DARWIN CLARK


From History of Dane County, Wisconsin, publ. by Western Historical Company, Chicago, 1880, page 965

DARWIN CLARK, one of the earliest settlers of Madison; born in Otego, Otsego Co., N.Y., May 12, 1812; learned the trade of cabinet making, and served an apprenticeship from 16 to 21 years of age; came to Madison, June 10, 1837, coming from Utica to Buffalo by canal, from Buffalo to Detroit by boat, from Detroit to St. Joseph, Mich., on foot, took boat to Chicago, walked from Chicago to Madison via Milwaukee; worked part of that season on the capitol, and on steam mill, American Hotel, store, etc.; the mill was built by the Government, from money appropriated for the construction of the capitol; only completed the basement of the capitol first season; the cost was about $13,000; the first lumber sawed here was by whip sawyers; helped frame the roof of the capitol and American House in 1838; in November 1839, went into the American House as clerk, remained with Morrison, in the hotel until 1841, and practically run the house part of the time; in 1841, helped build another mill for Simeon Mills; in 1842, went into the building and contracting business for himself. In April 1845, commenced the furniture business in the same place where he was located. In the winter of 1843-44, he taught school in Madison; was candidate for Sheriff, and only beaten by twenty-four votes in 1844, and was Deputy County Treasurer before he ran for Sheriff. The county was divided into two precincts, and he was elected treasurer a couple of times of Madison and Blue Mound precinct; was Treasurer of the village of Madison three terms; was Alderman during the years of 185-59-60-61; during one year was President of the Council; again was elected Alderman, and acted in that capacity for three years, and was connected with the School board two years. Married at Webster, Monroe Co., N.Y., Aug. 31, 1848, Sarah L. GOODNOW, a native of Webster, Monroe Co., N.Y., who was born May 9, 1824, and died March 5, 1854. His second marriage was at Oshkosh, Wis., May 20, 1858, to Frances A. ADAMS; she was born at Akron, Ohio, Jan. 16, 1833; two children by this marriage - Frances Louise, born June 15, 1859, and Grace, born Aug. 23, 1864.

Transcribed and contributed to this site by Carol

 

 

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