Friday, December 11, 2020

Meet Some More of Marion's Past Doctors

 Dr. John Riley Clark, noted physician and surgeon of Marion and Crittenden County in the late 1800's.

Born March 7, 1834, son of William and Rosa Cunningham Clark, one of Crittenden County's early pioneer families.

He was born at a time when schools were scarce in this section, and his parents were unable to give him the educational advantages he craved, but being staunch of mind and body, the hardships of those pioneer days brought out and developed the tenacious qualities of the mind that made him successful in whatever he attempted.

When he began life for himself his only patrimony was an ambition to surmount the difficulties in the way of a professional career, and blessed with a strong body and mind, he rose above the barriers and for years stood in the forefront as a physician in his native county. He attended the Medical University of Louisville.

As a citizen he was progressive and liberal, every ready to lend his assistance to such things as he thought would benefit his fellow citizens.

For years he was been prominent in the affairs of this section. He represented Crittenden and Livingston counties in the legislature of 1879-80, and served his district with distinction. He was also one of the partners of A. Dewey Co., builders of Marion Merchants flour-mill in 1890. He also built J. R. Clark Lumber Mill.

Dr. Clark and his wife, Nannie Johnson Clark, bought a farm in the Tribune-Repton area, built first a log house and here they started out their life.

The doctor practiced in his professional line, bought more land, erected new buildings and had a splendid home and a fine farm. To this union were born ten children.

When Dr. Clark died on Sept 16, 1902, he was one of the best-known and respected citizens of Crittenden County.  He and his wife are buried at Mapleview Cemetery.

No comments: