John Breckenridge Clark1

b. April 1836, d. 9 December 1919
John Breckenridge Clark (cropped)
photo courtesy Cal Baldwin
FatherCapt. John B. Clark2,3,1 b. 9 Aug 1785, d. Feb 1869
MotherMary Beattie3,1 b. 10 Nov 1794, d. 30 Jun 1858
BirthApr 1836 John Breckenridge Clark was born in Apr 1836 in Virginia.4,5,6,7 
Name Other John was often referred to by his middle name, "Breckenridge", or sometimes just "Breck", "Brack" or "J.B."8 
Childhood  John spent his childhood on his parent's farm in Washington County, Virginia. He was the youngest son in a family that numbered at least 11 children.9,10,11 
Land-Gift6 May 1858  In May 1858 John's father and mother executed an agreement whereby they deeded 4 tracts of land to John and his brother James. In exchange, the 2 men were to assume the responsibility for a debt their father owed John M. Preston of slightly over $2,000. They were also to pay legacies to several of their sisters.3 
Moth-Death30 Jun 1858  John's mother died the following month. 
Cens-18601860  The 1860 census enumeration listed John and his sisters Elizabeth and Ellen residing with their father. John was a farmer whereas his father was recorded as a blacksmith. However John Sr. was listed as the owner of land valued at $10,000; John [Jr.] was not listed as a property owner. Neither was John [Jr.]'s brother James who was enumerated as the adjacent household.11 
Court Record  However an account settlement filed years later showed payments throughout 1858 to John M. Preston, presumably satisfying the brother's agreement with their parents.12 
Military  John served as a private in the Glade Spring Rifles (Co. F, 37th VA Infantry) during the Civil War. He enlisted at Glade Spring on April 25, 1861 and was detailed as a teamster for most of the war. John was captured July 3, 1863 near Fairfield, Pennsylvania (an encounter associated with the fighting at Gettysburg) after being shot in the hip. John was sent to the Union prison at Ft. Delaware. His name appeared on a muster roll of paroled and exchanged prisoners at Camp Lee (near Richmond, VA) dated March 1, 1865. The bullet was never removed and caused him pain for the rest of his life.13,14 
Land29 Dec 1868  On Dec. 29, 1868 John and his brother James divided the 4 tracts of land deeded them in the 1858 agreement with their parents. John deeded to James a 100 acre parcel known as "the Beattie" tract and also released James from the additional conditions specified in the 1858 agreement. In return, James deeded John his interest in the 3 other tracts formerly owned by their parents (see footnote).15  
Land-Sell19 Nov 1868  John and James had executed a deed the previous month to sell Micajah McCormick the Beattie land for $4,500.16 [James received the proceeds of the sale per the brothers Dec. 1868 agreement] 
Fath-DeathFeb 1869  John's father died in Feb 1869. 
Marriage22 Sep 1869 Later that year John married Dorthula "Dollie" M. Williams, daughter of Granville Williams and Sarah James, in Washington County.2 
Cens-187027 Sep 1870  A few days after their first wedding anniversary "J.B." and Dollie were enumerated in Glade Spring township with their 2 month old son J.H. [John H]. J.B. owned land valued at $4,300 and personal property worth at $800. E. G. Clark [John's sister Ellen] lived with the family.17 
Cens-18803 Jun 1880  By 1880 the family had grown to include 5 children as well as John's sister-in-law, Ann Williams.18 
  John and Dollie raised their family in the home built by John's father on the south side of the Old Stage Rd. (see link below for a photo of the house). They also owned land on the north side of the road. Their neighbors included John's Uncle Peter Clark and his family. John's cousin James A. Clark lived to the south. The men were all descendants of James Clark and Isabella Breckenridge. 
Land-Sell  In late 1893 John and Dollie began to sell their share of the old James Clark lands. On Dec. 26, 1793 they (along with Ellen G. Clark [John's sister]) sold 94 acres on the north side of the Old Stage Road to William B. Cobbs for $1,511,30. Then on Jan. 23, 1894 John, Dollie and Ellen sold 20 acres along the south side of the Old Stage Rd. to Daniel B. McNew for $565.47. The McNews already owned the adjacent land on the east.

The remaining land, an additional 128 acres, was sold the following day to Charles A. Clark [son of James A. Clark] and his wife Florence for $2,571. Charles already owned an adjacent tract of land to the south.19 
Cens-190013 Jun 1900  Following these sales John and Dollie moved to the Holston District of Washington County where they were enumerated in 1900 at which time John was 64 and Dollie 51. Seven children lived at home, ranging in age from 24 year old Mary to 11 year old Ben. The census enumeration recorded that the couple had been married 30 years; Dollie was the mother of 10 children, all of whom were living.4 
Cens-19103 May 1910  By 1910 only Tobias and Dixie remained at home with their parents. Tobias worked on the family farm. Dollie was again listed as the mother of 10 children, all of whom were living.20 
Death9 Dec 1919 John died on 9 Dec 1919 at age 83.21,22 
Burial He was buried at Old Baptist Cemetery in Washington County, Virginia.23 

Related Links and Images:

See Clark Homes on the Old Stage Rd for photos and additional information about the home John's father built in the early 1800s. The younger John lived in the home both as a child and an adult, raising his own family there until 1894 when he and Dollie sold it to Charles A. Clark.24
See the Glade Spring area maps made in 1821 and 1890. Look for the home labeled "J.B. Clark" on the 1890 map. The same home was identified as belonging to John Clark [John Breckenridge Clark's father] on the 1821 map. Additional detail is presented in a chart following the maps25
Click on the camera icon to see a photo of John and Dollie's 5 daughters. Also see the full size photo of John Clark (click on the camera icon above his small photo at the top of this page). These photos were taken at an unknown location after John and Dollie sold their home on the Old Stage Rd in 1894.26
John, Dollie and Ellen Clark signatures (1894)
Other interments in Old Baptist Cemetery

Family

Dorthula "Dollie" M. Williams b. Jun 1848, d. 1931
Children
  • John H. "Jack" Clark27,28 (8 Jun 1870 - )
  • Sally V. Clark27,28 (2 Dec 1871 - )
  • David Diggs Clark27,28 (20 Feb 1874 - 3 Mar 1948)
  • Mary Beattie Clark27,28 (25 Dec 1875 - 24 Nov 1924)
  • William Armstrong Clark27,28 (1 Dec 1877 - )
  • Tobias S. Clark27,28 (Nov 1879 - )
  • Annie Clark27,28 (9 Jun 1882 - )
  • Ella P. Clark27,28 (15 Aug 1884 - 23 Jun 1978)
  • Dixie Clark27,28 (15 May 1887 - )
  • Ben Allison Clark28,29 (5 Apr 1889 - )
ChartsDescendants of James Clark and Isabella Breckenridge
Last Edited26 Sep 2013

Citations

  1. [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.
  2. [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.
  3. [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.
  4. [S634] John B. Clark household, 1900 U.S. cens., Washington Co., Virginia, pop. sched., The Holston District, ED 113, sheet 8A (p. 155 stamped), dwelling 136, family 136, viewed online at Ancestry.com, Aug. 2007, image 15 of 34. Enumeration includes: John B. Clark, 64, b. Apr. 1836, marr 30 yrs, farmer, owns farm, no mortgage; Dollie M., wife, 51, b. June 1848, marr 30 yrs, mother of 10 children, all living; Mary, dau, 24, b. Dec. 1875; William A., son, 22, b. Dec. 1877; Tobias S., son, 20, b. Nov. 1879; Abbie F., son, 18, b. June 1882; Ella P., dau, 15, b. Aug. 1884; Dixy, dau, 13, b. May 1887; Ben A., son, 11, b. Apr. 1889; all b. VA; all parents b. VA.
  5. [S44] Letter, Jessie Taylor to Jacki Stock, Apr. 7, 1976. This source specifically states that John was born on April 27, 1836 but does not provide a source.
  6. [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. Ms Shugart recorded John's birthdate as April 2_, 1836. The number after the 2 appears to be an "8" but it is not clear.
  7. [S5] Elizabeth Kelly Allison, Early Southwest Virginia Families, p. 71. This source states John was born in 1835 but does not provide a specific date or source.
  8. [S11] "Family notes of Mrs. Lizzie Ryburn."
  9. [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.
  10. [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.
  11. [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.
  12. [S707] Account of James and John B. Clark with John Clark (1877), Washington Co., Virginia Will Book 19: 354. Lists the payments made to John M. Preston, as well as various legacies directed by the agreement dated 6 May 1858.
  13. [S2729] "Compiled Service Records of Confederate Soldiers Belonging to Units From Virginia," digital images, Fold3.com (http://www.fold3.com : accessed Dec. 2011); John B. Clark, private, Co. F, 37th Virginia Infantry.
  14. [S1837] Amy Rider, "A Prison Painted Green", (course assignment, Princeton University, 1994). Ms Rider's paper includes original research as well as family knowledge. She is the great, great granddaughter of John Breckenridge Clark.
  15. [S2857] Washington Co., Virginia Deed Book 27: 534. The deed, dated 29 Dec. 1868 and recorded 5 Feb 1869, reflected the division of 4 tracts of land deeded jointly to James and John B. Clark by their parents [Capt] John and Mary [(Beattie)] Clark. John B. deeded his brother James his interest in 100 acres known as the "Beattie" tract and also released James from all other obligations outlined in the agreement with their parents. James and Martha Clark, in exchange, deeded John B. Clark their interest in 3 tracts of land acquired by their father [Capt] John Clark: 140 acres bought in 1812 from James Clark [Capt. John Clark's father], 122 acres purchased of Robert Clark [1831: Robert and Catherine Clark to Capt. John Clark], and 8 acres purchased from Basil Talbert. [1821: heirs of Bazel Talbert to Capt. John Clark]
  16. [S2857] Washington Co., Virginia Deed Book 27: 503. James and Martha Clark, and John B. Clark to Micajah McCormick, dated 19 Nov. 1868 and recorded 23 Jan 1869, for $4,500 ($1,000 still due), being land conveyed by John Clark [Sr.] to James and John B. Clark on 6 May 1858 adjoining lands of Wm B. Byars, Arthur Hutton and Margaret Grinstead.
  17. [S635] J.B. Clark household, 1870 U.S. cens, Washington Co., Virginia, pop. sched., Glade Spring township, p. 72 (stamped), dwelling 261, family 267, viewed online at Ancestry.com, Sept. 2007, image 37 of 49. Enumeration includes: J.B. Clark, 34, farmer, owns land val at $4,300, pers. prop of $800; Dolly 24; J.H., (m) 2/12; E. G., (f), 23, no occup; all b. VA.
  18. [S165] John B. Clark household, 1880 U.S. Census, Washington Co., VA, pop. sched., Glade Spring District, ED 94, page 8 (56D stamped), dwelling 67, family 68, viewed online at www.Ancestry.com, April 2003, image 8 of 54. John B. Clark, 45, farmer; Dolly M., 35, wife; John H., 10, son; Sally B., 8, dau; David E., 6, son; Mary B., 4, dau; William A., son, 2; Ann Williams, 22, sis-in-law; all b. VA; all parents b. VA.
  19. [S2826] Washington Co., Virginia, Deed Book 51: 190, 211, 433.
  20. [S237] John B. Clark household, 1910 U.S. cens., Washington Co., VA, pop. sched., The Holston District, ED 121, sheet 10A (p. 96 stamped), dwelling 188, family 189, viewed online at Ancestry.com, Aug. 2007, image 19 of 29. Enumeration includes: John B. Clark, 84, marr 40 yrs, marr #1, b. VA, father b. PA, farmer; cont. next page: Dorothy, wife, 64, marr 40 yrs, marr #1, mother of 10 children, all living; Tobias S., son, 21, sgl, laborer on home farm; Dixie, dau, 21 [sic]; all b. VA.
  21. [S44] Letter, Jessie Taylor to Jacki Stock, Apr. 7, 1976.
  22. [S5] Elizabeth Kelly Allison, Early Southwest Virginia Families, p. 71. This source states John died in 1919 but does not provide a specific date or source.
  23. [S2] Catherine McConnell, High On A Windy Hill, p. 167. Stone reported to read: John B. Clark, 1836-1919.
  24. [S1376] Photo courtesy of Jim Faris.
  25. [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/…
  26. [S1376] Photo courtesy of Cal Baldwin, Sally's grandson.
  27. [S5] Elizabeth Kelly Allison, Early Southwest Virginia Families, p. 70-85.
  28. [S44] Letter, Jessie Taylor to Jacki Stock, Apr. 7, 1976. Listed as child of John Breckenridge Clark and Dolly Williams.
  29. [S85] Fridley, "Washington Co., VA Births 1889-1896" online database from original data, <www.Ancestry.com>. Benjamin Clark, b. 5 Apr 1889 to John and Dollie Clark.