Deacon Ichabod John Clark

Ichabod Clark (1766-1844) Westchester, Saratoga and Cayuga Counties, New York.

Resided Town of Springport, Cayuga County, NY from 1809 to 1844.

Second son of John Clark (1740-1818)

Generation Two

3. Ichabod2 Clark (John1) was born 4 Dec 1766 in Bedford or Pound Ridge, Westchester County, New York. He married Sarah Weed, daughter of Gilbert Weed and Abigail Hoyt, 10 Jan 1786 Westchester County, New York. Ichabod died 23 Jun 1844 Town of Springport, Cayuga County, New York, at age 77.

A transcript found by Gayle Lansky, at the Bedford Historical Society, from a letter written in 1848 by Ichabod's son, Jotham Clark, states:

"The early part of his days was in the time of the Revolutionary War, his place of residence was where the army camped and different evolutions were made, so much so the chance of an education was almost entirely to deprive him of any teaching. I think he tells me that a winter’s evening school was the most he was benefitted." Ichabod and his family lived in Saratoga County ca 1792 to 1809. Milton town minutes list Ichabod Clark, among others, who were active in township affairs. For Ichabod, we find: 1802 . . . "Ichabod Clark, Path Master" . . . (also for Mar 29, 1803 and April 7, 1807.) A quote from Jotham's journal:

"Many an evening have I listened to my father as he went over his early days in Old Milton. Such a time -- so many children to be provided for, doctor to pay, spinners, carders, clothiers, and other mechanics. Well do I remember the pied cow and spotted oxen which comprised the stock with perhaps a few sheep and swine. Well do I remember when a Barrack, with an open threshing floor by the side was the only out-building. The farm consisted of seventy-six acres on which was raised the support of a large family."

"Nothing but perserverance in labor and submitting to deprivation of the luxuries of life would enable them to school, feed and clothe, pay interest and principal on land debt and keep their homes. Those that varied from the rule became destitute and homeless." His deed (Saratoga County Deed Book E, 1808-1813, page 274) is dated 14 nov 1809. He sold 76.5 acres to Moses Thomas for $2000. 'Jotham's Journal', pg 4, states:

. . . "my father sold his farm and moved to Cayuga County. I was left to take care of the hay and fatten the pork. Father came down in the winter and I came to Cayuga (county) with him. On the way there I was sixteen years old." Jotham would have 'turned 16' on March 8th, 1810. Therefore, since Ichabod had gone to Cayuga County the previous season; it would have been in the year 1809. A letter written in 1848 by Jotham Clark, states: 

"They continued in the town of Milton until the year One thousand eight hundred and nine." A search has been made of the Cayuga County early deeds. I have not found a deed for the purchase of Ichabod's land. I have found three early deeds with Ichabod as 'grantor': 1813, lot 94, 63 acres; 1816, parcels, lots 90 & 94; 1833,parcels, lots 90, 91, 95, 96. I have found that some early deeds were recorded many months after they were made. Ichabod's father-in-law, Gilbert Weed, preceeded Ichabod's migration to Aurelius, Cayuga county. The 1800 census finds Gilbert and his sons living in Aurelius.
School House No. 5...(accord. to 'History Book')...at Davis Road & 'Powers' Road (s/b Fleming)...building still stands...converted to house...'owned' by Morris G. Clark family. (Springport Historical Society has copy of this school's register for 1865). Purchased 250 acres in Springport (then Aurelius), Cayuga County, NY. This at a time

..."the Holland Purchase began to dispose of its land to settlers." Probably lot #94. He later owned all of lot #95. Baptist Church: Ichabod was first pastor. Ichabod was Chosen as Deacon, along with Gilbert Weed. 1814... this church joined the baptist association; a new meeting house was built summer 1818; " . . . 1816 Elder Warner Lake from Harpersfield, Delaware (County), NY, became pastor" (Charles Allison Weed, Weed Genealogy, pgs 122, 123.).

In 1816 Abijah*, Gilbert, Elias each leave Springport for Chautauqua County. Jotham, at this same time, is in the process of preparing his new home in the Town of Freeport, Ontario County (later to become Town of Conesus, Livingston County). From Jotham's Journal (pg 13, 14):

"1816 - This year was known as the cold season throughout the northern states. Corn was killed in June and what escaped was killed in September. I had one-fourth of the corn from 10 acres and got only 4 bushels, so poor that in a good year it would have been rejected as worthless. I sold it for $1.00 per bushel. In Cayuga County where I then lived there was frost every month in the year, and many spring and summer months we had frost every week." He appeared on the census of 1820 indexed as "Johabod". Neighborhood: Higgins, Crissee ?, Ichabod Clark, Gilbert Weed, Stephen ? Wisner, Lewis Clark, Dibble, Wisner, Nehemiah Wisner. In 1823 Ichabod Clark Funeral of Gilbert Weed (his father-in-law) held in the home of Ichabod Clark; Elder Lake officiated. Jotham writes in 1848:

"He [Gilbert Weed] died in the town of Scipio, County of Cayuga, New York, at his son Alexander's home. Both Alexander Weed, at whose home Gilbert died, and the home of Ichabod and Sarah (Weed) Clark were near the Fordyce Home which still stands in Scipio. This I know because I had gone on a visit to my father's when the news of his death was brought there. I in company with my father's family went to my Uncle's, and the corpse was brought to my father's house and the funeral was attended there. Elder Lake was the officiating minister." (Charles Allison Weed, Weed Genealogy, pg 127 to 131). He lived in 1823 Springport, Cayuga, NY (On-line Source, online various, Cayuga County GenWeb jpg files of 1823 Assessment for Town of Springport. Photos of original journal. Hereinafter cited as On-line Source.); Tax assessment; Lot 95, 200 acres "House farm 2 Barn c. House (probably Cider House) W. House (possibly Wagon House) Sheds" valued at $4200; no personal property listed. Tax Assessment Roll viewed on Rootsweb, Cayuga County link; referred by Chuck Rodekohr. In 1824 Ichabod Clark Tax assessment; 200 acres valued at $5000. His brother Abijah has 50 acre farm on lot 95; and 32 acre "house, barn and farm" on lot 94 same as in 1823 Springport, Cayuga, NY (On-line Source, online various, Cayuga County GenWeb images for Town of Springport Tax Assessment 1823/1824 years.). In 1832 Ichabod Clark Tax Assessment; 196 acres valued at $4312. Personal property valued at $200. This year's assessment does not list lot numbers. He also has assessed value of $200 for a 1/2 acre parcel Springport, Cayuga, NY (On-line Source, online various, Cayuga County GenWeb jpg files of 1832 Assessment for Town of Springport. Photos of original journal.). He appeared on the census of 1840 Springport, Cayuga, NY; is indexed as "Icabud". He (along with wife Sarah) is the last entry for the township. *It may be this Abijah Clark is Ichabod's brother, not his son.

Ichabod died died 23 Jun 1844. His Obituary was published in the Cayuga Patriot, 10 Jul 1844. Repository: Seymour Library History Room, Auburn, Cayuga County, NY. (This paper was published 1840-1847). Ichabod was buried June 1844 in Oakridge Cemetery, Springport, Cayuga, New York. His marker is located in central area of the cemetery, to the south, on the north side of the path that runs along the stone wall.

Deacon Ichabod Clark

Oakridge Cemetery, Town of Springport, Cayuga County, New York

Photo taken February 2003 by Liz Cornish

Children of Ichabod Clark and Sarah Weed were as follows:

17 i. Abijah Clark was born 11 Apr 1788 Westchester County, New York; he married (1)Martha Scofield 19 Nov 1807 prob Milton, Saratoga, NY; he married(2) Ann H. Aldrich, daughter of Tillotson Aldrich and (--?--) Sarah, after 10 Jun 1859; he died 3 Dec 1874 Ellery, Chautauqua Co., NY, at age 86. Abijah, Martha; his brother Gilbert and his wife Polly; 11 of the 13 children of Abijah's are all buried in Dewittville cemetery; two others are buried in Lewis Cemetery. Abijah migrated to Ellery, Chautauqua County, NY about 1816.

"The First Universalist Church of Ellery was organized by Lewis C. Todd, the first pastor, and the following twenty-three members: Elias Scofield, Cabel Todd, Asa Hall, Joseph Strong, Samuel Ayers, George W. Barnhart, Isaac Young, Henry Dayton, Joseph Hovey, Daniel Shears, Abijah Clark, Chas. Hayward, Nathan Eddy, Bella Todd, Nathaniel Cottman, Brown Tayler, Stephen G. Burnell, Elias Clark, Lewis C. Todd, Clark Winsor, Timothy Rowley, David Young, and Philo Hopson. These members met on October 3, 1817, . . . to organize a church."  Abjah, Gilbert and Elias were all members of the Masons. Abijah was a past Grand Master, the lodge did/does have his photo. All this according to Linda Fonville. Oscar and George were probably two of the  . . . "three who probably saved their lives by finding homes in California, in a climate better adapted to their consitution." according to Jotham's journal. According to Jotham, Abijah rasied twelve children most of whom died young. Also according to Jotham:

"Abijah is living with his second wife, and at the age of seventy-two had a son born. He lives in the same neighborhood where he settled when the country was new and uncultivated, has a pleasant home on the banks of Chautaugua Lake, where he... (has) held many civil offices. He was always generous and free to assist the needy. If he erred, it was on the virtuous side. He was irritable, much set in his way, and often said: 'My organ of combativeness is too strong.' He has the pleasantest farm and location of any of my brothers." Abijah Clark, According to Mary Patrick Stiles Clark: "A great free mason." In 1816 Abijah Clark left Springport (see Jotham's journal, pg 14). In Jan 1868 . . . from diary of Mary Patrick Stiles Clark:
Monday, January 27 At br. Abijah's this evening. They are very comfortable in health and in pecuniary circumstances. Like his wife very much. She was Widow Williams [Ann Williams] with her children Sarah [Williams] & Freddy [Williams]. Br. Abijah and she have a fine son of seven years, name Jefferson Thomas [Clark]. The mother, Mrs. Aldrich lives with them, very sociable & kind.
They have every comfort they can wish & are very kind. Have a good farm and house. Plenty of good fruit. Br. is a little lame in his shoulders. He is a great Free Mason.

Tuesday, January 28 A very pleasant winter day. I like these new relatives very much, but am truly sorry for the false religious faith of these brothers & their families. Some of them have also false political sentiments. They are all in very comfortable circumstances & seem to enjoy each others society. Found several among them who I think real Christians. The most of them Universalists. If they really believe in Jesus, as they do in the father, I should be glad. Fear they do not regard him rightly. 

18 ii. Gilbert Clark was born 22 Feb 1790 Bedford, Westchester County, New York; he married Polly Snyder , 1810; he died 8 Dec 1850 Town of Ellery, Chautauqua County, NY, at age 60. Gilbert Clark According to Polly's obit;

"In 1816 they moved to a place near Dewittville in this county where in the wilderness they made their home." Gilbert had two grandsons, Perry and Edward, who spent their childhoods in Ellery, Chautauqua County, NY and lived in Ypsilanti, Michigan later.The letter that states this is written by Matilda Clark, she does not say who their father is. I don't find them in the 1870 census index of Ypsilanti, Mich. 9 March 1853 letter from Elias to Jotham mentions Gilbert's sons Nelson, in Wisconsin, and Fayette in Crawford County, PA; moved there 1853. According to Jotham's journal:

. . . "raised three sons and five daughters, and died at sixty years. He left a competence for his widow, and legacies for his children. Gilbert was of that happy frame of mind that carried contentment to all around him. His thirst for wealth was limited to his wants and there he was satisfied. I think few men took the sunny side of life better than he did. He lived in content on one hundred acres, had plenty, and was always free from debt." Origin/meaning of Chautauqua from a forgotten online source:  "The French spelled the lake's Indian name several ways. Maps and reports by Jesuits and explorers who traveled through or near the region by the 1700s exhibit the individual versions: Tchadakoin, Tjadakoin, Chataconit, Shatacoin, Jadaxque, Jadaaqua. The Holland Land Company, on its 1804 maps, spelled it Chautaughque. The "gh" was soon dropped, but the final "que" remained until 1859 when it was changed to its present 'qua'."

