimed to act in all her
ways as under the immediate inspection of the all-seeing
eve of God. Notwithstanding her natural retiring diffi-

THE CLARKE FAMILY. 99

dence; I ever found her ready to take hold of public
church work when she saw that duty made the demand.
In all my public labors and church work she was my
judicious counselor and helper, on whom I could rely
with the utmost confidence.

I can confidently assert that after sixty years of com-
panionship and confiding intimacy I never knew her by
word or action to diverge from the truth as she under-
stood and believed it. Perfect guilelessness and the
strictest honesty even in the smallest matters were the
unvarying characteristics of her life. With such confi-
dence in her judgment and correct sense of propriety did
she inspire me that I cannot remember an instance, when
at all practicable, of my writing an article for the press,
or preparing on paper a public address, or a letter in
private correspondence, that was not submitted to her
inspection, nor an instance in which I did not profit by
her suggestions when offered.

With her clear, quick instincts and courageous heart
she always met the emergencies of life, carefully regard-
ing the lessons God would teach us by them. With
hearty confidence and dauntless courage she assumed
what she believed her proper place in the world, which
was to minister to others, and with self-sacrificing effort
and labor seek the well-being and comfort of those around
her. Her husband has proved by the test of over sixty
years' experience, through the varying vicissitudes of life,
her price to be above rubies. His heart has safely trusted
her, and she has done him good and not evil all the days
of her life. Her dying expression to him was that
God was with her; and though bereft of his chiefesr
earthly comfort, he cannot doubt that she entered on 1
higher and nobler life than earth afforded in an ever-
lasting home in Heaven. Here she reigned the motherly
queen of her own household, and the consort queen in
her husband's heart. Her children rise up and call her
blessed ; her husband also, and he praiseth her. The
fruit of her hands, and her own works, they also praise
her.

Jno. Clarke.

THE CLARKE FAMILY.

CHAPTER XXVI

Obituary of Thomas.
Died July 31st, 1864.
Among some old papers,, I find the manuscript from
which was published an obituary notice of a beloved son,
but which notice is now lost, save in the manuscript which
is here transcribed by the tremulous hand of his aged
father in perpetuation of his memory.

" Thomas W. Clarke was born at Pittsburg, Pa., Aug.
15, 1842. He enlisted at Rushville, 111., in Company 16.
Volunteers in the War of the Rebellion, August 15, 1862.
Died in hospital at Memphis, Tenn.j July 31, 1864, lack-
ing fifteen days of being twenty-two years of age.

" During his time of service in the army, until his last
illness, he kept a diary that is now in possession of his
parents, in which is contained a daily record of trans-
piring events and personal experience. From this, to-
gether with his frequent letters home, and many of con-
dolence from officers and comrades, we have the assur-
ance that he maintained an upright life, always shunning
the too common vices of army life, always cheerfully
prompt and faithful in duty, courageous in many battles
and patient in severe hardships. The Bible his mother
gave him when leaving home, and which was brought
back with his corpse, bore marks of diligent reading and
study.

" At home he was always cheerful and dutiful, shed-
ding sunshine in the family. His parents state that they
have no recollection that he ever grieved or crossed them
by a disobedient or undutiful act."

" Father."

Transcribed March 25, 1892.

CHAPTER XXVII

Memoranda of Dates.
Many of the circumstances and events related in the
foregoing narrative are without dates, being omitted
because at the time of writing I could not confidently

THE CLARKE FAMILY.

rely on memory, while in all else it was vividly clear.
Having since found some missing data I here subjoin
what is thus obtained.

\\ as received on probation in the Smithheld Station
M. E. Church, Pittsburg, Pa., May 18, 1823.

Was converted about four o'clock in the morning on
the third day after, while alone in the attic of a three-
story house on Market street, same city, having spent the
two previous nights without sleep.

Was" elected Superintendent of a large mission Sunday
School in April. 1824, and leader of the first class organ-
ized in the city of Allegheny, then connected with
Smithfield Station. June 25, 1825.

Commenced business the same year in Allegheny, at
my trade.

The same year was elected Superintendent of a large
union Sunday School in the Presbyterian Church.

Married Nov. 16, 1826, to Ann Ohern.

Health failed and I started south Oct. I. 1829. Re-
turned the following May, improved in health. To my
a'reat surprise, met a letter at Louisville from an official
member of Quarterly Conference at Pittsburg, containing
license to preach, dated Aug. 21, 1829.

Joined this Conference in October, 1829.

Appointed to Georgetown Circuit ; served one year.

Ordained deacon and appointed to Ohio Circuit in Oc-
tober, 1 83 1. Returned to same and was ordained elder
in October, 1833.

Appointed to Sixth-street Station, Cincinnati ; served
one year.

1834 — Elected President Ohio Conference.

1835 — Appointed College Agent, served three years
and resigned.

1838 — Stationed at Chappels two years.

1840 — Took transfer and stationed at Sharpsburg,
Pittsburg Conference.

1843 — Moved to Rushville, 111., served the church two
years.

1845 — Elected President Illinois Conference.

1846— Rushville Circuit two years.

1848-9 — Vermont and Astoria.

THE CLARKE FAMILY.

1851-2 — Beardstown and Brooklyn, alternate Sundays.

1853 — Withdrew from the M. P. Church, subsequently
joined the M. E. Church and Illinois Conference, and
served one year in Warsaw Station.

Appointed to Pulaski Circuit two years ; Virginia Sta-
tion, one year; when circumstances growing out of the
war compelled a location to attend to home interests, and
for one year served Rushville Circuit by appointment of
the Elder.

In all, thirty years in regular work and thirty-four in
local.

A' 07'. 1 6, 1893.

I End of the Record of Rev. John Clarke.]

CHAPTER XXVIII

Family of Eleanor Greer, Wife of John Clarke.

The parents of Eleanor Greer were George Greer and
Jane Martin, who were residents of County Tyrone, Ire-
land, and who had seven children, viz:
I. Martin, married Lucinda Crosier in Ireland.
2 Joseph, married in America and had one son,
George.

3. Robert, married an Eriskine, daughter of a min-

ister in the Church of England. He had
fourteen children : Aleck, Andrew, Ellen,
Lucy, Jane, Joseph, James. Eliza, Lindrum,
George, and four others whose names are
not known.

4. Nancy, married William Ward, a Catholic. They

came to Norfolk, Va. ; had one son, George,
who died at sea, and one daughter, who
was married to a MacCourt in Virginia.

5. Rebecca, married James Little in Ireland. Their

children were : Eliza, who died ; George,
Susan (Whitson), Jane (Snyder). Eleanor
( Dewitt ) , Rehecca ( Window ) .

6. Ei.i.AxoR, married John Clarke.

THE CLARKE FAMILY. 103

7. Jank. married Thomas Wilson. They had seven
children: William, who died near Nauvoo,
111.,, leaving a large family; George;
Thomas, who married Susan Clarke;
Joseph, bachelor, died in Mapleton. Iowa;
Robert, married Sarah Lord, died in
Nauvoo; Jane, married Miles Wilcox, and
died in Mapleton, Iowa: Martha.

CHAPTER XXIX

Adam Clarke.

Adam Clarke, Wesleyan preacher, commentator and
theological writer, was born about 1760, in the village of
Maghera, County Londonderry. Ireland, of a family that
had once held extensive estates in the north of Ireland.
His father was a village school-master of a superior order
and Adam was one of his pupils, but when young he was
not quick in his studies and gave no promise of the re-
markable love of learning which he afterward displayed.
His mother was a Presbyterian of the Old Puritan
school — "a person powerful in the scriptures " — and
whenever she corrected her children, she gave chapter
and verse for it. In this way Adam received early re-
ligious impressions that were lasting.

Through the influence of John Wesley, of whom he
was a profound admirer, he completed his studies at
Kingswood School, near Bristol. At an earl}- age he be-
gan to preach, and attained great popularity. He be-
came a most assiduous scholar and a great linguist.

He was a fellow of the Antiquarian Society, a member
of the Roval Irish Academy, an associate of the
Geological Society of London, a fellow of the Royal
Asiatic Society, and a member of the American His-
torical Institute — ■ honors very rare in the ranks of
Wesleyan ministry. He was a personal friend of many
dignitaries of the church and other distinguished persons.
The Duke of Sussex had a high esteem for him and
they exchanged hospitalities.

As a theological writer, Clarke produced many works
of ability, the most important being his '* Commentary

iQ4 THE CLARKE FAMILY.

on the Holy Bible." It had a very wide circulation in
its day, but is little consulted now. " He maintained
that the serpent that tempted Eve was a baboon; he
held that Judas Iscariot was saved ; in regard to pre-
destination, he threw Calvin overboard and followed Dr.
John Taylor; and on the person of Jesus Christ, while
maintaining His divinity, he denied His eternal sonship.".

He was engaged to re-edit Rymer's " Feed era," but
was compelled to resign his commission.

Clarke married Miss Mary Cooke, eldest daughter of
Mr. Cooke, a Trowbridge clothier; "an excellent
woman who took Clarke in his poverty and loved him
for himself, and who lived to see him the friend of the
great, the learned, the good — the foremost man of a
powerful community.*' ( )ne of his sons was educated
at Cambridge and took orders in the Established Church.

Clarke was made executor of Wesley's will and a trus-
tee (with six others) of all his literary property.

He died in London, from an attack of cholera. August
26, 1832.

In trying to trace our descent still further back
than Duncan Clarke, I found in Sir Bernard
Burke's " Landed Gentry of Ireland " the lineage of
Clark of Largantogher. This family was established
in Ireland at the close of the seventeenth centurv and
became possessed of the Maghera estate previously to
1727. Knowing that Adam Clarke, who according to
grandfather's record belonged to one branch of* our
family, was born in Maghera. I thought there might pos-
sibly be some connection between his family and the
family of Clark of Largantogher. So I wrote to Mr.
James Jackson Clark, now of Largantogher House, in
order to obtain some light upon the subject. While I
failed to establish any relationship, I received in reply
the following interesting letter :

"LARGANTOGHER, Maghera. Co. Derry.

11 Sept., '04.
Dear Madam :

In reply to yours of the 23 Augt. I am afraid I cannot help
you much. In compiling your genealogical history I do not

THE CLARKE FAMILY. 105

think you need attach much importance as to whether the name
of Clark was spelt with or without a final "e.': Twice about
1760 the "e" in my case has been completely dropped. In some
of the earlier deeds it has been retained, but by no means uni-
versally.

We are not connected with Dr. Adam Clarke. His family
was, I think, of Scotch origin. Mine is from Salford in War-
wickshire (it is incorrectly stated Lancashire in Burke's). There
is no doubt several members of my family about 1770 went to
America and settled there, but we have lost all trace of them.
The names of two of them were Arthur and William.

If further research suggests any ether questions, it will give
me much pleasure if I can assist you in solving them.

I have the honor to be, Madam,

Your obdt. servant,
J. Jackson Clark."

io6 THE CLARKE FAMILY

CHAPTER XXX

THE FAMILY TREE

Scotland.

DUNCAN CLARKE* (Died probably in Ireland.

(Buried probably in Ireland.

Son of Duncan Clarke.

(Born, County Tyrone, Ireland.

JAMES CLARKE .(Died,

(Buried,

Married probably in County Tyrone, Ireland.

(Born

SUSANNA WOOD ( Died, County Tyrone, Ireland. (?)

(Buried,

Children of James Clarke and Susanna Wood.

(Born, Countj Tyrone, Ireland.

1. Archibald Clarke (Died,

(Buried

| Born, County Tyrone. Ireland.

2. Ruth Clarke (Died,

(Buried, "

Married

Be .in . Ireland.
— Kilchrist. . . . (Died,

(Buried,

l Bom, County Tyrone, Ireland.

3. Levina Clarke (Died, "

(Buried.

.Married

(Born, Ireland.

Faulkner. .. (Died, "

(Buried, "

* No record has been found of Duncan Clarke's wife, and it is not known
if he had other children besides James,

THE CLARKE FAMILY. 107

(Born, County Tyrone, Ireland.

4. Sarah Clarke (Died.

(Buried. "

Married

(Born, Ireland.

Atchison. . . (Died. "

(Buried.

(Born County. Tyrone, Ireland, 1769.

5. John Clarke (Died, Sewickley, Pa., Dec 24. 1833.

(Buried, Rushville, 111. "

io8 THE CLARKE FAMILY.

FIFTH CHILD OF JAMES CLARKE AND SUSANNA WOOD.

(Born. County Tyrone, Ireland, 1769.

JOHN CLARKE * (Died, Sewickley, Pa., Dec. 24, 1833.

(Buried, Rushville, 111.

-Married, County" Tyrone, Ireland, 1799.

(Born, County Tyrone, Ireland.

ELEANOR GREER (Died, Rushville, 111., Aug. 29, 1867.

(Buried, Rushville, 111.

Children of John Clarke and Eleanor Greer.

(Born. County Tyrone. Ireland. June 17, 1800.

1. James (Died. Pittsburg, Pa., Sept. 15, L855.

(Huncd. Rushville, 111.

(Born, Lancaster, Pa.. Sept. 6, 1802

2. George (Died, Pittsburg, Pa.. May 3, 1823.

! Buried. Rushville, III.

(Born, Lancaster, Pa., Sept. 24, 1806.

3. John (Died. Detroit. Mich., May LS, 1896.

(Buried. Rushville, 111.

(Born, Lancaster, Pa., Nov. 6, 1808.

4. Ann Jane (Died, Rushville, 111., Aug. 8, 1876.

- Buried, Rushville, 111.

Born, Lancaster, Pa., Feb. 6, 1811.

5. Susan (Died, Rushville, 111.. March 12,1902.

(Buried, Rushville, 111.

* John Clarke came to America in 1801.

THE CLARKE FAMILY. 109

FIRST CHILD OF JOHN CLARKE AND ELEANOR GREER.

(Born, County Tyrone, Ireland, June 17, 1800.

JAMES CLARKE (Died, Pittsburg, Pa., Sept. 15, 1855.

(Buried. Kushville, 111.

Married, Pittsburg, Pa., April 20, 1826.

(Born, Pittsburg, Pa., 1800.

SARAH COOPER (Died, Nauvoo, 111., 1850.

(Buried, Rushvilie, 111.

Children of . ames Clarke and Sarah Cooper.

(Born, Sharpsburg, Pa., March 19, 1827.

1. Eleanor (Died, Geneseo, 111., March 11, L902.

(Buried, Geneseo, 111.

