Don J. Clark Family Papers

Collection

Identifier: Mss 660

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

In the Correspondence Series is a 1907 letter from Annie Dwight Tyler to Don Clark, letters of Ethel Hutchison’s concerning wages (1932), and a letter from Ethel to L. L. Phelps concerning wages (1943). In the Subject Files Series are permits to transport corpses (1935-47), financial records of Martin C. Clark (1862-80), and the Roll of the First Rifle Regiment of Vermont (1843). There are some newspaper articles on Fort Abercrombie (1918, 1953). Of interest is the Civil Justice Docket of Abercrombie (19071940) as well as an assortment of mortgages, town lot contracts, a sheriff’s certificate and Warranty deeds (1885-1893). Also included are Ethel Hutchison’s county tax receipts, (1885-1940). The two scrapbooks (1890-1956) belonged to Ethel Clark Hutchison. Included in these are numerous clippings of obituaries and other noteworthy happenings of family and friends, in the Abercrombie and Richland County area. There are a number of historical articles on Pioneer days in Abercrombie as well as family correspondence, programs, and announcements.

Dates

1843-1957

Creator

Clark, Don J., 1852-1936. (Person)

Access

The collection is open under the rules and regulations of the Institute.

Copyrights

The Institute does not hold the copyrights.

Biography

Don Juan Clark Sr. was born at Burlington, Vermont, June 4, 1852 to Mr. and Mrs. Martin C. Clark. In 1864, the family moved to Minnesota and in 1870 Don Clark went to Rochester, Minnesota. In 1879 he filed on a claim near Lake Itasca, Minnesota and in 1880, with brother-in-law Charles Losinger, he went by covered wagon to Fort Abercrombie, Dakota Territory where he squatted on land one mile north of the Fort. On December 1, 1872 he married Sarah Rovilla Losinger of Rochester, born April 28, 1854 in Pennsylvania. They had four children; Charles, Ethel (Mrs. Earl Hutchison), Elsa, and Don Jr. After 62 years of marriage, Mr. Clark died March 9, 1935 and Mrs. Clark, March 1, 1936. Both are buried in the M. W. A. (Woodman) Cemetery of Abercrombie. Mr. Clark worked at land development and also was a carpenter. He built the first pontoon bridge across the Red River, between Fort Abercrombie and McCauleyville. During the 1881 smallpox epidemic, he built all the coffins and established the M.W.A. Cemetery on his land. He and his wife rendered much medical help, including vaccinations, in the Abercrombie area due to a lack of doctors. He helped organize the first townships and school districts, and was the first Justice of the Peace, a post he held for 53. He was at one time part owner of Hammer and Clark’s Drug Store.

Extent

1.6 Linear Feet (1.6 linear feet)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

The collection consists of the justice docket for Abercrombie (1907-1940); mortgages; contracts; warranty deeds (1885-1895); First Rifle Regiment of Vermont roll (1843); financial records (1862-1880) of his father, Martin C. Clark; corpse transport permits; county tax receipts; and two scrapbooks (1980-1956) of clippings on people and historical events at Abercrombie and Richland County which were complied by Ethel Clark Hutchinson.

Provenance

Donated by Mrs. Don J. Clark Jr. of Abercrombie, North Dakota on June 15, 1956 (Acc. 660).

Separation Record

The following items have been removed from the Don Clark Collection and sent to the section indicated. Photographs (Institute photograph collection)

16 general scenes, Abercrombie 37 Clark family photos 9 Losinger family photos 15 people of Abercrombie 14 Clark family friends and relatives 20 Clark family friends