"History of McDonough County, Illinois: it's cities, towns and villages, with early reminiscences, personal incidents and anecdo" page 335 - 337
S. J. Clarke Springfield, Illinois 1878
David Clarke, the son of John and Ann Whitten Clarke, was born on the 28th day of September, 1799, in Washington County, Kentucky. Here he resided with his parents until after he reached his majority. At four years of age he was sent to one of the common schools of his native county, and continued going at intervals until he was eight, when he was put to work upon the farm by his parents, who were in only moderate circumstances, and here was kept at hard labor until he reached his majority. At sixteen he was permitted to attend school three weeks, which finished his education. When he reached his majority he placed himself under the instruction of a music teacher for some months, acquiring a pretty thorough knowledge of the science of music as taught in that day. As soon as he finished his course, he adopted the teaching of music as a profession, and for three years he traveled constantly through the state engaged in that work. In early life he conected himself with the Baptist Church, and when only twenty-two years of age compiled a hymn book which he denominated "Clarke's Hymns". This book was adopted by the Baptists and several other denominations in Kentucky, and continued in use for many years. Two large editions were issued and speedily sold. Many copies are yet in existence, and held as precious heirlooms by their possessors.
On the 24th day of November, 1825, he was married to Eliza Swink Russell, daughter of Samuel Russell, in Greene County, Kentucky. Samuel Russell was well known as one of the pioneers of this county. Twelve children were born unto them, four only of whom are now living, viz: Margaret M., wife of Corydon C. Chapman, Christopher Columbus, Samuel James, and Annie E., wife of Sidney S. Chapman.
In the fall of 1830 he removed with his family to this county, where he has since resided, being well known to nearly every citizen, especially the older settlers. For many years in the early days he ran a "tavern", which at that time was more of a public resort than the "hotel" of today. Here the people for miles around assembled to discuss the news of the time and to indulge in drink. For four years he was town constable, and eight years a Justice of the Peace. During the first four years he was justice he tried over nine hundred cases, a very large docket at that time. He was ever ready to render a decision, and as soon as a case on trial was finished, his judgement was rendered and recorded in his docket. Of all the cases appealed from his decision to the Circuit Court, he never had a judgment reversed. Few justices transacting the amount of business done by him can say as much.
David Clarke is full six feet in height, well built, and has an excellent constitution. He is also a man of iron will - one that cannot be swerved from that he considers right. When he declares his intention of doing anything, if in the range of possibilities, it will be done. In the early part of 1841, while under the influence of intoxicating drinks, a habit which, unfortunately, had grown on him previous to that time, he injured himself somewhat by a fall, when he vowed that he would never drink another drop, which vow he has ever kept inviolate from that day to this, not even having partaken of a glass of lemonade - a glass of cider he would no more take than so much deadly poison. He is a radical temperance man, and not ashamed to own the fact. For a number of years he acted as Deputy Grand Worthy Patriarch for the state at large, of the Sons of Temperance, and had instituted a goodly number of divisions. In consequence of advanced age he does not now take that active part in the work as formerly, but his heart yet goes out in sympathy with every movement for the success of the temperance cause.
-------------------------------
History of Page County, Iowa by W. L. Kershaw, et al. 2 vols. Chicago: S. J. Clarke Pub. Co., 1909 p. 374-375
On the 4th of November, 1902, Mr. Cole was united in marriage to Miss Vena Clarke, a daughter of Christopher Columbus and Martha (Lea) Clarke. Her paternal grandparents were David and Eliza (Russell) Clarke, natives of Washington and Green counties, Kentucky, respectively. The former was born in 1799 and was a son and grandson of Revolutionary soldiers, his grandfather being Captain John Clarke of the Virginia line. In the pioneer times of southern Illinois David Clarke removed with his family to McDonough county, that state, his first home being a little log cabin. He continued to reside there throughout his remaining days and after the death of his wife, in 1875, made his home with his children until he passed away in November, 1883, at the age of eighty-four years. He was known throughout that section of the state as "Uncle David" Clarke, and was an unique and interesting figure on the streets of Macomb, continuing to his last days to wear a silk hat and a heavy gray blanket shawl, as was the custom of his earlier years. He was for many years justice of the peace in the town. Unto him and his wife were born a large family of children, but only four are now living: Mrs. Margaret Marietta Chapman, of Los Angeles, California; C. C. Clarke, of Springdale, Arkansas; S. J. Clarke, of Chicago; and Mrs. Anna Eliza Chapman, also of Los Angeles, California.
--------------------------------------
"History of McDonough County, Illinois", 1885 Continental Historical Company, Springfield, Illinois Jun 1885
Page 89
David Clarke made a settlement in the immediate vicinity of Macomb during the year 1830, and shortly after the laying out of the city, moved there, and was a resident until the day of his death, in March 1884.
