Abner A. Clark Biographical Review

ABNER A. CLARK of section 31, Camden township, is one of the pioneers of 1835, born in Logan county, Kentucky, February 6, 1823. His father, Abner Clark, was born in North Carolina. He removed to Kentucky when a young man and became a farmer. He married Nancy Gorum, of Kentucky. In 1835 he came to Illinois and settled in what is now Missouri township, Brown county. He entered land and resided there until January, 1847, when his wife died, and in consequence he moved to Schuyler county and lived with a son until his death in August, 1849. He had entered considerable land, and at his death still owned 240 acres of land. He had been a Whig in politics and Presbyterian in religion for many years prior to his death. He had ten children: Calvin, born May 30, 1805, died March 14, 1880; Perneta, born December 10, 1806; William, born March 1, 1809; died March 7, 1855; Harrison, born February 15, 1811, died March 1 18, 1883; Inetta, born August 26, 1813, died June 1, 1838; Terlina, born October 26, 1815, died January 15, 1890; Delila, born October 26, 1815; Catherine, born June 19, 1818, died June 7, 1841; Francis A., born September 11, 1820; and Abner A., born February 6, 1823. Abner was reared on the farm and attended such schools as the newly settled locality offered. After the death of his mother he resided with a brother until 1847, when he settled where he now resides, on 160 acres of land. He began housekeeping in a log cabin, which in time was supplanted by the present residence, which is a comfortable frame structure. He now owns 440 acres of land. His home contains 320 acres, he having added to the original 160. He has been a stock raiser as well as a farmer, but now has all his land rented. He was married, May 27, 1847, to Elizabeth J. Sims, daughter of David and Sarah E. Sims. She was born in Sangamon county, Illinois, February 6, 1832. Mr. and Mrs. Clark have had five children, namely: Francis M., born in 1849, died February 25, 1853; Luticia, born 1851, died March 8, 1853; Nancy P., born in 1852, married Daniel M. McCaskill of Brown county, two children, Carrie and Roy A.; Levi G., born 1857, married Lizzie R. Bond April 20, 1880, her death occurring November 13, 1882; was married to Amanda Cady, daughter of Henry Cady, resides in Schuyler county, three children: Asa A., Alta and Frank F.; Fred D., born 1868, resides at home. Mr. Clark is a Republican in politics and a Baptist in religion, being Moderator of the society. He and his wife are respected by all who know them.