(Born. Pittsburg, l'a.. .May 6, 1829.

2. John Cooper (Died, Pittsburg, Pa., Sept. 23, 1834.

(Buried, Rushville, 111.

(Born, Pittsburg, Pa., April 5, 1831.

3. George Little. . (Died, San Francisco, Cal., July 28, 1902.

(Buried, San Francisco, Cal.

(Born, Pittsburg, Pa., April 26, 1832.

4. Sarah Ann (Died, Pittsburg, Pa., Aug. 31, 1847.

(Buried, Xauvoo, 111.

(Born, Pittsburg, Pa., Jan. 7, 1835.

5. James Patterson. . (

(Present address, Springfield, 111.

(Born, Pittsburg, Pa., Dec. 13, 1837.

6. Amanda Jane. ... (Died, Pittsburg, Pa., Dec. 30, 1840.

(Buried, Pittsburg, Pa.

(Born, Pittsburg, Pa., Sept. 22, 1840.

7. Louise Mary (Died, Pittsburg, Pa., May 8, 1842.

(Buried, Pittsburg, Pa.

(Born, Pittsburg, Pa., Sept. 22, 1840.

8. Emma Jane (

(Present address, Geneseo, 111.

(Born, Pittsburg, Pa., 1843.

9. Milton (Died, Pittsburg. Pa., 1844.

(Buried. Pittsburg. Pa.

THE CLARKE FAMILY.

FIRST CHILD OF JAMES CLARKE AND SARAH COOPER.

(Born, Sharpsb'urg, Pa.. March 19, 1827.

ELEANOR CLARKE (Died, Geneseo, 111., March 11, 1902.

(Buried, Geneseo, 111.

Married, Rushville, 111., Sept. 21, 1854.

(Born, Armstrong Co., Pa., Feb. 9, 1825.
JOHN JACKSON DARIN... (Died, Geneseo, 111., Oct. 8, 1904.
(Buried, Geneseo, 111.

Children of Eleanor Clarke and John Jackson Darin.

(Born, Phenix, 111., Nov. 21, 1855.
1. Annie Emily. ... (

(Present address, Alexandria, S. D.

(Born, Phenix, 111., May 19, 1857.

2. Sarah Mildred... . (

(Present address, Geneseo, 111.

(Born, Phenix, 111., April 12, 1859.

3. James Clarke.. (Died, Geneseo, 111., Oct. 22, 1904.

(Buried, Geneseo, 111.

(Born, Phenix, 111., Sept. 4, 1861.

4. Edward Everett.. . (

(Present address, Geneseo, 111.

5. Nora Eleanor

Charles Heber.

(Born, Phenix, 111., Nov. 13, 1863.

(

( Present address, Geneseo, III.

(Born, Phenix, 111., Nov. 17, 1865.

(

(Present address, Geneseo, 1111.

(Born, Phenix, 111., March 28, 1873.
George Little . . . . (

(Present address, San Francisco, Cal.

FIRST CHILD OF ELEANOR CLARKE AND JOHN JACKSON DARIN.

ANNIE EMILY DARIN

(Born, Phenix, 111., Nov. 21, 1855.

(

(Present address, Alexandria, S. D.

Married. Phenix, 111., Aug. 8, 1873.

(Born, Phenix, 111., Sept. 24, 1849.
RICHARD ALFRED PINNELL . . (

(Present address, Alexandria, S. D.

THE CLARKE FAMILY.

Children of Annie Emily Darin and Richard Alfred Pinnell.

2. Eleanor Mary.

3. John Darin. . .

(Burn, Phenix, 111., Dec. 7, 1878.

1. Jessie Clarke (

(Present address, Alexandria, S. D.

(Born, Phenix. 111.. Feb. 28, 1881.

(Present address, Alexandria, S. D.

(Burn, Alexandria, S. ]).. Dec. 2(1, L884.

■(
(Present address, Alexandria, S. l>.

(Burn, Alexandria, S. 1).. Nov. 7, 1886.

(Present address, Alexandria, S. D.

(Bum. Wayne, S. 1).. May :;, L889

(

(Born Wayne, S. I).. .Ian. 3d, 1891.
6. E. 0. Hazen (

4. Bessie Eva.

5. Samuel Ward .

SECOND CHILD OF ELEANOR CLARKE AND JOHN JACKSON DARIN.

(Burn. Phenix. 111., .May 19, 1857

SARAH MILDRED DARIN . . . (

(Present address, Geneseo, 111.
Married, Phenix, 111., Sept. 21, 1891.

EMANUEL LAUDERBACH

(Burn, Columbia Co., Pa., Dec. 23, 1851.

(

(Present address, Geneseo. 111.

Only Child of Sarah Mildred Darin and Emanuel Lauderbach.
(Born, Phenix, 111, May 31, 1893.

Lida Eleanor (

(

FOURTH CHILD OF ELEANOR CLARKE AND JOHN JACKSON DARIN.

(Born, Phenix, 111., Sept. 4. 1861.
EDWARD EVERETT DARIN. . . (

(Present address, Geneseo, 111.

Married, Geneseo, 111., March 8, 1893.

NETTIE MAY WARD.

(Born, Geneseo, 111., June 22, 1873.

(

(Present address, Geneseo, 111.

THE CLARKE FAMILY.

Children of Edward Everett Darin and Nettie May Ward.

(Born, Geneseo, 111., July 27, 1894.

1 . Harold Avery.

2. Mary Eleanor. .

3. John Ward.

Born, Geneseo, 111., May 17, 1897

Boin, Geneseo, 111., June 16, 1903.

FIFTH CHILD OF ELEANOR CLARKE AND JOHN JACKSON DARIN.

(Born, Phenix, 111., Nov. 13, 1863.

NORA ELEANOR DARIN (

(Present address, Geneseo, 111.

Married, Phenix, 111., Jan. 16, 1892.

(Horn, Phenix, 111., Feb. 23, 1863.

VIRGIL McHENRY (

(Present address, Geneseo, I III.

Children of Nora Eleanor Darin and Virgil McHenry.

(Born, Phenix, 111., Jan. 17, 1893.

1. Bessie Helen (

(

(Born, Phenix, 111., Feb. 21, 1895.

2. Telia Ada (

(

(Born, Phenix, 111., Feb. 2, 1897.

3. Arthur Burdette (

(

SIXTH CHILD OF ELEANOR CLARKE AND JOHN JACKSON DARIN.

(Born, Phenix, 111., Nov. 17, 1865.

CHARLES HEBER DARIN (

(Present address, Geneseo, 111.

Married, Geneseo, 111., March 22, 1893.

(Born, Lackawanna, Pa., July 29, 1872.

ALICE LORA PIERCE (

(Present address, Geneseo, 111.

THE CLARKE FAMILY. 113

Children of Charles Heber Darin and Alice Lora Pierce.

(Born, Phenix, 111., Dec. 29, 1895.
1. Vernie Hazel

2. John Heber.

I-!. Hazen Horner.

4. Ruby Halcyon.

Born, Phenix, 111., March 15, 1897.

Born, Phenix, 111., Sept. 20, 1899.

Born, Phenix, 111., June 7, 1902.

' FIFTH CHILD OF JAMES CLARKE AND SARAH COOPER.

(Born, Pittsburg, Pa., Jan. 7, 1835.
JAMES PATTERSON CLARKE.. (

(Present address, Springfield. 111.

