Levi L. Clark
Levi L. Clark, retired farmer, P. O. Germantown, is a son of Thomas and Catherine (Lehman) Clark, both natives of Pennsylvania, the former born July 5, 1785, and the latter December 28, 1791. Thomas was by occupation a farmer, and through life a resident of his native State. Their death occurred several years ago, and they were the parents of ten children, of whom four are now living, viz.: Lydia, Levi L., Thomas and Abraham. Mr. and Mrs. Clark were a noble couple, their charity was not vaunting and their love for their fellow-men was unbounded. Levi L. whose name heads this article, was born near Jonestown, Lebanon County, Penn., October 11, 1814. In early life his summers were devoted to farming, and his winter months to school, but his education, though limited, was mostly acquired through his own exertions. At the age of eighteen he commenced clerking, and was thus engaged for five successive years. At the age of twenty-three, he came to Germantown, Montgomery County, Ohio, and obtained a situation in the dry goods store of J. Crist, and John D. Gunckle, of Montgomery County, born April 9, 1817. The fruits of this marriage are eleven children, viz.: John T., of Columbus, Neb.; Jefferson L., of Miamisburg; George of Colorado; William H., Frank G., Mary C. (now Mrs. Oblinger), Harriett E. (now Mrs. Keiner), Sarah J. (now Mrs. Trout), Ellen S., Alice V. and Maria B. Soon after the nuptials of Levi and Maria L. Clark, he located on his father-in-law’s farm, took charge of it, and again became a tiller of the soil as in his youthful days. This, however, only commanded his attention a few years, when he embarked, unexperienced, in the coopering business, and repairing firearms, which two occupations combined proved quite remunerative. Several years later, he purchased a farm of 91 1/2 acres, of Rev. J. L. Hoffman, situated on Little Twin Creek, where he located and remained until 1868, when he removed to his present beautiful location in the limits of the incorporation of Germantown. Mr. and Mrs. Clark’s religious affiliations have been with the Methodist Episcopal Church for nearly half a century, during which time they have been constant and valuable contributors for its welfare and progress.
From History of Montgomery County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., Chicago, 1882