John H. Clarke
This family name has long been know in the county, for the state was still young when the Clarkes came as permanent residents of this vicinity. John H. Clarke was the son of James and Sarah (Hagerman) Clarke. James Clarke was born in Northampton, England, November 4, 1804. In 1826 he embarked for America and was seventy days in crossing the Atlantic. He came on to
Cincinnati, Ohio, leaving there for Lebanon, Ohio, from whence he came to Shelby county, Indiana, settling in Jackson
township. He devoted himself to farming and had to confront the difficult task that faced all the farmers, viz.,
that of transforming the great forest into productive fields. This he accomplished and became well known as a
man of industry and integrity. He was well educated and a clever writer, having written an interesting history
of the Clarke family. He was a member of the Christian church, and a Republican in politics.
Six children were born to James and Sarah Clarke: Thomas, deceased, married Sarilda Jane Records; John H., our subject, born January
10, 1835; Spencer was killed in 1849 by a locomotive when but fourteen years of age; Frances,
deceased wife of Ezra Hicks; Adrian and Charles both died in infancy. After the
death of his first wife, James Clarke was married to Ellen Rae. John H. Clarke was married November
10, 1858, to Ethelinda Records, who was born in Jackson township, this county, January 4, 1857[sic]. She was the daughter of William P. and Elcey (Harvey) Records, both families being the pioneers of the county. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Clarke: Thomas C., born November 6, 1859, married Fannie Barlow, of Jackson township; George H., born September 24, 1861, in the ministry and is a graduate of Butler College, of Indianapolis; Sarah E., born January 12, 1863, and Elcey J., January 17, 1865, are both deceased; William F., a post-graduate of Butler College, is superintendent of schools at Forsythe, Montana; Mary S., born February 22, 1871, is deceased; Cora
C., born December 4, 1881, is a graduate of Franklin College and is a teacher in the high school of Brazil,
Indiana.
The splendid record of this family is but a modest
tribute to the wholesome and inspiring influence of a home that is permeated by a spirit of helpfulness and refinement. William P. Records, the father of Mrs. Clarke was born in Brown county, Ohio, in February, 1801. His companion, Elcey Harvey, was a native of New York state, and was born in 1806. Both lived to an advanced age. Mr. Records
died at the age of eighty-six and his wife at the age of ninety. Twelve children were born to them. They were:
Franklin S., Harriet E., wife of Lewis Mullendore; Lavina T., wife of William DePue, of Franklin, Indiana; Huldah A., wife of Nathan Deupree; Jane, widow
of Thomas Clarke; William W., deceased; James L., a farmer of Bartholomew county; Mary A., died in infancy; J. Q. A., a farmer living in Johnson county; Elcey C., wife of J. S. Curtley, of Franklin, Indiana; Taylor, who died in infancy; Ethelinda, wife of John H. Clarke, of this review.
Mr. and Mrs. Clarke are members of the Christian church at Mount Auburn, Indiana, and are held in high esteem by its membership. Mr. Clarke is one of the elders of the church and kind and considerate are his views, bearing on both religious and political subjects. He has been a
progressive as well as successful farmer, acquiring over two hundred acres of first class land. In recent years
he has retired from active farm life, but still retains a keen interest in the farm, as well as in the leading
social problems of the day.
Chadwick's History of Shelby County, Indiana, by Edward H. Chadwick, B.A., assisted by well known local
talent, B.F. Bowen & Co, Publishers: Indianapolis, IN, 1909, pg 599-600.
Copied by Phyllis Miller Fleming
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