Married, Rushville, 111., March 11, 1864.

(Born, Sewickley, Pa., Oct. 9, 1835.

ANNA J. WILSON . . . (

(Present address, Springfield, 111.

Only Child of James Patterson Clarke and Anna J. Wilson.

(Born, Sacramento, Cal., April 9, 1865.

HOWARD W. CLARKE (

(Present address, Springfield, 111.

Married, Springfield, 111., 1892.

(Born, Jacksonville, 111., Jan. 12, 1872.

MARY E. STALKER (

(Present address, Springfield, 111.

Children of Howard W. Clarke and Mary E. Stalker.

(Born, Springfield, 111.. June 24, 1893.

1. Helen W (

(

(Born, Springfield, 111., Aug. 4, 1898.

2. Eleanor M (

(

n4 THE CLARKE FAMILY.

(Hon,. Springfield, 111., Aug. 5, 1900.

3. Eva Munson (

(

(Bom, Springfield, 111., Jan. 24. 1903.

4. Susie W (

(

THE CLARKE FAMILY. 115

THIRD CHILD OF JOHN CLARKE AND ELEANOR GREER.

(Born, Lancaster, Pa., Sept. 24, 1806.

JOHN CLARKE (Died, Detroit, Mich., May 18, 1896.

(Buried, Rushville, 111.,

Married, Pittsburg, Pa., Nov, 16. 1826.

(Born. Pittsburg, Pa., Aug. 30, 1809.

ANN OHERN (Died, Rushville, 111., Feb. 2. 1887.

(Buried, Rushville. 111.

Children of John Clarke and Ann Ohern.

(Born. Allegheny, Pa., Dec. 24, L827.

1. Sarah Ellen (Died, Detroit, Mich., Nov. 17. 1902.

(Buried, Detroit, Mich.

(Bom. Allegheny, Pa., Dec. 2:5, 1830.

2. Louisa Jane (Died. Allegheny, Pa., Oct. 21, 1832.

(Buried, Allegheny, Pa.

(Born, West Middletown, Pa., July 18, 1832

3. George Greer (Died, Rushville, 111., Feb. 20, 1876.

(Buried, Rushville, 111.

(Born, Cincinnati, ()., Sept. 23, 1834.

4. John Simpson (Died, Rushville, 111., April 20, 1853.

(Buried, Rushville. 111.

(Born, Lawrenceburg, Ind.. Nov. 10, 1836.

5. James Foster... .... (Died, Portland, Ore.. Oct. 26, 1901.

(Buried, Portland, Ore.

(Born, Lawrenceburg, Ind., July 1, 1838.

6. Ancel Henry (Died, Rushville, 111., Aug. 30, 1900.

(Buried, Rushville. 111.

(Born, Allegheny, Pa., July 5, 1840.

7. Albert Beard (Died, Kearney, Neb., Aug. 17. 1890.

(Buried, Rushville. 111.

(Born, Sharpsburg, Pa., Aug. 15, 1842.

8. Thomas Wilson (Died, Memphis. Tenn.. July 31, 1864.

(Buried, Rushville, 111.

(Born, Rushville, 111., April 14, 1845.

9. Nicholas Snethen (

(Present address, Lawrence, Kan.

(Born, Rushville, 111., April 1, 1847.

10. Mary Louisa (Died. Rushville, 111., May 14. 1878.

(Buried. Rushville, 111.

n6 THE CLARKE FAMILY.

11. (Born, Rushville, 111., Sept. 23, 1849.
Francis Waters (Died, Rushville, 111., Aug. 20, 1871.

(Buried, Rushville, 111.

(Born, Rushville, 111., Oct. 25, 1851.

12. Charles Avery .Died, Rushville, 111., March 3, 1876.

(Buried, Rushville, 111.

FIRST CHILD OF JOHN CLARKE AND ANN OHERN.

(Born, Allegheny, Pa., Dec. 24, 1827.

SARAH ELLEN CLARKE (Died, Detroit, Mich., Nov. 17, 1902.

(Buried, Detroit, Mich.

Married, Rushville, 111., Oct. 30, 1850.

(Born, Cape Girardeau, Mo., Dec. 20, 1825.
GEORGE WASHINGTON (Died, Detroit, Mich., Sept. 21, 1898.

SCRIPPS (Buried, Detroit, Mich.

Children of Sarah Ellen Clarke and George Washington Scripps.

(Born, Rushville, 111., Dec. 20, 1851.

1 . George Clarke (

(Present address, Detroit, Mich.

(Born, Rushville, 111.. Aug. 24, 1853.

2. John Franklin (Killed on railroad, Aug. 5, 1870.

(Buried, Rushville, 111.

(Born, Rushville, 111., Nov. 27, 1855.

3. Anna Jane (Died, Rushville, 111., Aug. 3, 1859.

(Buried, Rushville, 111.

(Born, Rushville, 111., Feb. 1, 1858.

4. Ernest Ohern .......(

(Present address, Portland, Ore.

(Born, Rushville, 111., March 10, 1860.

5. Charles Herman (Died, Mt. Clemens, Mich., Nov. 5, 1901.

(Buried, Detroit, Mich.

(Born, Rushville, 111., Feb. 15, 1862.

6. Catherine Elizabeth.... (Died, Detroit, Mich., Nov. 1, 1899.

(Buried, Detroit, Mich.

(Born, Rushville, 111., Oct. 9, 1864.

7. Thomas Henry (Died, Rushville. 111., June 18, 1865.

(Buried, Rushville, 111.

(Born, Rushville, 111., Dec. 10, 1866.

8. Benjamin Locke (Died, Rushville, 111., Dec. 10, 1866.

(Buried, Rushville, 111.

THE CLARKE FAMILY. 117

(Born, Rushville, 111., April 3, 1868.

9. William Locke (Died, Detroit, Mich., March 23, 1888.

(Buried, Detroit, Mich.

(Born, Rushville, 111., Jan. 29, 1870.

10. James Albert (Died, Rushville, 111., Jan. 8, 1879.

(Buried, Rushville, 111.

FIRST CHILD OF SARAH ELLEN CLARKE AND GEORGE WASHINGTON
SCRIPPS.

(Born, Rushville, 111., Dec. 20, 1851.
GEORGE CLARKE SCRIPPS... (

(Present address, Detroit, Mich.

Married, Detroit, Mich., Dec. 20, 1876.

(Born, Osnabrook, Ont., Oct. 16, 1852.
ANNA ADELAIDE MATTICE (

(Present address, Detroit, Mich.

Children of George Clarke Scripps and Anna Adelaide Mattice.

(Born, Detroit, Mich., Sept. 11, 1877.

1. Jessie Adelaide. ......(

(Present address, Detroit, Mich.

(Born, Detroit, Mich., Nov. 23, 1880.

2. George Mattice (

(Present address, Detroit, Mich.

(Born, Detroit, Mich., May 17, 1885.

3. Sarah Adele (

(Present address, Detroit, Mich.

(Born, Detroit, Mich., March 30, 1889.

4. Edith Clarke (

(Present address, Detroit, Mich.

FIRSr CHILD OF GEORGE CLARKE SCRIPPS AND ANNA ADELAIDE
MATTICE.

(Born, Detroit, Mich., Sept. 11, 1877.
JESSIE ADELAIDE SCRIPPS. . . . (

(Present address, Detroit, Mich.

