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Below is a family biography included in The History of Perry County, Indiana published by Goodspeed, Bros. & Co. in 1885.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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WILLIAM CLARK, of Cannelton, is a native of Summit County, Ohio, and was born December 6, 1829. He is one of the family of Roan and Margaret (De Haven) Clark. Mr. Clark’s education was limited in his early years, but through industrious reading has acquired a general information on nearly all topics. His first occupation was that of a machinist, which he followed for nine years, until September, 1857. At that time he moved to Peru, Ill. While there he engaged in the manufacture of matches for two years. From there he went to Upper Alton, Ill., and remained there employed in the manufacture of sewer pipe until April, 1862. He then came to Cannelton, where he has made his home ever since. Upon coming here he worked for Clark Bros, in the pottery for about two years, and then engaged in the coal business in a small way. With the proceeds from this he purchased an interest in the pottery of his brothers. He remained a partner until 1869, when he sold to his brother. He then engaged in the manufacture of stoneware for eight years alone. During this time he had to overcome many difficulties, but by hard and skillful labor finally succeeded in making first-class ware, so that in quality he could compete with any ware in the western markets. He sold to his brothers in February, 1877. In November, 1880, he began editing the Cannelton Journal, a Republican paper, which he followed for eighteen months. He then received a position as clerk in the pension office. After nearly a year he was compelled to resign on account of articular rheumatism in the right arm. He has recently purchased a building on Washington Street, which he is preparing for a residence and grocery store. In April, 1877, while attempting to board a boat at Cave-in-Rock, he received an injury on the right knee which seemed at first slight, but finally compelled amputation near the hip joint. December 10, 1854, he was married to Alice Johnson, of Ionia, Mich., and to their union two children have been born, of which only Arthur W. is living, aged nineteen. Mr. Clark is a member of the A. O. U. W., and in politics is an Independent with Republican proclivities. Mrs. Clark is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

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This family biography is one of 257 biographies included in The History of Perry County, Indiana portion of the book: History of Warrick, Spencer and Perry Counties Indiana published in 1885 by Goodspeed, Bros. & Co.  For the complete description, click here: Perry County, Indiana History and Genealogy

View additional Perry County, Indiana family biographies here: Perry County, Indiana Biographies

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