"The suggested meanings of this Seneca word are equally numerous: the place where one is lost; the place of easy death; fish taken out; foggy place; high up; two moccasins fastened together; and a bag tied in the middle. Several meanings refer to the lake's or the region's physical or climatic features; two refer to the lake's appearance; and two meanings come from Indian legends."

"From above, the lake does resemble a long bag tied in the middle, and that is now the favored translation . . . however, there is no disputing Chautauqua Lake's inextricable link to the people and the history of Chautauqua."

19 iii. Elias Clark was born 23 Jul 1792 Saratoga, New York; he married Polly Scofield 12 Mar 1814; he died 26 Sep 1878 Ellery, Chautauqua Co., NY, at age 86. In 1816 Elias Clark left Springport; see Jotham's Journal, pg 14.

20 iv. Jotham Clark was born 8 Mar 1794 Milton, Saratoga County, New York; he married Mary Ann Adams 6 Apr 1817 Cayuga County, New York; he died 5 Jan 1887 Conesus, Livingston County, NY, at age 92.

Jotham Clark Migrated to Livingston County 1817 according to a letter from his daughter to another family member. Misc. sources of information on these associated Clark lines include 2 relative reports found is historian's office, Union Springs; no name of authors. But, one looks like it was prepared by Fred Clark of Texas. Listed in 1868 Directory; farms 160 acres.

"The Peter Clark house [north of Henry Clark] on Turkey Hill Road is still standing, as is the Ezra Clark house on Clark Road. The Rial Weed place is not standing and I believe, that part, of Turkey Hill Road has been abandoned." (Ted Jackson eMail)  [Liz note: Rial Weed sold part of his lot to Henry R. Clark in 1833. Rial is somehow related to our Sarah Weed who was Jotham's mother.] (Jotham's Journal, pg 3, 4.). On 8 Mar 1815 Jotham Clark

"On the morning that I was twenty-one years old I told my father I must now take care of myself. I had served him my full time. He gave me his note for two hundred dollars, marked and gave me fourteen sheep and two two-year old steers, which he said was my outfit. The following year he gave me a cow. That season I worked the farm for one-fith of the produce and hay enough to keep my sheep. My part of the corn was 128 bushels which I sold in November for 50 cents per bushel. I took the farm again the next year. I furnished a pair of oxen and had one-fourth of the produce. This was a cold season. The corn was killed by frost and I lost everything except wheat which came in well." Aurelius (later Springport), Cayuga, NY (Jotham's Journal, pg 5).
"I had bought the land ... November ... 1816. I bought the eighty acres on which the house stands and paid One Hundred and Ten Dollars for the owner's right. Many years later when the heirs came of age, I completed the purchase at ten dollars per acre. I bought fifty acres on the south side of the road from Davenport Alger for $250.00. The imporvements were nine acres on the eighty in wheat, which wheat I did not have. Thirty acres on the fifty were girdled and in pasture. The road that now runs by the house was laid out in the fall of 1817. I carried the chain. The buildings consisted of a log house with a cob roof, only partly floored to set the bed on. The barn was an even match for the house." in Nov 1816 Freeport (later Conesus), Ontario County (later Livingston), NY. He lived on Turkey Hill at township line with Livonia. Prepared his homestead previous to his marriage.

In April after I was twenty-three I was married, and in one week the newly-married pair were on the farm which they still occupy today -- 1877. I had traded a patent iron plough for a wagon and my oxen for a horse, and bought another for thirty dollars. In the previous winter I had brought out one barrel of pork, two barrels of flour, a plow share with chain, and a drag with teeth. My new wife, through the generosity of her father, had six good chairs, one reel, one spinning wheel and one feather bed. Before starting for our new home we purchased at Auburn a number of pots, kettles, pans, etc. so that when we came to set up, a good matron said that if we had a washtube and table we would be as well off as many who had kept house for a number of years.

After marriage I looked over my money. A cow must be bought [what happened to the one his father gave him?] and some seed grain. So I divided my funds. Bought a cow for thirty dollars. Then I paid for hay and grain and bought potatoes at six shillings per bushel, so on the whole I made both ends meet. On April 13, just one week after our marriage, we found ourselves snugly settled on our farm. I told a neightbor who called that I had three things I like, -- my wife, my team, and my farm. This was my starting point. I was worth all told -- $350. My wife was healthy, and willing to do her part. She was a few months younger than I, and possessed many qualities which Burns described in his "Cotter's Saturday Night", when he says: 'She with her needle and her shears wude make auld clother look maish as gude as new'.

The clearing and improvements were hurried along as fast as possible. The first wheat crop yielded 26 bushels per acre. I sold it for ten shillings per bushel. The second crop was good in the bushel but light in the purse. Three and four shillings was the best I could get and I drew it to Littleville through muddy roads at that.  On 10 Aug 1832 Jotham Clark wrote in a letter:

Conesus August 10, 1832 ... Honored Parents; Through the indulgence of a kind providence we are in middlin health with cough. The children have been with biles soars on the head etc. Your friends in this place are presently well. Alexander Clark afflicted with the fever (& augue) & Thomas' wife. Thomas is getting smart his complaint has been on The liver, now so he Rides out in good weather. Harry Mysis (sic) was there Sabbath before that he and family were well. Sarah had got quite smart. We have finished haying & shall finish harvesting tomorrow as we have not more than two dozzen (sic) to draw wheat is a pretty good crop in this place thin but well headed & well filled we have had considerable ground to go over but have not been ......(missing)  to say I turned away four a day that called more than I could employ. We think we shall get a fair price this season...Corn is merely nothing if the buckwheat crop should fail it will be difficult to fat the pork. 

The cholera at present appears to increase at present we cherish the people that its ravages may not be soo mortal as has been expected. We still talk of going to Chautauqua if the cholera should cease and our health & family should be good I think we shall go. I should have some hopes you & mother would go if I had not heard you was confined at Brother Abijah's with your old complaint I should like to hear from you all particularly William.

I send you one the the Livingston Register when you have read it do hand it over to Brothers Lewis & James.

I am very dear parents

respectfully your son

Jotham Clark  He appeared on the census of 1855 Conesus, Livingston, NY; Agricultural Statistics, 4th day of June; Livingston County; Jotham Clark. Ref FHL#183267; transcript provided by Beverly Ray of California (relative and fellow researcher). As follows: (467 acres) 240 improved acres, 227 unimproved acres; Cash Value of farm $21,500; of stock $2300; of tools and implements $400. Acres, previous year, plowed 33; fallow 30; pasture 63. Acres, meadow 42 with 40 tons hay; 38 ac winter wheat, 800 bushels harvested; 16 acres oats, 300 bushels harvested; 10 ac barley, 244 harvested; 8 ac corn, 320 bushels harvested; 1 ac potatoes, 25 bushels harvested; apple orchards, 300 bushels apples, 6 barrels cider; 6 neat cattle; 3 cows; 1 slaughtered for beef; 3 cows milked, 400 lbs butter; 12 horses; 12 hogs; 270 sheep, 400 fleeces, 1400 pounds wool; $4 eggs sold. On 6 Jan 1868 Jotham Clark excert from the diary of Mary Patrick Stiles Clark. They lived in Tiffin, Ohio and were on a 6-week long visit to relatives in Livingston and Chautauqua counties. Her husband, Ezra W. Clark, is Jotham's brother.

"In the evening, Dr. P took me to br. [Jotham's] in a sleigh. Mr. McD[onald] took my husband. Found sister Mary Ann recovering from severe illness. No love of Jesus I fear in this house."
21 v. Peter Clark was born 23 Feb 1796 Milton, Saratoga County, New York; he married Roxey Laney Boucker circa 1816 prob Town of Springport, Cayuga County, NY; he died 16 Aug 1858 Lima, Livingston County, NY, at age 62.

22 vi. Wealthy Clark was born 2 Aug 1798 Town of Milton, Saratoga County, NY; she died 16 Mar 1817 Town of Springport, Cayuga County, New York, at age 18.

Wealthy Clark Her funeral sermon was published Wednesday March 26, 1817, Vol. 1, pg.3.by 'Advocate of the People. Died on Sunday morning

..."untimely stroke"... "Miss Clark had been affected with a most severe and distrubing illness for more than 2 months"... She died of consumption. Belonged to Church of Christ. From relative report prepared 14 aug 1991 Jim Clark, 5801 Thompson Rd., Gahanna, OH 43230; sent 21 Mar 1995; dated 9 Sep 1996... rec'd by Liz Cornish: 1817 Funeral Sermon, Cayuga County Historian Office, 157 Genesee St., Auburn, NY 13021; newspaper: Advocate of the People, no 28... Wednesday March 26, 1817, vol 1, pg 3:

Oh! What avails it now that fortune smiled That friends caressed and relatives adored? They could not shield thee from invidious DEATH; Nor skill, nor tenderness, could health afford! Died on Sunday Morning the 16th inst, MISS WEALTHY CLARK, DAUGHTER OF DEACON ICHABOD CLARK, of this town, in the 18th year of her age - deeply lamented by a large and disconsolate family, a very numerous circle of relatives, and a vast number of acquaintances - all regreting the untimely stroke which brought this opening flower of youth to a premature grave. Miss Clark had been affected with a most severe and disturbing illness for more than 2 months & after every exersion her recovery had failed, she at last went into the arms of Jesus.

She last sunk the arms of Jesus floriously & triumphantes in the hours of death and rejoicing that she was accompanied through this darkness by a convoy of angels who would carry her into the region of immortal glory. In her death the Church of Christ has experienced a love which it will long remember, and the family of which she was a member will have great cause to lament her exit. She was an ornament in the Church of Christ - a blossoming branch of a numerous family and a brilliant lusture to the whole circle of relatives & acquaintances but all these could not direct this messenger of death from his fatal purpose. Her friends are called to behold her resign, her of death - to see her borne the way of all the earth - and to reposit her in the cold the silent vault - there to sleep till the last - the transencendence trumphet shall wake thee nation's underground.

The sable curtains have wound themselves around this lovely youth - her pale wissage wears the countance of ortality, and teaches this solomn lesson THAT ALL are born to die. While in health she, by her own example, called on others to follow the dictates of heaven, and now since she has gone to that land "FROM WHENCE EVER NO TRAVELER RETURNS" - she calling with a voice louder that of the elemental thunders - for her acquaintences to be prepared to follow her to the silent mansions.

Mourn not for her ye bereaved friends, as for one whom ye have no hope. "Tis true your Wealthy is no more - she lies full low in the cold embrace of death." - But she lives in peace - she has entered into the joy of the Lord - she has gone to the mansions of glory there you again will meet her, when you too shall put off the incarnate clothing. There you will behold her countance, which you so lately saw pale and livid by the stroke of death more bright than radiant souce of day - There you will tread with her... and join in applauding the providence of God - then dry ye tears, ye mourning friends, and rest assured, that she entered the dark and lonesome valley with a cheerful smile accompanied by her savior, who has safely conducted her to the mansions of eternal rest and for their hope, you have sufficient ... you, will remember that while she was yet able to speak, she extended an unshakeable faith in her Redeemer who had sweetened the bed of death, by going down himself into the silent tomb. She said, that to her, death hath lost its terrors - the sable curtains could not discompose her peace. The yawning grave had not the horrors to afright her, and nature with all its idols, had not sufficient charm to protract her stay - eternity opened to her view - Heaven unfolded its eternal beauties while Jesus stood with open arms inviting her to leave this world of troubles, and be forever happy in his embrace, and all glorous presence - and when nature has no more claims on her, or charms to attract brightening hopes she closed her eyes in peace on all created things and with a joyful heart and cheerful countanance sank into the arms of her Savior (communicated).

23 vii. Lewis Clark (unknown author, DAR, Lineage Book of the - Volume 128 (1916) (n.p.: n.pub., n.d.).) was born 2 Aug 1798 Milton, Saratoga County, New York; he married Rhoda Lake, daughter of Warner Lake and Elizabeth Williams, 11 Nov 1819 Cayuga County, New York (Arline Young, "unknown short register title".); marriage performed by her father, Rev. Warner Lake; Lewis Clark died 11 Jan 1866 Dixboro, Town of Ypsilanti, Washtenaw County, Michigan, at age 67.

Dea. Lewis Clark, Buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Dixboro Superior Twp, Washtenaw County. Additional information is provided by distant cousin & fellow family history researcher Beth Miller. 1860 census shows Lewis _____, age 3 (b. 1848) in same household with Lewis, Rhoda, Ann, Orren Edward, William and Louisa. Lewis' last name is illegible according to transcriber. I don't know who this is. A 3 year old is too young to be child of Lewis & Rhoda. Possibly child of Annis and George Kent? 1862 moved to Town of Superior, Washtenaw Co., Michigan **Letter from Lewis to his brother Jotham -- August 1837**

'Dear Brother Jotham, I improve the present to inform you of the death of our Dear sister Annis which occured on the evening of the fourth a few minutes before Eleven O'clock. She enjoyed the sensible presence of her saviour to the last, death to her had lost its sting and terror. With calm serenity of mind did she call us around her diing (sic) bed to give us the parting hand and say to us for the last time, farewell my Dear friends, to which we most heartily responded fare you well dear sister, we hope to meet you in another and better wourld (sic), where parting sorrowing and sighing will never be permitted to come. She enjoyed her rational faculties to the last, which was a great consolation to all her surviving relatives her death was truly tryumphant (sic) and victorious yes thanks be to God who gave her the Victory through Our Lord Jesus Christ. I hope my Dear Br. we shall all of us face the importance of reseiving (sic) her diing (sic) admonition to be also ready. We have much reason to remember with gratitude the kind and affictionate (sic) treatment of Br. Davis towards our departed sister, he done everything for her comfort that love and kindness could sudjest (sic). Her funeral servises was attended Sabbath morning at the stone meeting house. Sermon by Mr. Carlile founded on P.S. 39th,4th Lord, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is, that I may know how frail I am. Please to communicate this intilegence (sic) to the rest of the relatives in your place. With respect and esteem your brother. Springport, Aug, 9th 1837. Lewis Clark. P.S. The wheat in our cuntry (sic) is verry (sic) much injured with rust many pieces hardly worth cutting. Just be Jan harvest. Raining for 2 days, haying all done' Postmarked from Union Springs Aug 9th. Another letter...from Lewis to Jotham..mentions Joel (11 days before his death), Abijah, Norman, James.

Dear Brother I received your kind and interesting letter in due time which informed meof your own good health and family with which intiligence (sic) I was highly gratifyed. And also to learn that the neighborhood were injoying (sic) uninterrupted health. You speak of excessive drouth (sic) commencing about the time that I left your place.And that your corn that looked so prosperous when I was there giving evidence that it would reach Horace Greeley’s estimate of 80 bushes per acre was now withered and dryed up by severe drouth (sic) to that degree that the leaves would burn. The affects of the drough (sic) is quite astonishing to me in your place but not more so than in ours. All along the Cayuga Lake on the clay ground the corn is nothing at all only 3 or 4 feet high and generally with out ears. The oats were so short that they had to mow them and rake like hay not mour (sic) than 1/4 of a crop of hay on all the clay lands. Henry Yawger did not mow only a part of his meadow at all so dryed and light. Come up on to the dry limestone land to the old Crane farm and there David Shank the present owners. Corn is litterly(sic) dryed up they are now cuting it up to save the fodder. Also Seth Weed and others owning those dry lands. My own corn is not so bad off it is yet green and growing a little. Norman was here last week He said our corn and Schencks on Father’s old farm in the first field south of the barn was the greenest that he had seen. Though thin is much of these pieces that have no ears on. Corn in the town of Fleming is not dryed up so much is in this town. You say your pastures are dryed to crisp so are ours the same remark hold good regarding pastures that applyes (sic) to corn. Our dry limestone land. George and I attended a Vandue (sic) of Isaac Shanks Esq. last Tuesday and I do not see how his stock did live for there was neither green nor dry vegetation left on his fields. He sold 200 head of sheep in lots from 10/ to 4/ per head. A large 5 year old mare for $65. Cows for $15 pr head 2 year old steers and heifers for $10 per head and yearling for $4. Could not longer keep them without foddering them the little he had stored for winter. I think your wheat and Barley croops (sic) must be much better than ours. We thrashed ours out some weeks agow(sic) our wheat yealded (sic) 10 bush per acre and our barley 20 but this is much larger yeald (sic) than many others. James had 70 bushels from 20 acres Uncle CorneliusSchenck had 50 bushels from 14 acres Mr. White’s what gave 6 bushels per acre. It is generally thought that the old county of Cayuga has not raised wheat enough this season to bread the inhabitants. It is against the laws of nature that potatoes should frowin dry hot earth so we have not any worth speaking of 2 hills would not make more than a handful so you are equal to us in this respect. With you I sympathise (sic) with the poor farmers on Canadice. I fear their crops are not sufficient for the sustinance (sic) of man and beast. You say our old Uncle Joel stays with you untill able to ride on the cars. I hope ere(*) this he has safely returned home. I thought he would soon recover. The farewell sermon and the words of the text to which you refer are verry (sic) excilent (sic)indeed the moral and religious sentiments contained in the text is worthy of all exceptation(sic). And should be practised at the fullest extent they can be in this imperfect state. Godwill not lessen our obligations to live and conform to a perfect law or rule because of ower(sic) imperfections. Nor yet should we (because it is true that no man livesand sins not) relax in our desires or efforts to conform to the perfect laws rules and example laid down in God’s word for the regulation of our lives and conduct. And where in mylife and conduct towards you has failed to conform to these good rules and examples I beg you will forgive and pardon as it is not my design knowingly to injure (sic) the feelings of a brother beloved. I do desire to live in peace and be of good comfort and of one mind towards all my breathren. In respect to Norman’s family they are quight(sic) afflicted yet the 2 oldest girls have been taken down several times since they first got about. Rhoda and I were there on Wednesday to see them. The children were quite sick confined to their bed the doctor thinks they will have the fever and ague to wind off with. Was glad to here from brother Abijah and family that they were all well. It is a pitty that his two sons were not with them as they are not calculated to waid in deep water I fear. I have now gone through and answered the most of your interesting communication and hope we shall contine to communicate to each other for mutual comfort and benefit. I think we have the ability to do so and the diposition also. Finally brother farewell be perfect be of good comfort be of one mind live in peace and the God of love and peace shall be with you. It is now two oclock Saturday afternoon August 26, 1854 been raining a few moments with thunder and prospect of more rain which may it please our Heavenly to send upon us to water the dryed and thirsty earth that this may be sustinance for man and beast. Give my best regard to all your family and inquiring friends. Lewis Clark(to) Jotham Clark. (August 26, 1854). * ere -- meaning: previous to; before In reference to Joel -- he died 10 days later in Painesville, Ohio on his way home. According to the obit of Lewis' wife, Rhoda, they moved to Michigan in 1862. 1850 census...Ruth Ann and Lib are not listed...if I recall, a letter refers to them...they are living with their older sister and her husband...I will check on this...Nov. 2003. Lewis Clark and Rhoda Lake Louisa b. 1848 shows in 1860 census. He appeared on the census of 1830; is enumerated ... (neighborhood) ... William Yawger, Ichabod Clark, Reuben Weed, Lewis Clark, Abigail Wisner, Charles Hoagland. He was Tax Assessor, along with others listed as assessors for the 1832 role. As an occupation; he also runs his farm in 1832 Springport, Cayuga, NY (On-line Source, online various, Cayuga County GenWeb jpg files of 1832 Assessment for Town of Springport. Photos of original journal.). In 1832 Lewis Clark Tax assessment; 62 acres valued at $1364. This year's assessment does not list lot numbers Springport, Cayuga, NY (On-line Source, online various, Cayuga County GenWeb jpg files of 1832 Assessment for Town of Springport. Photos of original journal.). He appeared on the census of 1840 Springport, Cayuga, NY. On 19 Dec 1847 Lewis Clark speaks of

"Uncle Reuben" ... "Uncle Sam Wisner ... Aunt Julia." On 19 Dec 1847 Lewis Clark Letter to his mother in South Livonia. Speaks of his poor health, family, house remodeling/expansion, new church being built, circumstances of friends and family. He appeared on the census of 1850 Springport, Cayuga, NY; Ag Schedule. Need to see original. Online version heading as misplaced, making it impossible to interpret. He appeared on the census of 1860 Springport, Cayuga, NY; also in household: 3 yr old Lewis Coe. He was Between Lewis Clark & Thompson T. Davis ...transcribed notarized agreement.

"An agrement between Lewis Clark of the town of Sprinigport and Thompson T. Davis of the town of Fleming of the sale of Clarks farm 1863. An article of agreement between lewis Clark and Thompson Davis. Clark agrees to sell Davis his farm of 130 acres of $70 per acre and to sell Davis thrity seven or forty acres of wheat on the ground at $10 per acre as the case may be when measured. Clark puts in the farm five bushels and a half of cloverseed and one of timothy seed, one old reeper a certain portion of wood in wood house this is all Davis agrees to pay me three thousand dollars down. Clark is to make the deed and pay the expenses. Davis is to pay the expenses of the mortgage and this finishes his part. I agree to take $2,000 of Davis the middle of September 1963". Lewis Clark. Thomas Davis" in 1863 Springport, Cayuga, NY.

24 viii. Ezra Westcott Clark was born 18 Sep 1800 Milton, Saratoga County, New York; he married Mary Patrick Stiles, daughter of Moses Stiles and Anna Gilbert, 16 Apr 1828 New York (Beverly Ray, "Family Group Sheet for Ezra Westcote Clark", 2003 (530 N. Houser Dr. Covina CA 91722). unknown memo.); he died 19 Oct 1871 Tiffin, Seneca County, Ohio, at age 71; he was buried Greenlawn Cemetery, Tiffin, Ohio (Beverly Ray, "Family Group Sheet for").