Married, Detroit, Mich., May 3, 1898.

(Born, Southfield, Mich., Jan. 7, 1869.
MINER ALEXANDER GREGG. . (

(Present address, Detroit, Mich.

n8 THE CLARKE FAMILY.

SECOND CHILD OF GEORGE CLARKE SCRIPPS AND ANNA ADELAIDE
MATTICE.

(Born, Detroit, Mich., Nov. 23, 1880.
GEORGE MATTICE SCRIPPS.. (

(Present address, Detroit, -Mich.

Married, Detroit, Mich., .June 22, 1903.

(Horn, Detroit, Mich., Nov. S, 1884.
MARGARET FLEMING WILSON (

i Present address, Detroit, Mich.

Children of George Mattice Scripps and Margaret Fleming Wilson.

(Born, Detroit, Mich., April Is. L904.

1 . Eleanor Wilson (

(

FOURTH CHILD OF SARAH ELLEN CLARKE AND GEORGE WASHINGTON
SCRIPPS.

(Born, Rushville, [11. Feb. I, 1858.
ERNEST OHERN SCRIPPS.. |

(Present address, Portland, Ore.

Married, RushA ille, 111., June 16, 1880.

(Born, Worthington, Ind., Jan. 29, 1859.

LINNIE WILLS . (Died, Detroit, Mich., April 24, 1895.

(Buried, Detroit. Mich.

Only Child of Ernest Ohern Scripps and Linnie Wills.

(Horn, Worthington, Ind., March 7, 1882.

Howard Ernest (

(Present address, Detroit, Mich.

FIFTH CHILD OF SARAH ELLEN CLARKE AND GEORGE WASHINGTON

SCRIPPS.

(Born, Ilushville, 111., March 10, 1860.
CHARLES HERMAN SCRIPPS (Died, Mt. Clemens, Mich., Dec. 5, 1901.
(Buried, Detroit, Mich.

Married, Albion. Mich., Sept. 23, 1891.

(Born, Kalamazoo, Mich., Oct. 30, 1865.
HELEN MAY KNApPEN. ......(

(Present address. Albion, Mich.

THE CLARKE FAMILY. 119

Children of Charles Herman Scripps and Helen May Knappen.

(Born. Detroit. Mich., July .». 1894.

1. Charles Knappen (Died. Detroit. Mich. Auk. 3, 1894.

(Buried, Detroit. Mich.

(Born, Detroit, Mich. April lfi, 1898.

2. Catherine Harriet... (Died, Detroit. Mich. April 23, 1898.

i Buried, Detroit , Mich.

SIXTH CHILD OF SARAH ELLEN CLARKE AND GEORGE WASHINGTON

SCRIPPS.

(Bora, Rushville, 111., Feb. 15, 1862.
CATHERINE ELIZABETH (Died, Detn.it. Mich.. Nov. 1, 1899.

SCRIPPS (Bu.ied. Detroit, Mich.

Married, Detroit, Midi., July 5. 1887.

Bora, Dexter, Mich., July 11, 1864.
WILLIAM DUTY SOUTHWICK

Present address, Detroit, Mich.

Children of Catherine Elizabeth Scripps and William Duty Southwick.

Bom, Detroit, Mich., April 24, 1888.

1 . James Scripps (

Present address, Detroit, Mich.

(Born, Detroit, Mich.. April 3, 1890.

2. Helen Marjorie (Died. Detn.it. Mich., April 16, 1901.

(Buried, Detroit. Mich.

(Born, Detroit. Mich.. July 22. 1892.

3. Herman Duty. ......(

Presenl address, Detroit, Mich.

THIRD CHILD OF JOHN CLARKE AND ANN OHERN.

(Born. West Middletown, Pa., July 18 1832.
GEORGE GREER CLARKE. (Died, Rushville, 111.. Feb. 20. 1876.
(Buried. Rushville, 111.

Married. Rushville, 111.. March 23. 1853.

(Born. Rushville. 111.. Oct. 23. 1834.

MARIA LOUISA OWEN (Died. Rushville. 111., March 19. 1S87.

(Buried, Rushville. 111.

THE CLARKE FAMILY.

Children of George Greer Clarke and Maria Louisa Owen.

(Born, Rushville. 111.. Dec. 25, 1853.

1. John William (Died, Rushville, 111., April 6, 1855.

(Buried, Owen Cemetery, near Tullis School.

(Born, Rushville, 111., Jan. 17, 1856.

2. Charles Edward . (

(Present address, Elm Creek, Neb.

(Born, Rushville, 111., Nov. 7, 1857.

3. Ella May (Died, Rushville, 111., Dec. 1 1, 1858.

(Buried, Owen Cemetery, near Tullis School.

(Born, Rushville, 111., Oct. 12, 1859.

4. Anna Maria (

(Present address, Pasadena, Cal.

(Born, Rushville, 111., Feb. 21, 1862.

5. Agnes Bertha (

(Present address, Rushville, 111.

(Born, Rushville, 111., Sept. 15, 1864.

6. Harriet Owen . (

(Present address, Rushville, 111.

SECOND CHILD OF GEORGE GREER CLARKE AND MARIA LOUISA OWEN.

(Born, Rushville, 111., Jan. 17, 1856.
CHARLES EDWARD CLARKE (

(Present address, Elm Creek, Neb.

Married, Washington, la., Sept. 18, 1878.

(Born, Fulton Co., Ind., J'eb. 10, 1853.
MELISSA ADELINE WILSON. . . (

(Present address, Elm Creek, Neb.

Children of Charles Edward Clarke and Melissa Adeline Wilson.

(Born, Rushville, 111., Jan. 4, 1880.

1. William Adolph (

(Present address, Elm Creek, Neb.

(Born, Irwin, Shelby Co., la., Dec. 1, 1882.

2. Nellie Agnes (

(Present address, Win Creek, Neb.

(Born, Irwin, Shelby Co., la., April 21, 1884.

3. Ralph Owen (

(Present address, Elm Creek, Neb.

THE CLARKE FAMILY. 121

(Born, Irwin, Shelby Co., la., Oct. 12, 1886.

4. Lewis Wilson (

(Present address, Elm Creek, Neb.

(Born, Overton, Neb., Feb. 18, 1891

5. Hattie Anna (

(Present address. Elm Creek, Neb.

FOURTH CHILD OF GEORGE GREER CLARKE AND MARIA LOUISA OWEN.

(Born, Kushville, 111.. Oct. 12, 1859.

ANNA MARIA CLARKE (

(Present address, Pasadena, Cal.

Married. Kushville, 111., Oct. 27, 1880.

(Born, Detmold, Lippe, Germany, Oct. 27.
( 1850.

HENRY ADOLPH NIEMAN (Died, Kushville, 111., Nov. 21, 1885.

(Buried. Kushville, 111.

Children of Anna Maria Clarke and Henry Adolph Nieman.

(Born, Kushville, 111., Dec. 24. 1881.

1. Lena May (

(Present address, Pasadena, Cal.

( Born, Rushville, 111., Aug. 7, 1883.

2. Harriet Agnes (

(Present address, Pasadena, Cal.

(Born. liushville. 111., Sept. 2, 1885.

3. Henry Owen . (Died. Kushville. 111., April 23, 1886.

(Buried, Kushville, 111.