--------------------------------
"Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois" page 719
The following were among those from McDonough County who served in the Black Hawk campaign: ............, David Clarke,
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The Macomb Journal page 4
Macomb, Illinois · Thursday, March 06, 1884
THE EARLIEST SETTLER GONE
Death of David Clarke The Oldest Citizen of McDonough
He passed away at Vermont, Ill, where he was visiting, at 4 am today
A telegram received this forenoon by John Chapman, a compositor In the Journal office, announced that David Clarke died at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. Sidney Chapman, this morning at 4 o'clock. The old gentleman had been in feeble health for some time. A month or more ago, word came that the old gentleman was so low that death was imminent any hour; so strong was his constitutlon, however, that he rallied, and It was believed that he would be able to get up again, but these hope were futile; he grew worse, and today passed away.
The telegram did not state whether his remains are to be brought hero for burial or not; we have dispatched over and hope for a reply before closing the forms. We presume however, the interment will be at this place as his wife and other member of his family are buried here.
David Clarke was born on the 28th day of September 1799. and waa 84 years old at that date last September. His birth place was Washington County, Kentucky. Here he resided until he was 21 years old. November 24, 1825 he was united in marriage with Eliza S. Russell. 12 children were born unto them. Four only are now living, namely : Margaret, wife of Corydon Chapman, this city; Annie E., wife of Sidney Chapman, of Vermont, Fulton county, where he died; Columbus C. of Bentonville, Arkansas; and S.J., a resident of Macomb, but now traveling In lowa in the history publishing business.
In the Fall of 1830, he came to McDonough County with his family, and has lived here continuously to his death, save that during the last year or two he at times stopped with his daughter in Vermont. Every item of early-settling of McDonough bears the impression of David Clarke. He carried the chain when the surveyors laid out Macomb; he remembered more of those early days than any man now living,
He was by two or three years the oldest resldent of the county. All those who settled here previous to his coming have I passed to the shadowy land. For year he held many important offices of the county and city. In his early life, when about 22 years of age, being a proficient musician, he compiled a hymn book which he denomlnated "Clarke's Hymn's". This book was adopted by the Baptists and other denominations in Kentucky, and was used by them for many years.
The JOURNAL would be pleased to give a more extended account of this prominent individual, but having received the news of his death just a couple hours before going to press, space forbids.
LATEST
Just as we go to press comes a dispatch announcing that remains of the deceased will be buried in Macomb; the time however is not stated.
"History of McDonough County, Illinois: it's cities, towns and villages, with early reminiscences, personal incidents and anecdo" page 335 - 337
S. J. Clarke Springfield, Illinois 1878
David Clarke, the son of John and Ann Whitten Clarke, was born on the 28th day of September, 1799, in Washington County, Kentucky. Here he resided with his parents until after he reached his majority. At four years of age he was sent to one of the common schools of his native county, and continued going at intervals until he was eight, when he was put to work upon the farm by his parents, who were in only moderate circumstances, and here was kept at hard labor until he reached his majority. At sixteen he was permitted to attend school three weeks, which finished his education. When he reached his majority he placed himself under the instruction of a music teacher for some months, acquiring a pretty thorough knowledge of the science of music as taught in that day. As soon as he finished his course, he adopted the teaching of music as a profession, and for three years he traveled constantly through the state engaged in that work. In early life he conected himself with the Baptist Church, and when only twenty-two years of age compiled a hymn book which he denominated "Clarke's Hymns". This book was adopted by the Baptists and several other denominations in Kentucky, and continued in use for many years. Two large editions were issued and speedily sold. Many copies are yet in existence, and held as precious heirlooms by their possessors.
On the 24th day of November, 1825, he was married to Eliza Swink Russell, daughter of Samuel Russell, in Greene County, Kentucky. Samuel Russell was well known as one of the pioneers of this county. Twelve children were born unto them, four only of whom are now living, viz: Margaret M., wife of Corydon C. Chapman, Christopher Columbus, Samuel James, and Annie E., wife of Sidney S. Chapman.
In the fall of 1830 he removed with his family to this county, where he has since resided, being well known to nearly every citizen, especially the older settlers. For many years in the early days he ran a "tavern", which at that time was more of a public resort than the "hotel" of today. Here the people for miles around assembled to discuss the news of the time and to indulge in drink. For four years he was town constable, and eight years a Justice of the Peace. During the first four years he was justice he tried over nine hundred cases, a very large docket at that time. He was ever ready to render a decision, and as soon as a case on trial was finished, his judgement was rendered and recorded in his docket. Of all the cases appealed from his decision to the Circuit Court, he never had a judgment reversed. Few justices transacting the amount of business done by him can say as much.
