Charles H. Clark Portrait and Biographical Record, Page 551 CHARLES H. CLARK. As an example of the usefulness and prominence to which men of character and determination may begin, it is but necessary to chronicle the life of Charles H. Clark, the efficient and capable Register of Deeds of Ottawa County, Mich. He is a man of superior mental endowments, strengthened and enriched by the highest culture. He impresses one at once as a man of unusual strength, depth and grasp of mind, and is possessed of a large share of those traits of character that go to make up a popular citizen. He is a native of the Pine Tree State, born in Augusta February 8, 1835, and the son of Charles and Louisa (Dearborn) Clark, both natives of Maine. The latter was the daughter of Asa Dearborn, who was born in the old Bay State. The father of our subject was a farmer by occupation, and followed that business for many years in the State of Maine. To his marriage were born eight children, four sons and four daughters, Charles H. being the eldest. The latter passed his school days in Augusta, Georgia, and when eighteen years of age decided to make his way toward the setting sun. He reached Michigan and settled in Ottawa Township, Ottawa County, where he engaged in the lumber business, and continued in this for some time, in fact getting his start in this business. In 1855 he was married to Miss Abbie H. Wall, a native of Maine, who died in 1872, leaving seven children, four of whom are living: Charles F., a prominent farmer of this county; Hattie H., the wife of James Bignell, of this State; Harriet, wife of Benjamin Barton, who resides in North Dakota; and Walter H., a lumberman and farmer, who makes his home in this county. All the children were well educated and taught school for some time. Mr. Clark selected his second wife in the person of Augusta B. Wall, sister of his first wife, and their union was solemnized in 1877. She was a most excellent woman, and died in 1887, leaving no children. In his political views, Mr. Clark is a strong advocate of Republican principles, and for twenty years held the office of Supervisor. In the fall of 1892 he was elected Register of Deeds on the Republican ticket, and assumed the duties of the office on the 1st of January, 1893. He has proved himself eminently worthy of the confidence reposed in him by all classes, and as an honorable, upright citizen his reputation is not merely local, but extends over a wide stretch of country. Genial and courteous, straightforward in his dealings, prompt in the discharge of his duties, and of exemplary habits, he has the respect and esteem of all who know him. Socially, he is a member of Grand Haven Lodge No. 139, A. F. & A. M.

Portrait & Biographical Record of Muskegon & Ottawa Counties, Michigan 1893, Chicago: Biographical Publishing Company 

Transcriber: Susan Gates Davis
Created: 13 May 2003
URL: Return to Bios Index