FIFTH CHILD OF GEORGE GREER CLARKE AND MARIA LOUISA OWEN.

(Born. Kushville, 111., Feb. 21, 1862.
AGNES BERTHA CLARKE . . . I

(Present address, Rushville, 111.

Married, Rushville, 111.. March 18, 1890.

(Born, Kushville, 111.. Nov. 4, I860.
WILLIS GEORGE BABCOCK. . . . (

(Present address, Rushville, 111.

Children of Agnes Bertha Clarke and Willis George Babcock.

(Born, Kushville, 111., July 5, 1892.

1. Justus Clarke (

(

THE CLARKE FAMILY.

2. Florence Louise.

(Born, Rushville, 111., Oct. 20, 1893.

(

SIXTH CHILD OF GEORGE GREER CLARKE AND MARIA LOUISA OWEN.

(Born, Rushville. 111.. Sept. 15, 1864.
HARRIET OWEN CLARKE.... (

(Present address, Rushville, 111.

Married. Rushville, III., Nov. 4, 1891.

(Born, Rushville, III., March 22. 1860.

CHARLES ARTHUR KNOWLES (

(Present address, Rushville, 111.

FIFTH CHILD OF JOHN CLARKE AND ANN OHERN.

(Born, Lawrenceburg, Ind., Nov. 10, 1836.

JAMES FOSTER CLARKE (Died, Portland, Ore., Oct. 26, 1901.

(Buried, "Lone Fir" Cemetery, Portland, < )re.

Married first, Rushville, 111., April 2, 1862.

(Born, Rushville, 111., Feb. 22, 1836.

HATTIE OWEN (Died, Rushville, 111., Aug. 22, 1867.

(Buried, Rushville, 111.

Married second, Portland, Ore., July 28, 1869.

(Born, Warmsen, Germany, July 10, 1842.
SOPHIA MARIE EVERDING . . . . (

(Present address, Portland, Ore.

Children of James Foster Clarke and Sophia Marie Everding.

1. Clara Beebe .

James Richard. . .

3 . Theresa .

Born, Portland, Ore., April 19, 1870.

Present address, Portland Ore.

Born, Portland., Ore, Oct. 19, 1871.

Died, Portland, Ore., Aug. 8, 1878.

Buried, "Lone Fir" Cemetery, Portland. Ore.

Born, Portland. Ore.. Aug. 19, 1873.

Present address, Portland, Ore.

THE CLARKE FAMILY. 123

THIRD CHILD OF JAMES FOSTER CLARKE AND SOPHIA MARIE
EVERDING.

(Born, Portland, Ore., Aug. 19, 1873.

THERESA CLARKE (

(Present address, Portland, "re.

Married, Portland, Ore., March 12. 1901.

(Born. Fostoria, Ohio, Aug. 17. 186.5.

ALBERT VIVIAN BAXTER (

(Present address, Portland, Ore.

Children of Theresa Clarke and Albert Vivian Baxter.

(Born, Portland, Ore., Feb. 23, 1902.

1 . Clara Everding (

(

SIXTH CHILD OF JOHN CLARKE AND ANN OHERN.

(Born. Lawrenceburg, Ind., July 1, 1838.

ANCEL HENRY CLARKE (Died. Kushville. 111.. Aug. 30. 1900.

(Buried. Kushville, 111.

Married first, Kushville. 111., Jan. 4, 1865.

(Born, Kushville, 111.. Sept. 27, 1836.
MARGARET ELIZABETH (Died, Kushville, 111., Nov. 27. 1884.

YOUNG (Buried, Kushville. 111.

Married second, Chillicothe, 0., March 3, 1886.

(Born, Chillicothe, 0., Dec. 27. 1854.

ALICE WATSON .. (

(Present address, Chillicothe, O.

SEVENTH CHILD OF JOHN CLARKE AKD ARN OHERN.

(Born, Allegheny. Pa.. July 5, 1840.

ALBERT BEARD CLARKE (Died. Kearney. Neb., Aug. 17. 1890.

(Buried, Kushville, 111.

Married first, Kushville. 111.. June 7. 1866.

(Born, Kushville, 111., March 28, 1841.

SARAH LOUISE PARROTT (Died, Kearney, Neb., Nov. 30, 1885.

(Buried, Kushville, 111.

Married second, Kearney, Neb., Oct. 27. lssii.

(Born. Rutland, O., March 13. 1859.

ADDIE LOUISE HIGLEY (

(Present address. Sioux Falls. S. D.

i24 THE CLARKE FAMILY.

Children of Albert Beard Clarke and Addie Louise Higley.

(Born, Kearney, Neb., Sept. 4, 1887.

1 . Adah Alberta (

(Present address, Sioux Falls, S. D.

(Born, Kearney, Neb., Dec. 17, 1889.

2. Stephen Higley (Died, Kearney, Neb., April 10, 1892.

(Buried, Kearney, Neb.

NINTH CHILD OF JOHN CLARKE AND ANN OHERN.

(Born, Rushville, 111., April 14, 1845.
NICHOLAS SNETHEN CLARKE. (

(Present address, Lawrence, Kan.

.Married, Lawrence, Kan., Sept. 30, 1874.

(Born, Findlay, O., April 4, 1846.
LUCY JANE PATTERSON. ......(

(Present address, Lawrence, Kan.

Children of Nicholas Snethen Clarke and Lucy Jane Patterson.

(Born, Lawrence, Kan., Aug. 26, 1879.

1 . Mary Patterson ......(

(Present address, Lawrence, Kan.

(Born, Lawrence, Kan., Aug. 26, 1879.

2. Angie Sarah (Died, Lawrence, Kan., Aug. 9, 1880.

(Buried, Lawrence, Kan.

(Born, Lawrence, Kan., Aug. 26, 1879.

3. Helen Maude .........(

(Present address, Lawrence, Kan.

TENTH CHILD OF JOHN CLARKE AND ANN OHERN.

(Born, Rushville, 111., April 1, 1847.

MARY LOUISA CLARKE (Died, Rushville, 111., May 14, 1878.

(Buried, Rushville, 111.

Married, Rushville, 111., Oct. 13, 1869.

(Born, Rushville, 111., June 14, 1832.
JOHN ALEXANDER YOUNG ...( Died, Rushville, 111., May 14, 1902.
(Buried, Rushville, 111.

Children of Mary Louisa Clarke and John Alexander Young.

(Born, Rushville, 111., Aug. 9, 1870.

1 . Carl Clarke (

(Present address, Rushville, 111.

THE CLARKE FAMILY. 125

(Born, Rushville, 111., Aug. 3, 1872.

2. Anna Florence (Died, South Bend, Ind., March 12, 1905.

(Buried, South Bend, Ind.

(Born, Rushville, 111., Aug. 23. 1874.

3. Sarah Eleanor (

(Present address, Rushville, 111.

(Born, Rushville, 111., Dec. 10, 1876.

4. James Henry (

(Present address, Rushville, 111.

FIRST CHILD OF MARY LOUISA CLARKE AND JOHN ALEXANDER
YOUNG.

(Born, Rushville, 111., Aug. 9, 187n.

CARL CLARKE YOUNG (

(Present address, Rushville, 111.

Married, Rushville, 111., May 26. 1897.

(Born, Rushville, 111., May 10, 1875.
LILLIAN MAY CRANDALL (

(Present address, Rushville, 111.

SECOND CHILD OF MARY LOUISA CLARKE AND JOHN ALEXANDER
YOUNG.

(Born, Rushville, 111., Aug. 3, 1872.

ANNA FLORENCE YOUNG (Died, South Bend, Ind.. March 12, 1905.

(Buried, South Bend, Ind.

Married, Rushville, 111., Sept. 5, 1901.

(Born, La Fontaine, Ind., Dec. 25, 1864.

JOSEPH EDGAR NEFF (

(Present address, South Bend, Ind.

THIRD CHILD OF MARY LOUISA CLARKE AND JOHN ALEXANDER
YOUNG.

(Born, Rushville, 111., Aug. 23, 1874.

SARAH ELEANOR YOUNG (

(Present address, Rushville. 111.

Married, Rushville, 111., May 6, 1896.

(Born, Rushville, 111., May 10, 1873.

JAMES HERBERT NELL (

(Present address, Rushville, 111.

126 THE CLARKE FAMILY.

Children of Sarah Eleanor Young and James Herbert Nell.

(Born. Kushville, 111., Sept. 11, 1897.

1. Mary Eleanor (

(

(Born, Kushville. 111., March IS. 1899.

2. Florence Lillian (

(

(Born. Kushville. 111., May (i, 1903.

3. Edna Maxine (

(

FOURTH CHILD OF MARY LOUISA CLARKE AND JOHN ALEXANDER
YOUNG.

(Bora, Kushville, 111., Dec. 10, 1876.
JAMES HENRY YOUNG (

(Present add/ess. Kushville. 111.

Married. Chicago. 111.. Sept. 20. 191(1.

ELIZABETH (Born, Jacksonville. 111.. July 24, 1875.

FRANCES (

PATTERSON (Present address, Kushville. 111.

Children of James Henry Young and Elizabeth Frances Patterson.

(Born. Kushville, 111., July 10, 1903.
1 . James Russell (

I

THE CLARKE FAMILY. 127

FOURTH CHILD OF JOHN CLARKE AND ELEANOR GREER..

(Born. Lancaster, Pa.. Nov. 6. 1 8< 18

ANN JANE CLARKE (Died, Rushville, 111., Aug. 8. 1876.

(Buried. Rushville, 111.

Married. Sewickley. Penn.. April (i. ls:!7.

(Born. County Tyrone, Ireland. Aug. 1, 1814.

GEORGE GREER (Died. Rushville. 111.. July 10, 1899.

(Buried Rushville.. 111.

Children of Ann Jane Clarke and George Greer.

(Born. Rushville, 111.. June 19. 1842.

1. Susanna (

(Present address, San Francisco. Cal.

(Born. Rushville, 111.. April 3. 1846.

2. Almira (

(Present address, San Francisco. Cal.

FIRST CHILD OF ANN JANE CLARKE AND GEORGE GREER.

(Born. Rushville. 111.. June 19. L842.

SUSANNA GREER (

(Present address. San Francisco, Cal.

Married in California, Feb. 23. 1867.

(Born. Brooklyn, 111.. Dec. 19. 1841.

HENRY C. BROWN

(Present address. San Francisco. Cal.

Children of Susanna Greer and Henry C. Brown.

(Born. Sacramento, Cal.. Nov. 29, 1867.

1. Almira (Died, Sacramento. Cal.. Jan. 6, 1868

(Buried, Sacramento, Cal.

(Born, Sacramento, Cal., March 11, 1869.

2. Ollie Margaret (

(Present address, San Francisco. Cal.

(Born, Sacramento. Cal.. Aug. 15. 1870.

3. Eleanor Clarke I Died. Sacramento. Cal.. May 28. 1892.

(Buried. Sarcamento, Cal.

(Born. Sacramento. Cal.. May 27. 1 s7 C

4. Seth C (Died. Sacramento. Cal.. Jan. 19, 1882.

(Buried. Sacramento. Cal.

128 THE CLARKE FAMILY.

(Born, Sacramento, Cal, Feb. 5, 1876.

5. George Clay (Died, Sacramento, Cal., Feb. 7, 1 x 7 » "• .

(Buried, Sacramento, Cal.

(Born, Sacramento, Cal., July 29, 1877.

6. Newton (Died, Sacramento, Cal., Nov. 30, 1877.

(Buried, Sacramento, Cal.

(Born, San Francisco, Cal., April 19, 1885.

7. Henry Lynn ... (

(Present address, San Francisco, Cal.

SECOND CHILD OF SUSANNA GREER AND HENRY C. BROWN.

(Born, Sacramento, Cal., March 11, 1869.
OLLIE MARGARET BROWN. . . . (

(Present address, San Francisco, Cal.

Married in California, April 16, 1899.

(Born, - - la., Aug. 15, 1865.

WILLIAM O. BRINK (

(Present address, San Francisco, Cal.

SECOND CHILD OF ANN JANE CLARKE AND GEORGE GREER.

(Born, Rushville, 111., April 3, 1846.

ALMIRA GREER (

(Present address. San Francisco, Cal.

Married, Sacramento, Cal., Sept. 10, 1865.

(Born, Elmira, N. Y., April 26, 1843.

EDWIN POWER McCLURE (Died, Rushville. 111., Sept. 25. 1904.

(Buried, Rushville, 111.

Children of Almira Greer and Edwin Power McClure.

(Born, Sacramento, Cal., June 4, 1866.

1. Edwin Clarke (Died at sea, April 2, 1867.

(Buried in Pacific Ocean.

(Born, Rushville, 111., June 17, 1868.

2. George Hepburn (Died, Manhattan, Kan., Aug. 25, 1897.

(Buried, Rushville, 111.

(Born, Rushville, 111., June 10, 1875.

3. Margaret M ... (

(Present address, San Francisco. Cal.

(Born. Rushville, 111., Sept. 20, 1877.

4. Jennie Louise (Died, Rushville, 111., May 5, 1879.

(Buried, Rushville, 111.

THE CLARKE FAMILY. 129

SECOND CHILD OF ALMIRA GREER AND EDWIN POWER McCLURE.

(Born, Rushville, III., June 17, 1868.
GEORGE HEPBURN McCLURE. In. -i. Manhattan. Kan.. Auk. 25, L897.
(Buried, Rushville, 111.

Married, Peabody, Kan.. Dec. 13, 1895.

Born, — Jan. 13, 1873.

RENA E. BLISS Died, Manhattan, Kan.. Aug. 10,

(Buried, Manhattan. Kan.

i3o THE CLARKE FAMILY.

FIFTH CHILD OF JOHN CLARKE AND ELEANOR GREER.

(Bom, Lancaster, Pa., Feb. 6, 1811.

SUSAN CLARKE (Died, Rushville, 111., March 12, 1902.

(Buried, Rushville, 111.

Married, Pittsburg, Pa., Sept. is. 1834.

(Born, County Tyrone, Ireland, -March 1812

THOMAS WILSON (Died, Rushville, 111., Aug. 28, 1898.

(Buried, Rushville, 111

Children of Susan Clarke and Thomas Wilson.

(Born, Sewickley, Penn., Oct. 9. 1835

1. Anna J (

(Pjesenl address, Springfield, 111..

(Born, Rushville, 111., July 28, 1838.

2. Eleanor (Died, Rushville, 111., Dec. lit. I860.

ed, Rushville, 111.

(Horn, Rushville, HI., Sept. l':;. 1841.

