JAMES CLARK, who is one of the wealthy and substantial farmers of Pawnee Township, is a fine type of the self-made men of this county, as he has risen from poverty to riches by his shrewd and careful management of his affairs. He was born in Scotland October 11, 1818. His father was a farmer in that country and James spent his early life on his father's farm in the place of his nativity. He grew to a vigorous manhood, gained a competent knowledge of farming and lived in the land of his birth till he was nearly twenty-six years of age. In the meantime he had taken unto himself a wife and at the time he left Scotland, which he did in 1844, he was the father of three children. He was accompanied by his family and they landed in New York after a pleasant voyage.

After his arrival in this country our subject first settled in New Jersey, where he bought a small place, which he sold at the end of three years in order to take up his residence in Illinois. Coming to this State, he rented land in Jersey County and was actively engaged in its cultivation the ensuing three years. He next moved to this county, and rented land here until 1862. In that year he had already made money enough by his operations to become independent, and he invested in the farm where he now lives. This comprises two hundred and eighty acres of land on section 35, and he has erected a neat set of buildings, has his land in a fine condition and everything about the place indicates that it is in the possession of one who has a thorough understanding of farming and knows how a farm should be managed. Our subject is quite an extensive land owner, as he has besides his property in Pawnee Township, four hundred and eighty acres of realty in Montgomery County. He has had to work hard to bring about his present circumstances, but his labors have been directed by discretion, wise judgment and sagacious foresight.

As before mentioned, our subject was married in Scotland, Jane White becoming his wife. She has been his devoted helpmate in all these years, leaving her native land cheerfully and uncomplainingly to cross the waters with her husband, that she might help him build up a new home in this strange country. She labored faithfully by his side and is now enjoying with him the fruits of their early toil. They have reared three children to good and useful lives. Their son James and their daughter Mary Ann live at home with them. Their daughter Jane is the wife of Thomas Carswell, of Cotton Hill Township. Mr. and Mrs. Clark were reared in the presbyterian faith and are among the most consistent members of the church of that denomination of this township. They are considerate and kindly in their relations with their neighbors and they so conduct themselves in all the affairs of life as to win the highest respect of the entire community, where they have passed so many years. Mr. Clark takes a keen interest in the affairs of his adopted country and is firm in his allegiance to the Republican party.