He was also known as Rev. Ezra Westcott Clark Excepts: 1868, January 1: Visiting friends and relative in Rochester, NY. Jan 2: Visiting... Livonia, NY. Jan 6: vsiting ... Conesus, NY. Jan 11: visiting... Nunda, NY. Jan 23: visiting... Hunt's Hollow, Jamestown, DeWittville, Long Point, Lake Chautauqua, & Ellery, NY. Feb. 17: Heading home thru North East Pennsylvania., Erie... Ashtabula, Cleveland and Sandusky, Ohio "on the rails". Feb. 21: Back home in Tiffin, Ohio (unknown compiler, online unknown url, unknown author (unknown location), Transcript of "The Diary of Mary Patrick Stiles Clark" -- online: www.toto.et/katydid/genpage/mpscdiar.htm.). Ezra Westcott Clark Was a Baptist minister, educated at Colgate University (then called Hamilton Seminary), Hamilton, Madison County, NY. Graduated class of 1827according to notation on copy of 'The Journal' in Clark file at Colgate, Special Collections, Case Library, Colgate University, Hamilton, NY 13346sent by Carl Peterson March 7, 2003. Letter written by E.W. Clark (in Liz's possession): Talks 'leaving Auburn'...visiting friends in Livonia; Chautauqua; etc., then home. Mary Patric Styles' Diary reflects same... This same letter says he will 'get in to our house' by the first of April (in Tiffin, Ohio)...that, meanwhilehe is staying East of Tiffin, in Lodi. The 1868 Business Directory for Livingston County; Conesus chapter: pgs49-55; lists two people by the name of E.W. Clark; town residents. One farms 175 acres, the other farms 250 acres. It's possible that one isthis E.W. Clark -- IF, he sold out early and 'moved'. Will have to check deed records to answer this question. I think it unlikely that 3 E.W.Clarks had lived there. But, according to family sources, this Ezra was in Ohio by 1839.

He was graduated in 1827 Madison, NY; from Madison Seminary; now called Colgate University. His Uncle Joel W. Clark was on of the 13 founders of 1817. According to the Colgate University History Timeline, a typical student schedule in 1831: Student schedule:

5:00 - 5:30 Chapel;  5:30 - 6:00 Private Devotions;  6:00 - 6:30 Reading and Studying;  6:30 - 7:00 Breakfast;  7:00 -8:00 Exercise by Manual Labor; 

8:00 - 8:30 Private Devotions;  8:30 - 12:00 Studies and Recitations;  12:00 - 12:30 Dinner;  12:30 - 1:30 Exercise by Manual Labor;  1:30 - 5:00 Studies and Recitations;  5:00 - 5:30 Chapel;  5:30 - 6:00 Supper;  6:00 - 6:30 Private Devotions;  6:30 - 9:00 Meetings, Reading and Writing;  9:00 - 9:30 Devotions in Room;  9:30 - 4:30 Sleep.  He was ordained on 4 Jun 1827; Town of Greece, Monroe County, NY. Preached Greece 1927. He was Type: Pastorate between 1829 and 1831 McLean Baptist Church, Tompkins County, NY. He appeared on the census of 1830 Groton, Tompkins, NY. In 1832 Ezra Westcott Clark  "The Baptist church . . . was the first church established. . . ."  Organizational meeting 21 May 1819. "In 1832 [same source says 1830 later] a frame church was built at the northwest corner of Church and Mill streets . . . early Baptists . . . were baptized in the Keshequa Creek". . . . Nunda was . . . "known to the aborigines as NUN-DA-GA-GEH" (Marjorie C. Frost, Early Years Town of Nunda 1808-1983, Revised (Dalton, New York: Burts Printing Service Inc., 1983), pgs 21, 48. Hereinafter cited as Nunda Early Years.). He was Type: Pastorate in 1832 Cortland, NY, Virgil Baptist Church. He was Type: Pastorate; ..."came here in the fall". At this time, the Church was newly constructed (frame) with seating capacity of 400. Prior to this, meetings were ad hoc. Including: "In 1827 the members voted to meet in one place from May first to October first, and that place was Mr. Jones' barn." Pastors of the Baptist church included: Ezra W. Clark, Ichabod Clark. ...this from pg 445 Centennial History of the Town of Nunda, 1908 between 1832 and 1836 Nunda Baptist Church.  On 26 Jan 1833 Ezra Westcott Clark wrote this letter to his brother:

