CLARK, JAMES L., (deceased). - The late James L. Clark, of Springfield, Ill., well known as an honored veteran of the Civil War, and a most upright, public-spirited citizen, was highly esteemed by his many friends and acquaintances. Those who knew him best were impressed with his innate goodness of heart and his generosity, and will long remember this kindly, charitable gentleman. He was a most loving husband and father, a man of quiet, industrious habits, and also very fond of the companionship of his friends. He was an ardent Republican all his life, and was very active in the interests of his party, having been several times honored by election to offices of honor or trust. Mr. Clark was successful in a financial way and his principal occupation was hotel-keeping. He was born in Arcadia, Morgan County, Ill., December 10, 1838, son of Daniel and Mary (Peas) Clark, both natives of the State of New York. The father was a steamboat captain and brought the first boat that sailed up the Illinois River to what is now Beardstown, he later becoming one of the early settlers of Morgan County.

The early education of James L. Clark was acquired in his native county and he attended school some time, at Jacksonville. Upon leaving school, he became employed as clerk. He was a young man of sober, industrious habits, and was well liked by his employers. He lived in Springfield at the time of his marriage, but in 1882 moved from there to Ashland, Ill., where he conducted a hotel several years. While living in Ashland, he was elected President of the Village board on the Republican ticket, serving three terms in this office, and also received the appointment of Postmaster there, under President Harrison. In 1890, Mr. Clark returned to Springfield and engaged in conducting a hotel, in which business he remained until three years prior to his death. He was well informed on every detail of his business, and through his personal supervision of the various departments of his establishment, won a reputation for a well-kept hotel that assured his financial success.

August 17, 1861, Mr. Clark enlisted in Company D, Twenty-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, at Berlin, Ill., for service in the Civil War, and was mustered out at Springfield, July 22, 1865, with rank of Corporal. He was a member of Stephenson Post G.A.R., in which he had served in every office from Guard to Post Commander, and was also a member of the Union Veterans' Union, of which he at one time served as Colonel. He was also a member of the I.O.O.F., being a Past Noble Grand of Oak Lodge, of Ashland, Ill., where he had filled the various officers' chairs, and he had been affiliated with the order within a few months of a quarter century.

Mr. Clark was married in Springfield, March 1, 1870, to Mary Elizabeth Brewer, born in Lexington, Ky., daughter of William E. and Martha A. (Wells) Brewer, natives respectively of Beardstown Ky., and Marion Ky. Mrs. Clark's grandfather Wells, was killed by the Indians during an Indian war and her great-grandfather Brewer was killed in the Revolution. Three children were born to Mr. Clark and wife, namely: Martha Ann, born April 10, 1873, died at the age of three months; Lucinda, born December 18, 1875, is the wife of J. A. Reynick, a native of Galena, Ill., and now in the employ of the Bell Telephone Company at Bloomington, where they reside; Isabel, born May 5, 1877, died at the age of five months. Mrs. Clark owns her home at 206 West Capitol Avenue and also owns a residence at 329 South Spring Street, Springfield. She is prominent in social circles and is at present serving as Past Department President of the Ladies of the G.A.R., and is also a member of the National Staff of the order. She is Chaplain of Triple Link Rebekah Lodge No. 577; ex-Treasurer of Royal Neighbors Camp No. 113; ex-President of the Patriotic Daughters of America, camp No. 3; has held all the offices in Gov. Tanner Circle, Ladies of the G.A.R., of which she is now Conductor; is a member and was a delegate to the National Convention of the auxiliary of the Sons of Veterans. She is interested in the good work of all these orders, and contributes her full share towards their success. Mr. Clark died September 8, 1907, aged sixty-eight years, seven months and twenty-eight days, and was buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery. He was an earnest an devout member of the Methodist Church.