The research below was provided by descendants of Garrone and Lovina Ladd Clark.

Information from the book : Milford Celebrating 100 Years of Pioneer Spirit" Page 139. This book was written by Irene and Jerry Clark of Milford, Dickinson, Iowa. Purchased from the Milford Memorial Library.

The Garrome P. Clark family came from Oneida, County, New York, to Dickinson County, Iowa on May 29, 1869. The resided on section 2 of Milford Township, where they homesteaded their land.

Garrome P. was first married to Olive Techont, she passed away leaving nine children; Wilson, Abraham, Olive, Garrome, Ezekial, Betsy, Isaac, Jefferson and Ann. Garrome P. then married Lavina Ladd, with whom he had seven children, Lavina, Sarah, Lafayette, Frank, Stephen, Jeremiah and Jessie.

Garrome was first to homestead land in this part of the township and for about three years they lived in what they called a "hole in the ground" or a sod shanty. Later he built his stone house residence which still stands east of Milford. He assisted in the organization of the township, the first meeting was held at Foster's Mill.

He was active in public matters and was overseer of the public hospital, school master and gave valuable aid in matters pertaining to local government especially education. He also assisted in the defense against the Indian trouble in Estherville, Iowa.

The main road that leads east of Milford, where the Clark Homestead was located, was called Clark Road during those early years.

At the age of 60 years Garrome walked to Sioux City, Iowa to get his homestead papers and upon his return to his home he discovered he was given the wrong papers. He then started back to return back to get the correct papers. This homestead and it's rock house is in the Iowa Historical Register.

Children of Garrome P. Clark and Lavina Ladd Clark: Frank and his first wife Hattie Cother had 4 children: Lillian, Essie, Raymond and Hattie.

Frank and his second wife Ethel May Hall had 4 children: Steward, Kittie, Vernon and Charles.

Frank's family resided on a farm on the east shore of Lower Gar Lake for many years.

Lafeyette and his wife Eleanor Margaret Smith had 4 children: Alanjo, Grace, Lester and Francilla.

Lafayette's family farmed next to his father's homestead. This is presently the residence of L. A. Larson. Lafeyette was a Milford policeman for several years.

Jermial ( Jerry) and his wife Genivievee Barnard had 7 children: Hal, Lester, Arthur, Clair, Alfred, Violet and Charles.

Jerry was engaged in the digging of wells, the operating of threshing machines, hauling of tile for drainage of area lakes and in his later years worked at the Milford Pool Hall. At this time the Cy Colvin family lived with Jerry in his home in Milford; this was located at the second house west of the Leyson Funeral Home.

Stephen(By God Clark) never married but he worked on his father's farm and with him doing well digging. Stephen was well known at that time and is remembered on account of his storytelling and for being a character.

Information from Milford Mail, Milford, Dickinson, Iowa dated 15 October 1896.

CLARK, of typhoid fever in Milford Township, October 5, 1896. G. P. Clark in the 87th year of his age.

He was one of the pioneers of this county. As we have no data a hand we cannot publish obituary until next week.

Milford Mail dated 22 October 1896.

Clark--In Milford township, October 13, 1896. Garonne P. Clark, age 85 years 11 months and 19 days.

 Mr. Clark was a native Western Oneida county New York, where he was born November 3rd, 1810.  He remained in his native county 30 years. In 1849 he removed with his family to St. Charles, Illinois, amd resided for 12 years engaged in farming,  Then they moved to Goodhue county Dickinson county was twice married, his first wife was Miss Olive Techout, of Oneida county New York in by this marriage there were nine children, three have passed over the river before their father.  The mother died and was buried in State of New York, January  27, 1848.  Mr. Clark was married again, to Miss Lovina Ladd of Brownville, Jefferson county, New York. To this union eight children were born, one died in infancy.  A worthy widow and a large family of grown sons and daughters survive to mourn the loss of a loving husband and father. The funeral was held at the Friend's Church at Okoboji, Wednesday, October 14th, at nine o'clock p.m.  Services were conducted by Rev. Mary Hornaday, and he was laid to rest in Okoboji cemetery.  The services were largely attended by sympathizing friends.

Card of Thanks.

To those who so kindly assisted us during the sickness and death of our beloved husband and father, we extend our sincerest