Nunda Valley Jan 26, 1833 Dear Br. Jotham I have been so much occupied since I arrived here, that I have not had time to write scarcely a line, to any of my friends. It would have been a great pleasure, to have called on you when I moved, but the traveling was so extremely bad, that it was not possible, without considerable inconvenience. I hope to see you, and your wife here this winter. My circumstances are such, that I am very much confined at present. The work of revival still goes on. New cases of conversion occur every week. There have been 74 baptised, since I came here in the fall. My time is all taken up, in the duties of my profession. I sometimes feel quite worn out, and hardly able to go about. I have thought of making you a visit, in the course of the winter, if I can find time. Mrs. Clark is quite anxious to form acquaintance with you and your family. Should there be sleighing, I think we shall be out the latter part of the winter. I have felt very anxious to hear from home, Father & Mothers health was very poor when I came through Springport. I have written to them twice, but have not heard a word in reply. The people here appear friendly, and willing to aminister (sic) to my necessities. How they will hold out, I cannot tell, but, I think they will do tolerable well. At present we live in the house with Mr. Pierce, formerly of Bloomfield. I have not yet purchased me a place, what I shall do, I have not determined; lands here are very high. Tell brother that we should be exceeding glad to see him and his wife here in the course of the winter. I have thought of making an exchange, with Uncle Joel before long if he is willing. I am happy to learn, that he is preaching to the Church in your vicinity. I know of nothing that should hinder him, from the free excercise of his gifts. When I came through Venice, I learnt the particulars of his circumstances. There was perfect unaminaty and satisfaction, in the church relative to him. I trust the Lord will aprove of his labours and under him a blessing, to the people in your place. I wrote to him a few days since, in behalf of Judge Ashley. Should he or you be able to aid the Judge, you will confer on him a favor by writing immediately. My health is rather feable, yet, so good that I am about daily. Mrs. Clark has been sadly afflicted with swellings, her health has been conciderably impaired, at present much better. The children are in good health. Give my love and good will, to Peter, John and their families. Uncle joel and Aunt Sarah. Tell them all to come and make us a visit. Write me soon and give me a full statement of every thing you please. Give my love to your wife and family. Yours truly Ezra W. Clark. In 1838 Ezra Westcott Clark preached at Genoa October, 1838 until ? After 1838 Ezra Westcott Clark according to the Colgate General Catalogue 1819-1919 ... alumni information ... "agent Granv; FC; ABMU; p Sidney O; miss Upper Miami Assoc; p Republic in 56; agent ABPS; AFBS; miss Seneca Assoc." In 1868 Ezra Westcott Clark a diary was kept by his wife, Mary Patrick Stiles. A transcript of which can be found online. They made a visit to their relatives in Livingston and Chautaugua counties from early January to mid-February. Much family information can be gleened from these entries. The diary was posted by katydid@toto.net Cathy McGivern; re: MPS Clark diary. From an email, sent to me 1 Aug 2006. "Mary Patrick Stiles Clark and Ezra Clark were the parents of Mary M. Clark who married Wooster Beach Jordan. Their son Arthur L.Jordan married Louisa Colby and was the father of my husband's grandmother, Eleanor Louisa Jordan. My husband "inherited" an old bookcase that contains many books, scrapbooks, journals, etc. from different ancestors. That is where I found the diary. It was a small pocket type diary, only about 2" by 4" and just under an inch thick. It took me about 6 months to decipher what you saw in the transcription online, but oh was it so worth it."
25 ix. Martha Patty Clark was born 26 Aug 1802 Milton, Saratoga County, New York; she married James Patterson circa 1825 prob Town of Springport, Cayuga County, NY; she died 26 Apr 1857, Livingston County, NY, at age 54. Perhaps buried in Alger Cemetery, Conesus. She lived in South Livonia according to Ted Jackson's information sheet. Also Note: her mother Sarah is in South Livonia Dec. 1847; has returned to Springport by summer of 1848.

1855 state census, town of Portage, shows James Patterson, 58, farmer, b. CT; Martha, 53, b. Saratoga; Elias. 23, b. Cayuga; Martha, 18, b. Livingston; George, 16. The family (according to 1855 census) had moved to Portage in 1849. They likely had lived in South Livonia from ca. 1835 to 1849. Martha's mother had written a letter from "South Livonia" in 1849; it is likely she was staying with this family at that time. A neighbor in 1855 (now in town of Portage) is a cousin, David P. Lake, 59; Ann, 58 and children; occupation: Shoemaker [more to be gleaned here]

There is a James Patterson, buried in Alger Cemetery (Conesus) who died 17 July 1855 at the age of 58.

Probably their son: Dr. John C. Patterson, "born in Scipio" [Cayuga county] 23 Jan 1823, died 9 May 1896, buried Oakridge Cemetery (around the corner from his home which was next door to the South Livonia Baptist Church [both still standing]. Mary Patrick Styles Clark, in her diary, said "Dr. P."drove her to Jotham's house during their eventful visit from Ohio. His death notice was published in the Livingston Gazette, pg. 3.

26 x. Sarah Clark was born 8 Sep 1804 Milton, Saratoga County, New York; she married Henry Myers circa 1830; she died 4 Feb 1840 Pittsford, Monroe County, NY, at age 35.

27 xi. John W. Clark was born 4 Nov 1806 Milton, Saratoga County, New York; he married Louisa Flinn, daughter of Peter Flinn and Mary Castilla Richardson, 17 Jan 1828 Town of Springport, Cayuga County, NY (Arline Young, "unknown short register title".); "Jan. 17th, 1828 - John Clark to Lizzie Flinn, Springport;" he died 14 Dec 1841 Springport, Cayuga County, New York, at age 35; he was buried Dec 1841 Oakridge Cemetery, Springport, Cayuga, New York. John W. Clark Had five children. I have copies of Surrogate records and Letter of Administration 1844, from Cayuga County Court House Records Dept. His son John went to live with his grandfather Peter Flinn at age 7 and stayed for 5 years. Info from Ted Jackson, descendent of Jotham Clark of Conesus, states John W. Clark was born in Springport, Cayuga County not Milton, Saratoga County as our records state. Buried in Oak Rige Cemetery. Ted furnished additional information of this line.

28 xii. Alanson Weed Clark was born 16 Mar 1809 prob Milton, Saratoga County, NY; he died 7 Oct 1831 Springport, Cayuga County, New York, at age 22.

29 xiii. William Hoyt Clark was born 2 Feb 1811 Springport, Cayuga County, New York; he married (--?--) Ruth circa 1833; he died 26 Mar 1846 Springport, Cayuga County, New York, at age 35.

30 xiv. Mary Clark was born 11 Jun 1813 Springport, Cayuga County, New York; she died 27 Oct 1830 Springport, Cayuga County, New York, at age 17.

31 xv. Annis Clark was born 26 Feb 1816 Town of Springport, Cayuga County, New York; she married Thompson Davis circa 1835; she died 4 Aug 1837 Town of Springport, Cayuga County, New York, at age 21.

Should you trip over this site, and be a distant relative, 

or have corrections or comments, please feel free to contact me. 

E-mail Liz Cornish

HOME

Census Records | Vital Records | Family Trees & Communities | Immigration Records | Military Records

Directories & Member Lists | Family & Local Histories | Newspapers & Periodicals | Court, Land & Probate | Finding Aids