Fayette County PA Archives Biographies.....Clark, Joseph W. July 21, 1825 - July 3, 1889
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Marta Burns marta43@juno.com August 26, 2024, 1:17 pm

Source: Gresham and Wiley, 1889: Biographical & Portrait Cyclopedia, Fayette Co, PA, pg 322
Author: John H. Gresham & Samuel T. Wiley

Captain Joseph W Clarke was born July 21, 1825, in 
Clarksville, Penna. He was reared on a farm, attended the 
subscription schools until sixteen years of age, when he 
went to Brownsville and in two years learned engineering 
sufficiently well to obtain the position of assistant 
engineer on a steamboat.  He was soon promoted to chief 
engineer, he next became pilot and in a short time 
thereafter was a captain or master.  He owned seven 
steamboats: Tempest, two Clippers Leader, Tiger Sam, Charley 
Clarke, Sampson, Baltic and Petrel.
    He was one of the most prominent coal operators on the 
Monongahela River, at the time he owned the Tremont, Clipper 
and Rostraver mines.  He operated the sand works at Belle 
Vernon for two years.
    He was united in marriage with Miss Hannah Reed, 
daughter of Joseph Reed and Mary Round Reed, natives of 
England.  Her grandfather, Richard Reed, at the time of his 
death left over one hundred descendants behind him.  Captain 
Clarke and his wife were the parents of eleven children: 
Mary A Clarke, wife of W C Byers, M D, of Pittsburgh; Sarah 
N Clarke, wife of I E Byers; Amy A Clarke, wife of Prof W D 
Rowan; Martha J Clarke, deceased; Cora A Clarke, deceased; 
Virginia Clarke, Charles W Clarke, and John F Clarke.
    Captain Clarke was a correct and successful businessman, 
attentive to the wants of all who traveled with him, was 
well-liked wherever known, and was a most highly respected 
gentleman.  
    He died at his residence near Belle Vernon July 3, 1889, 
was followed on the 5th of July to his last resting place in 
the Belle Vernon cemetery by a large number of sorrowing 
friends and relatives.  

Additional Comments:
Originally submitted 2000.

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