Judge B. F. Clark
Judge B. F. Clark, Cashier of the Madison National Bank, and a life resident and well respected citizen of this county, was born in Deer Creek Township, October 23, 1829, in the neighborhood familiarly known as "Limerick,'' and where the first term of court was held in Madison County. His father, Franklin Clark, was a native of Massachusetts, and a trunk maker by trade. While a resident of the township, he served as Justice of Peace for many years. He was twice married. By his first wife he had three children, probably none now living. His second wife was Narcissis (Babcock) Newcomb, widow of William Newcomb. Our subject was their only child. The father died in October, 1843, aged sixty-five years, and the mother in March, 1874.,aged eighty-two years. When fourteen years of age. Judge Clark went to Urbana, Champaign Co., Ohio, where he learned carriage-trimming and harness-making, following these two trades for twelve years at Urbana and Columbus, and eight years after locating in London. He was appointed to the position as Postmaster of London by President Franklin Pierce, serving in that capacity for a period of six years. He was then elected Probate Judge of Madison County, holding the office for six years. During this time, he studied law, and on February 22, 1864, was admitted to practice by the Supreme Court of Ohio. He opened an office at London, and remained in the practice of his profession until July 1, 1870, when he was appointed Teller of the Madison National Bank. He accepted the position, acceptably filled it until October, 1880, when he was made Cashier. Judge Clark is a member of Chandler Lodge, No. 138, and Adamran Chapter (Masonic), and Madison Lodge, No. 70, and London Encampment, No. 126 (I. O. O. F.). He has always evinced a deep interest in religious matters, and for twenty years has served as Elder in the Presbyterian Church at London. In 1870, he was a delegate from the Columbus Presbytery to the General Assembly, which met at Philadelphia, Penn., and which was the first union of the Northern and Southern branches of the church after the close of the war. Judge Clark has ever voted the Democratic ticket, and was serving his second term as Mayor of London when he resigned to accept the position offered him in the bank. He was married, in August, 1850, to Rachel Jones, a native of this county. Two children were given them, one living—Job J., an insurance agent of London. The elder son, Quinn, died in 1879. Mrs. Clark is also a member of the Presbyterian Church.
From History of Madison County - W. H. Beers [Chicago, 1883]