My Genealogy Hound

Ed. Clark, one of the leading wagon manufacturers of Newton County, Mo., is of English birth, but a thorough American in his sympathies. He was born April 17, 1844, and is a son of Thomas and Mary (Draper) Clark, both of whom were natives of England. The father had long been impressed with the favorable opportunities offered the rising generation in America, and accordingly came to the United States about 1850, settling first in New York State, thence moving to Waukegan, Ill., where he made his permanent home. When his son Edward was about sixteen years of age he began learning the black-smith’s trade, and after working at it for three years went to California, where he remained until 1864, when he returned to Illinois and attended school for eighteen months. In 1867 he came to Newton County, Mo., and a year later opened a shop for general black-smithing business, which increased materially year by year until it has reached its present proportions. He made the first wagon in Newton County after the war, and now builds 1,500 wagons per annum, employing, when running full capacity, from twenty-five to thirty men. His wagons are sold in Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas and the Indian Territory, and are known to be of the best quality. Mr. Clark takes an active interest in all enterprises calculated to benefit the town and county, and as a business man has demonstrated what energy, economy and close attention to business can accomplish. He is well-to-do in worldly matters, and owns valuable city property. He is a member of the A. O. U. W. and Congregational Church. In 1870 he was united in marriage with Emma Ingalls, of Lake County, Ill., and is the father of two children, Thomas and Edith.