:•!. John Clarke (

(Present address, Rushville, 111.

Horn. Rushville, 111., June 17. L844.

4. Amelia Lorinda (

( Present address, Rushville, 111..

(Born, Rushville, 111.. April 4, 1SJ7.

.".. Sarah Eliza (Died, Rushville, III, Feb. 21, 1883.

(Buried, Rushville, 111.

FIRST CHILD OF SUSAN CLARKE AND THOMAS WILSON.

(Born, Sewickley. Pa.. Oct. 9, 1835.

ANNA J. WILSON (

I Presenl address, Springfield, 111.

Married James Patterson Clarke. (See Fifth Child oi .lam.-- Clarkeand
Sarah Cooper.)

FOURTH CHILD OF SUSAN CLARKE AND THOMAS WILSON.

(Born, Rushville, III., June 17, 1S44.
AMELIA LORINDA WILSON... (

( Presenl address, 1.' ushville, 111.

Married, Rushville, 111.. Feb. 20, !sr.7.

(Born, Harrodsburg, Ky., Sept. Hi. 1842.

JOHN LINN SWEENEY (

(Present address, Rushville. HI.

THE CLARKE FAMILY. 131

Children of Amelia Lorinda Wilson and John Linn Sweeney.

■ Born, Rushville, 111.. April 22, 1868.

1 . Eleanor ......

enl address, Tecumseh, Neb.

rn, Rushville, 111.. April 12, 1873.

2. Jessie Mildred

' esent address, Geneseo, 111.

Born, Galva, 111.. Oct. 21, 187§.

3. Thomas Wilson . . .

(Present address, Rushville, 111.

Born, Ray, III.. Nov. 12, 1877.

4. Frank Linn

( Present address, Rushville, 111.

. Ray, 111.. Aug. 5, 1880.

5. Susan Sanders .

sent address, Rushville, 111.

FIRST CHILD OF AMELIA LORINDA WILSON AND JOHN LINN SWEENEY.

Rushville, 111., April 22, 1868.

ELEANOR SWEENEY

g* (Present address, Tecumseh, Neb.

Married, Rushville, 111., April 12, 1898.

Rushville, 111.. Dec. 15, 1868.
CHARLES WESLEY GRAFF . .

esent address, Tecumseh, Xeb.

Children of Eleanor Sweeney and Charles V/esley Graff.

. Tecumseh, Neb.. May 20, 1900.

1. Thomas Sweeney (Died, Tecumseh, Neb., June 24. 1901.

I Buried, Tecumseh, Neb.

orn, Tecumseh, Neb., March 21, 1902.

2. Susan Eleanor . .

orn, Tecumseh, Neb.. Nov. 30, 1903.

3. Mildred

SECOND CHILD OF AMELIA LORINDA WILSON AND JOHN LINN SWEENEY.

(Born. Rushville, 111., April 12, 1873.
JESSIE MILDRED SWEENEY...

(Present address. Geneseo 111.
MarriedjRushville, 111., Dec. 28, L899.

1.32 THE CLARKE FAMILY.

(Hern, -- -- 111., Dec. 31, 1871.

HENRY BENEDICT FISHER. . . . (

(Present address, Geneseo, HI.

Children of Jessie Mildred Sweeney and Henry Benedict Fisher.

(Horn, Kushville, 111., June 14, 1902.

1 . Mary Sweeney (

(

i Hern, Lexington, 111., Oct, (i, 1!)()4.

2. Linda (

(

THIRD CHILD OF AMELIA LORINDA WILSON AND JOHN LINN SWEENEY.

( Born, Galva, 111.. Oct. 21, 1875.
THOMAS WILSON SWEENEY.... (

(Present address, Kushville. 111.

Married, Jacksonville, 111., June 1, 1899.

(Born, Jacksonville, 111., Nov. 7, 1876.
HELEN MAUDE ROTTGER . . . . (

(Present address, Kushville, 111.

Children of Thomas Wilson Sweeney and Helen Maude Rottger.

(Born, Kushville, 111., April 13, 1901.

1. Thomas Wilson (Died, Kushville, 111., Sept. 17, 1901.

(Buried, Kushville, 111.

FIFTH CHILD OF AMELIA LORINDA WILSON AND JOHN LINN SWEENEY.

(Born, Kay, 111.. Auk. 5, 1880.
SUSAN SANDERS SWEENEY. . . (

(Present address. Kushville, 111.

Married, Kushville, 111., June 28, 1905.

(Born, Kushville, 111., Aug. 30, 1880,
CHARLES ARTHUR GRIFFITH (

(Present address, Kushville, 111.

FIFTH CHILD OF SUSAN CLARKE AND THOMAS WILSON.

(Born, Rushville, 111., April 4, DS47.

SARAH ELIZA WILSON (Died, Kushville, 111., Feb. 21, 1883.

(Buried, Rushville, 111.

Married, Kushville, 111., Dec. — 1871.

THE CLARKE FAMILY. 133

(Born, Westmoreland Co., Penn., Oct. 20, 1844.

HIRAM B. GRAFF (

(Present address, Rushville, 111.

Children of Sarah Eliza Wilson and Hiram B. Graff.

(Burn. Rushville, 111.. May -'4. L874

1. Herbert... ....(Died, Rushville, 111., March 30, 1878.

i Buried, Rushville, 111.

(Born, Rushville, 111., July 20, 1 ^77

2. Wilbur W

( Present address, Ishpeming, Mich.

Born, Rushville, 111., April 21, 1879

3. John Clarke

Present address, Rushville, 111.

n. Rushville, 111., June 15, 1881.

4. Harold Wilson (Died, Rushville, 111., Feb. Hi, 1905.

Buried, Rushville, 111.

SECOND CHILD OF SARAH ELIZA WILSON AND HIRAM B. GRAFF.

Born, Rushville, 111.. July 20, 1877.

WILBUR W. GRAFF (

esenl address, Ishpeming, Mich.

Married, Dayton, <>.. Aug. 6, 1904.

rn, Wadsworth, I K. April 24. 187"

ETHEL M. FOSTER

(Present address, Ishpeming, Mich.

THIRD CHILD OF SARAH ELIZA WILSON AND HIRAM B. GRAFF.

a, Rushville, 111., April 21, 1879.

JOHN CLARKE GRAFF (

I'n -fit address, Rushville, 111.

Married, Lewistown, 111.. Nov. 10. 1904.

(Born. Lewistown, 111., Aug. 13, 1881.

HELEN SCOTT

(Present address, Rushville, 111.

i34 TlfE CLARKE FAMILY.

FOURTH CHILD OF SARAH ELIZA WILSON AND HIRAM B. GRAFF.

(Born, Rushville, 111., June 15, 1881.

HAROLD WILSON GRAFF (Died, Rushville, 111., Feb. 16, 1905

(Buried, Rushville, 111.

Married, Keokuk, la., Nov.- 9, 1902.

(Horn. Mt. Sterling, III., Feb. 20, 1880.

LELIA HARPER (

' Present a<l<lre~>. Rushville, 111.

Child of Harold WilsDn Graff and Lelia Harper.

( Born, Rushville, 111.. March 2s. 1904.

1. Harold Wilson (

(

Cnapter
XXVIII .--
XXIX.--
XXX.--

- Family of Eleanor Greer

- A.dam Clarke.

- The Family Tree.

I