David Clarke is full six feet in height, well built, and has an excellent constitution. He is also a man of iron will - one that cannot be swerved from that he considers right. When he declares his intention of doing anything, if in the range of possibilities, it will be done. In the early part of 1841, while under the influence of intoxicating drinks, a habit which, unfortunately, had grown on him previous to that time, he injured himself somewhat by a fall, when he vowed that he would never drink another drop, which vow he has ever kept inviolate from that day to this, not even having partaken of a glass of lemonade - a glass of cider he would no more take than so much deadly poison. He is a radical temperance man, and not ashamed to own the fact. For a number of years he acted as Deputy Grand Worthy Patriarch for the state at large, of the Sons of Temperance, and had instituted a goodly number of divisions. In consequence of advanced age he does not now take that active part in the work as formerly, but his heart yet goes out in sympathy with every movement for the success of the temperance cause.
-------------------------------
History of Page County, Iowa by W. L. Kershaw, et al. 2 vols. Chicago: S. J. Clarke Pub. Co., 1909 p. 374-375
On the 4th of November, 1902, Mr. Cole was united in marriage to Miss Vena Clarke, a daughter of Christopher Columbus and Martha (Lea) Clarke. Her paternal grandparents were David and Eliza (Russell) Clarke, natives of Washington and Green counties, Kentucky, respectively. The former was born in 1799 and was a son and grandson of Revolutionary soldiers, his grandfather being Captain John Clarke of the Virginia line. In the pioneer times of southern Illinois David Clarke removed with his family to McDonough county, that state, his first home being a little log cabin. He continued to reside there throughout his remaining days and after the death of his wife, in 1875, made his home with his children until he passed away in November, 1883, at the age of eighty-four years. He was known throughout that section of the state as "Uncle David" Clarke, and was an unique and interesting figure on the streets of Macomb, continuing to his last days to wear a silk hat and a heavy gray blanket shawl, as was the custom of his earlier years. He was for many years justice of the peace in the town. Unto him and his wife were born a large family of children, but only four are now living: Mrs. Margaret Marietta Chapman, of Los Angeles, California; C. C. Clarke, of Springdale, Arkansas; S. J. Clarke, of Chicago; and Mrs. Anna Eliza Chapman, also of Los Angeles, California.
--------------------------------------
"History of McDonough County, Illinois", 1885 Continental Historical Company, Springfield, Illinois Jun 1885
Page 89
David Clarke made a settlement in the immediate vicinity of Macomb during the year 1830, and shortly after the laying out of the city, moved there, and was a resident until the day of his death, in March 1884.
--------------------------------
"Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois" page 719
The following were among those from McDonough County who served in the Black Hawk campaign: ............, David Clarke,
-------------------------------------------------------------
The Macomb Journal page 4
Macomb, Illinois · Thursday, March 06, 1884
THE EARLIEST SETTLER GONE
Death of David Clarke The Oldest Citizen of McDonough
He passed away at Vermont, Ill, where he was visiting, at 4 am today
A telegram received this forenoon by John Chapman, a compositor In the Journal office, announced that David Clarke died at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. Sidney Chapman, this morning at 4 o'clock. The old gentleman had been in feeble health for some time. A month or more ago, word came that the old gentleman was so low that death was imminent any hour; so strong was his constitutlon, however, that he rallied, and It was believed that he would be able to get up again, but these hope were futile; he grew worse, and today passed away.
The telegram did not state whether his remains are to be brought hero for burial or not; we have dispatched over and hope for a reply before closing the forms. We presume however, the interment will be at this place as his wife and other member of his family are buried here.
David Clarke was born on the 28th day of September 1799. and waa 84 years old at that date last September. His birth place was Washington County, Kentucky. Here he resided until he was 21 years old. November 24, 1825 he was united in marriage with Eliza S. Russell. 12 children were born unto them. Four only are now living, namely : Margaret, wife of Corydon Chapman, this city; Annie E., wife of Sidney Chapman, of Vermont, Fulton county, where he died; Columbus C. of Bentonville, Arkansas; and S.J., a resident of Macomb, but now traveling In lowa in the history publishing business.
In the Fall of 1830, he came to McDonough County with his family, and has lived here continuously to his death, save that during the last year or two he at times stopped with his daughter in Vermont. Every item of early-settling of McDonough bears the impression of David Clarke. He carried the chain when the surveyors laid out Macomb; he remembered more of those early days than any man now living,
He was by two or three years the oldest resldent of the county. All those who settled here previous to his coming have I passed to the shadowy land. For year he held many important offices of the county and city. In his early life, when about 22 years of age, being a proficient musician, he compiled a hymn book which he denomlnated "Clarke's Hymn's". This book was adopted by the Baptists and other denominations in Kentucky, and was used by them for many years.
The JOURNAL would be pleased to give a more extended account of this prominent individual, but having received the news of his death just a couple hours before going to press, space forbids.
LATEST
Just as we go to press comes a dispatch announcing that remains of the deceased will be buried in Macomb; the time however is not stated.
Gravesite Details
Husband of Eliza Swink Russell (married November 24, 1825)
