R. B. Clarke, merchant, Oakland; born in Madison Co., N. Y., Oct. 3, 1814, where he was engaged in farming until he attained his majority, when he emigrated to Ohio, where he engaged in the merchandise trade and distilling whisky for eighteen years; in 1852, he came to Illinois, and, in 1854, located in Oakland, and, with C. Clement, erected the first flour, feed and saw mill built in this town; he followed this business for upward of twelve years, when he sold his mill; in 1868, he engaged in the grocery and hardware trade, which he has since successfully followed, being assisted in the same by his son, Orrin M. He married, Oct. 1, 1849, to Margaret D. Welch; she was born in Fairfield Co., Ohio, Jan. 31, 1816; they have four children now living by this union, viz.: Orrin M., Clara B., Mary J. and Odd R., Orrin M. Clark, the oldest son, was born in Ohio May 15, 1850; he was married to Alice E. Adams July 15, 1874; she was born in Lawrence Co., Ind., Jan. 27, 1859; they are the parents of three children now living, viz., Clara B., Claude D. and Jessie C.; Mr. Clark is engaged with his father in the general management of his business.
