Capt. John B. Clark1,2

b. 9 August 1785, d. February 1869
John Clark (cropped)
photo courtesy Cal Baldwin
FatherJames Clark3,4,5 b. 5 Jul 1754, d. 21 Dec 1818
MotherIsabella Breckenridge3 b. abt 1764, d. 9 Sep 1848
Birth9 Aug 1785 Capt. John B. Clark was born on 9 Aug 1785 near York, Pennsylvania.2,6 
17 Jan 1811  His parents moved the family down the Great Valley of Virginia where they settled in Washington Co. sometime around 1790. John's father purchased land on both sides of the Stage Rd. south of what is now the community of Glade Spring. On 17 Jan., 1811, at the age of 25, John purchased slightly less than 100 acres south of the Stage Rd. and adjacent to his parent's land for $660.7 
MarriageJun 1812 He married Mary Beattie, daughter of David Beattie and Mary Beattie, on the 25th or 26th of Jun 1812 in Washington County, Virginia.8,9,10 
  Three years earlier John's sister Nancy Clark had married Mary's brother David Beattie. In addition, John's brother, James Clark would later marry David and Mary Beattie's first cousin Ann Ryburn.  
Land-Buy22 Jul 1812  A month after his marriage John purchased 140 acres of his father's land for $200. The land fronted the south side of the "Great Rd."11 [present day Rt. 11 - older deeds also called it the "Old Stage Rd."] 
  John's brother James purchased their father's remaining land south of the road on the same day.12 
Land-Sell19 Dec 1814  John then sold James the acreage he had purchased in 1811. James paid John $700 for the land.13 
Fath-DeathDec 1818  James Clark Sr. died in late 1818, leaving John $1 and naming him as his executor. James Sr. left the remainder of his land to John's 2 youngest brothers, Robert and Peter.4 
Court RecordOct 1820 John and Mary were named in a lawsuit filed by Mary's brother James Beattie in late 1820. James Beattie was upset because both his sister Mary and his brother David had been gifted a slave by their father after he wrote his will. James Beattie felt the the slaves should have been part of their father's estate. James lost the lawsuit and had to reimburse John Clark and David Beattie $33.70 for their defense. The receipt for this payment preserved the men's signatures (see below).14,15 
Land3 Aug 1821 On 3 Aug 1821 the Washington County court deeded John a little under 8 acres fronting the "great road" to Abingdon. The land had been assigned to John as the result of a Chancery Court case in which John had sued the heirs of Bazil Talbert whose lands abutted John on his western edge.16 
Executor15 May 1821  John's uncle Robert Clark wrote his will in May 1821. He appointed John as his executor and referred to him as "John Clark, son to my brother James". Peter Clark was also co-executor. The will was proved in court in June 1821 at which time John and Peter posted bond in the amount of $2,000.17 
  Although not classically educated, John read extensively in an era when books were not readily available.18 
Public Servbetween 1829 and 1830 John served in the Virginia state legislature between 1829 and 1830.19 
Cens-18301830  The 1830 census for Washington County included 5 households headed by men named John Clark. However, the census were not resorted alphabetically, allowing one to associate men with their neighbors. A cluster of entries consisting of Robert Clark, James Clark, Peter Clark and John Clark represents the sons of James Clark and Isabella Breckenridge living on land they inherited or purchased from their father. John's entry suggests the presence of Mary and their children. An unexplained 15-20 year old male was also tallied.20 
Land-Buy26 Feb 1831  The following year John's brother Robert sold much of the land he had inherited from the men's father. John purchased 122 acres from Robert and his wife Catherine for $507.21 
  This tract sat on the north side of the "Great Road", giving John frontage on both sides of the road. 
Guardian26 Aug 1844 John was named guardian of his wife's brother, William Beatie on 26 Aug 1844. The court papers described William as "an idiot."22 
Cens-18501850 The first federal census to enumerate all members of the household by name was recorded for Washington County in 1850. John was listed as "Capt. Clark". He was 68 years old and owned land valued at $4,000. Enumerated with him were the following: Mary, 54, Rosanah, 23, Martha, 21, James, 20, Elizabeth, 15, John, 10, Ellen, 7 (all Clark) and M.J. Snodgrass, 9 and James Rhea, 18.23 
  M.J. Snodgrass was probably Mary Jane Snodgrass, the daughter of John's sister Margaret (Clark) Snodgrass. Both Margaret and her husband Samuel were deceased. 
Cens-1850- Agric  The 1850 census also included an agricultural schedule. John's entry reported that he owned 200 acres of improved land and 175 acres of unimproved land. He also owned farm equipment worth $75 and livestock valued at $1,100. This included 8 cows, 32 cattle, 40 sheep and 60 pigs. Like most of his neighbors, John's largest crop was Indian corn.24 
Cens-1850- Slave  Six slaves helped run the farm.25 
Land-Gift6 May 1858  On May 6, 1858, John and Mary "being both far advanced in life and wishing to be delivered as much as possible from the cares of the world" entered into an agreement with their sons John and James whereby the older couple deeded all of their land, comprising 4 tracts totaling 370 acres, to the two younger men. In exchange, John and James were to pay a debt their father owed John M. Preston of over $2,000. They were also to pay their sisters Elizabeth and Eleanor Clark $500 although that legacy was negated if the 2 women remained on the family farm and were supported by their brothers. The men's sister Martha Ryburn was to receive $300. The agreement also stated that the two sons were to provide a comfortable support for John and Mary, who were to remain in "possession and control" of the dwelling house and kitchen.26  
Widowed20 Jun 1858  The following month Mary died of typhoid fever.27 
Cens-18601860  John's 1860 household included his 23 year old son John, his 25 year old daughter Elizabeth and his 17 year old daughter Ellen. At age 74, John's occupation was listed as "blacksmith."28 
DeathFeb 1869 John died the 9th or 10th of Feb 1869 at age 83.2,29 
Burial He was buried next to Mary at Old Glade Spring Cemetery in Washington County, Virginia.2 

Research Comment:

Notes left by one of John and Mary's daughters state they had 12 children, several of whom died young. Those who survived were: David, Nancy, Isabella, Martha, James, Elizabeth, Breckenridge and Ellen. Several other children are included below who may or may not represent the additional children who died young.3

Related Links and Images:

John Clark signature (1822)
For details of the Beaty vs Clark lawsuit see the Chancery page.
John's birthdate as entered in the Bible of his brother, Peter Clark30
John's marriage date as entered in the Bible of his brother, Peter Clark30
Learn more about the home in which John lived as a young adult31
See Clark Homes on the Old Stage Rd for photos and of the home John built in the early 1800s on land he purchased from his father. It was here he and Mary raised their family.32
See James Clark's land for information on how John came to own a large portion of his father's land.
See the Glade Spring area maps made in 1821 and 1890. Look for the home labeled "Jno Clark" on the 1821 map. The same home was identified as belonging to "J.B." Clark [John Breckenridge Clark] on the 1890 map. Additional detail is presented in a chart following the maps.33
John's headstone
Other interments in Old Glade Spring Cemetery
Agreement between John and Mary, and their sons John and James
The 1850 Washington Co., Virginia census listed John as the head of household number 612. Follow the link to see who lived nearby.

Family

Mary Beattie b. 10 Nov 1794, d. 30 Jun 1858
Children
ChartsDescendants of James Clark and Isabella Breckenridge
Last Edited12 Sep 2013

