CLARK, Charles E.
Portrait & Biographical Record Winnebago & Boone Cos., IL. Chicago: Biographical Pub. Co., 1892, p 608

The business men of Durand [Winnebago County, IL] recognize in Mr. CLARK a man who pursues the even tenor of his way, and who exercises a considerable influence in his community.   He is engaged in carrying on a splendid business in retailing furniture, and is looked upon as one of the most reliable men in the community.  His straightforward methods of doing business, his genial disposition and his courteous treatment of all with whom he comes in contact is a matter that is often made the subject of remark.

Charles E. CLARK was born in Newark Township, Rock County, WI, 20 Jul 1861.  He is the son of Benjamin CLARK, who hailed from VT, and was in turn the son of Judge Spencer CLARK.  The father of our subject came West to IL when a young man, and at Beloit [Rock County, WI] was married to Maria GUNDERSON.  In 1864 he enlisted and was mustered into service in Company M, 8th IL Cavalry, and served with the Union ranks for 10 months, when he was taken sick with typhoid fever and returned home 04 Jul 1865.  He died 13 days later [17 Jul 1865] at his home in Laona Township, Winnebago County [IL], when in his 46th year.

The mother of our subject was born in Cambridge, MA, and in 1840, when ten years of age, came to Beloit, WI, in company with a family named SPAULDING, with whom she resided until her marriage in 1858.  She survived her husband many years, her death occurring in 1886, when 56 years of age.  The two children born of her union with Mr. CLARK were Charles E., our subject, and Benjamin, the latter of whom is a hardware merchant in Wayne County, NE.  Benjamin CLARK was a prominent member of the Congregational Church, and occupied a high position in local affairs.

He of whom we write was reared on the home farm, and educated in the schools of Durand.   When 14 years of age, he left the farm, and working at whatever he could find to do, prosecuted his studies in the higher branches.  He purchased his present business in 1888, and besides carrying a full line of household furniture, does an undertaking business.  Although never learning a trade, he is quite a genius with tools, and can do anything in the line of cabinet work.  When a boy he saw some of the work of a taxidermist, and being delighted with it, engaged in that business, and has done considerable work in that line.  In addition to the different branches of work in which Mr. CLARK has been engaged, he is an expert in penmanship, and in pen drawing has no equal in his vicinity.  A peacable and law-abiding citizen, he has contributed his full quota to the general welfare of the community, and is numbered among the best citizens of the county, having an unusual degree of intelligence, good breeding and honorable principle.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly.