~Page 1164~

Edward R. Clark

Among the strong and influential citizens of Fayette county, the record of whose lives have become an essential part of this section, the gentleman whose name appears above occupies a prominent place and for years he has exerted a beneficial influence in the community where he resides. His chief characteristics seem to be keenness of perception, a tireless energy, honesty of purpose and motive and everyday common sense, which have enabled him not only to advance his own interests, but also largely contributed to the moral and material advancement of the county.

Edward R. Clark, the popular and efficient sheriff of Fayette county, Iowa, was born in Iroquois county, Illinois, November 21, 1857, and is the son of Edward R. and Ellen E. (Sill) Clark. The father, Edward R. Clark, Sr., was born in Christian county, Kentucky, coming in his early youth with his father's family and other friends from the same locality to McLean county, Illinois, where they settled in and around Bloomington, and became identified with the early history and interests of that city. Southern born and bred, his brothers and friends for the most part adhered to their early teachings. He, on the contrary, early imbibed the spirit and principles of his adopted state. He was a young man of high ideals of duty and honor and unblemished character. When the war of the Rebellion broke out he hastened to join the defenders of the Union, and enlisted in the Eighty-sixth Regiment of Illinois Volunteers. He died in the first year of his term of service at Nashville, Tennessee, in the year 1863, leaving his wife to care for and train their two children, Helen M., who died in her young womanhood, and Edward R., the subject of this sketch, who at the time of his father's death was five years old. The mother still lives, a member of her son's household in West Union, Iowa.

Mr. Clark was educated in his native state. He came to Fayette county, Iowa, in 1887 and engaged in the stock business, continuing successfully in that line of endeavor until his election, in November, 1908, as sheriff of Fayette county. He was located at Hawkeye the greater portion of the time, although he was in Chicago ten years. He is regarded as one of the best judges of livestock in the county and he has a world of experience in buying, raising and shipping all varieties and qualities, his efforts having been crowned with abundant success.

Mr. Clark is a loyal Republican and was nominated and elected by this party, and so far he has discharged the duties of the important office to which he has been called with rare ability, foresight and discretion, to the entire satisfaction of his constituents and, in fact, all concerned, this proving the wisdom of his selection as sheriff. Fraternally, he is a member of Lodge No. 69, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, at West Union, Iowa, and his daily life among his fellow men would indicate that he lives up to its sublime precepts.

Mr. Clark was married in September, 1891, to Cora F. Henderson, daughter of M.V. and Clara (Hall) Henderson, early settlers of Fayette county and a highly respected family. Mrs. Clark was educated in the public schools of Auburn, her birthplace, and for some time prior to her marriage she was a very successful teacher in Clayton and Fayette counties.

~transcribed for the Fayette Co IAGenWeb Project by Mary Thiele Fobian