Citations

  1. [S5] Elizabeth Kelly Allison, Early Southwest Virginia Families, p. 70-85 (provides middle initial).
  2. [S2] Catherine McConnell, High On A Windy Hill, p. 177. Capt. John Clark, b. near York, Pa, 9 Aug 1785, d. 10 Feb. 1869, age 83y 6m 1d.
  3. [S11] "Family notes of Mrs. Lizzie Ryburn."
  4. [S131] James Clark will (1819), Washington Co., Virginia, Will Book 4: 281.
  5. [S1772] Washington Co., Virginia Deed Book 10: 397. Robert and Catherine Clark (26 Feb. 1831) to Peter Clark. The deed specifically refers to the land as part of a tract of land left to Robert and Peter in the will of their father, James Clark. A survey dated 19 Sept. 1827 (WC Survey Book 2:508-509) further establishes this as part of a larger parcel of lands belonging to John, Robert, Peter and James Clark conveyed by James Braden to James Clark, father to the 4 men.
  6. [S1546] Peter and Margaret Clark Bible. The Bible included the dates of birth for Peter's siblings and includes the following entry: "John born August 9th 1785."
  7. [S2152] Washington Co., Virginia Deed Book 4: p. 464. Deed dated 17 Jan. 1811 between Mathew Longwell, and Margery, wife, to John Clark for $660, sell 94 acres deeded to Longwell by Jacob Wolf, 20 Feb. 1798 and 4 1/2 acres by John Orr, 22 Oct. 1798; recorded 2 Aug. 1811.
  8. [S4] D.E. Brown, Marriages of Washington Co., VA 1781-1853, p. 11. John Clark and Mary Beatie, 26 June 1812; minister: Edward Crawford.
  9. [S1546] Peter and Margaret Clark Bible. The Bible included the dates of mariage for Peter's siblings and includes the following entry: "John June 25th 1812."
  10. [S140] "Ryburn History," compiled by P. Shugart, p. 46. This information is from transcribed lists of birth, death and marriage dates for John Clark and Mary Beattie Clark and their children. It uses 22 June 1812 as the marriage date.
  11. [S719] Washington Co., Virginia Deed Book 5: 109. The deed was dated 22 Jul 1812 and recorded 18 Aug. 1812.
  12. [S719] Washington Co., Virginia Deed Book 5: 108. The deed was dated 22 Jul 1812 and recorded 18 Aug. 1812.
  13. [S2212] Jack Hockett, Washington Co., Virginia Deed Book 6, 1814-1818, p. 7. Deed dated 19 Dec. 1814 between John Clark and Polly, wife, to James Clark for $700, sell 98 1/2 acres purchased by Clark from Mathew Longwell; recorded 20 Dec. 1814.
  14. [S1039] Beaty et al vs Clark et al; Wythe Co., Virginia Superior Ct. of Chancery no. 1821-04-SC.
  15. [S864] John Clark and David Beatie receipt, Boone Co., Missouri probate file no. 12, James Beattie deceased.
  16. [S2206] Washington Co., Virginia Deed Book 7: 386.
  17. [S618] Robert Clark Will (1821), Washington Co., Virginia, Will Book 5: 10. Robert's will was dated 15 May 1821 and proved in court 19 June 1821 with Peter Clark and John Clark taking the oath of executor. They posted bond in the amount of $2,000 with John Galliher and Mathew Ryburn security.
  18. [S23] Calvin B. Baldwin Jr., "James Clark" in Families of Washington Co. and Bristol, VA, p. 113.
  19. [S5] Elizabeth Kelly Allison, Early Southwest Virginia Families, p. 70-85.
  20. [S578] John Clark household, 1830 U.S. cens., Washington Co., Virginia, p. 233, viewed online at Ancestry.com, Aug. 2007, image 17 of 150. Tally as follows: 1M under 5; 1M 10-15; 1M 15-20; 1M 40-50; 1F under 5; 3F 5-10; 1F 10-15; 1F 15-20; 1F 30-40.
  21. [S1772] Washington Co., Virginia Deed Book 10: 397. Deed dated 26 Feb. 1831 and recorded 21 March 1831: Robert and Catherine Clark to John Clark for $507; 122 acres on Middle fork of Holston River.
  22. [S28] Gerald H. Clark, Guardian Bonds Washington Co., VA, p. 36. John Clark Sr. named committee of William Beatie, an idiot. Bond $2,000. Surety: Joseph Miller.
