John Clark, Ames Clark, Mercy Swick, Seneca NY, Jackson County, Michigan

AMES CLARK is one of the residents of the
county whose property has resulted from his
own exertions and ability, and is a standing
monument to the success that may be at-
tained by thrift and peiseverance. He is the more
deserving of credit as he has had a large family to
rear and support. He owns and occupies one of the
most valuable farms in Grass Lake Township, com-
prising one hundred and forty acres on section 8,
and is a model tanner, under whose oversight every
detail of farm work is carefully done.

John Clark, the father of our subject, was born
in or near Wheeling. W. Ya., about 1772, and lived
in that section until after his marriage. He then
removed to Seneca County, N. Y.. where he lived
many years, moving thence to Niagara County,
where he spent the remainder of his life. He was a
millwright by trade and a farmer also, and before
his death in 1854 had accumulated a good property.
For many years he was a member of the Baptist
('lunch. He was a son of James Clark and of Irish
descent. His wife, Mercy Swick, was born in New
Jersey, and died in Seneca County, X. Y.. in 1824,
at the age of fifty two years. She was a daughter
of Tunis Swick, who was a native of Holland. Mr.
and Mrs. John Clark reared two children to matur-
ity — James and John S.. both yet living.

The gentleman of whom we write was born No-
vember 5, 1804, in Seneca County. N. Y., where he
was reared on the farm and obtained a common-
school education. Early in life he took up his resi-
dence in Tompkins County, but ere long removed
to Niagara County, where he lived until 1856. lie
then came to Michigan, bought land in Sylvan
Township, Washtenaw County, residing there until
1867, when he sold out and came to the place which

lie now occupies. The years which he has spent in
this county have given his fellow-citizens abundant
opportunities to learn his worth of character, which
is duly appreciated by a Large circle of acquaint-
anscs. Mr. (.'lark is a strong Republican ; his first
Presidential vote was cast for John <». Adams.
While in Washtenaw County he served as a Justice
of the Peace.

The worthy woman with whom Mr. Clark passed
a happy married life of more than sixty years, and
who was removed from him by death in September.
18.S6, bore the maiden name of Mary R. Swick.
She was born in Seneca County, N. Y., in 180G,and
her marriage was celebrated there March 16. 1826.
Throughout her long life she exhibited the qualities
of true womanhood, devoting herself to the com-
fort of her husband and the care and training of
the children who were given her. not neglecting a
kindly interest in the welfare of those about her
and leaving behind her a record upon which her
bereaved companion and children can look with
pleasure. Her parents, John and Magdaline
(Covert) Swick. were natives of New Jersey, and
both of them died in Niagara County, N. Y. To
Mr. and Mrs. Clark fourteen children were born.
The deceased members of the household band are:
John. Magdaline, Mercy A., Easton, James, Mar-
garet and Adeline. The survivors are, George,
Nancy T., Mary J., Amelia, Caroline, James G. and
Orange S. Oursubjectand his wife were members
of the Methodist Episcopal Church.