  23. [S367] Capt. Clark household, 1850 U.S. Census, Washington Co., VA, pop. sched., 67th District, p. (after 107 stamped), dwelling 612, family 612, viewed online at Ancestry.com, Dec. 2006, image 80 of 289. Enumeration includes: Capt. Clark, age 68, farmer, owns land val at $4,000; Mary, 54; Rosanah, 23; Martha 21; James, 20; Elizabeth, 15; John, 10; Ellen, 7; M. J. Snodgrass, 9; James Rhea, 18, farmer; all b. VA.
  24. [S1948] John Clark landowner, 1850 U.S. census, Washington Co., Virginia, agricultural sched., 67th District, p. 645 stamped, line 38.
  25. [S2822] John Clark, owner, 1850 U.S. census, Washington Co., Virginia, slave schedule, p. 6, line 31, viewed online at Ancestry.com. The slave enumeration included 3 males ages 45, 8 and 30; also 3 females ages 55, 35 abd 14.
  26. [S721] Washington Co., Virginia, Deed Book 24: 146. On 6 May 1858 John Clark and Mary his wife to James and John B. Clark, their sons. Also mentions three daughters: Elizabeth A. Clark, Eleanor G. Clark and Martha H. Ryburn. In addition refers to land left to John Clark by James Clark, his father.
  27. [S3] Moore and Stephens, Washington Co., VA Birth and Death Records, p. 176. The record reads: Mary Clark, 64y, d. 20 June 1858 of typhoid; father David Beattie, spouse John Clark.
  28. [S234] John Clark household, 1860 U.S. cens, Washington Co., VA, pop. sched., The Western District, p. 461 (added script), dwelling 696, family 675, viewed online at Ancestry.com, Dec. 2006, image 99 of 361. Enumeration includes: John Clark, 74, blacksmith, owns land val at $10,000, pers. prop of $3,000; John B., 23, farmer; Elizabeth, 25, housekeeper; Ellen, 17, seamstress; all b. VA.
  29. [S140] "Ryburn History," compiled by P. Shugart, p. 47. This information is from transcribed lists of birth, death and marriage dates for John Clark and Mary Beattie Clark, their children, and related family members. It lists Feb. 9th, 1869 as John's date of death.
  30. [S1376] Bible images courtesy of Carol Lockas.
  31. [S1376] Photo courtesy of Katherine Clark.
  32. [S1376] Photo courtesy of Jim Faris.
  33. [S1376] Image cropped from Washington County Surveyed and Drawn under the Direction of John Wood dated 1821; from the Lib. of VA Digital Collection (digital Board of Public Works Collection) and used with permission. The full map may be viewed online at: http://digitool1.lva.lib.va.us:8881/R/…
  34. [S140] "Ryburn History," compiled by P. Shugart, p. 46. This information is from transcribed lists of birth, death and marriage dates for John Clark and Mary Beattie Clark and their children.
  35. [S2] Catherine McConnell, High On A Windy Hill, p. 178. Rosanah Jane Clark, d/o John & Mary Clark, 2 Apr 1822-22 Aug. 1852.
  36. [S6] Thomas Colley, Washington Co. VA Marriages 1853-1880, p. 318. Mathew Ryburn, 24y, sgl, b. & resid Wash. Co. VA, farmer, s/o Mathew and Martha Ryburn AND Martha Harvey Clark, 26y, sgl, b. & resid WCV, d/o John & Mary Clark; 20 Dec. 1855.
  37. [S60] Thomas Hockett and Shelia Steele Hunt, Smyth Co. VA Marriages 1851-1891 & 1860 Census, James Clark 28, b. Washington Co. VA, living in Washington Co., s/o John & Mary AND Martha A. Buchanan, 24, d/o Wilson & Eliza; 9 Sept 1858.
  38. [S6] Thomas Colley, Washington Co. VA Marriages 1853-1880, p. 318. James O. Ryburn, 25y, wid, b. & resid Washington Co. VA, farmer, s/o Mathew & Mgt Ryburn AND Elizabeth Clark, 23y, sgl, b. & resid WCV, d/o John & Mary Clark; 27 May 1869. [The ages given for both James (25) and Elizabeth (23) on the marriage record cannot be correct].
  39. [S6] Thomas Colley, Washington Co. VA Marriages 1853-1880, p. 60. John B. Clark, 33y, sgl, b. & resid Washington Co. VA, farmer, s/o John & Mary Clark AND Dolllie M. Williams, 22y, sgl, b. Smyth Co., VA, resid WCV, d/o Granvill H. & Sarah Williams; 22 Sept 1869.
  40. [S2] Catherine McConnell, High On A Windy Hill, p. 177. Ellen G. Clark, d/o Capt. John & Mary Beattie Clark, 4 Jul 1841-9 Mar 1913.