Under the parental roof in his native county Bently Clark passed the years of his boyhood and youth, and after reaching man's estate became identified with the dentist's profession, which he followed for six years. He then purchased a farm and was engaged in agricultural pursuits up to the time of his demise, which occurred on the 4th of February, 1905, his remains being interred in Oakwood cemetery. Aside from his mother and wife he left three children to mourn his loss. Harry B., who was born on the 6th of June, 1875, is now residing in South Dakota. Ford M., born September 19, 1882 is operating the home farm for his mother. Mattie E., who was born December 28, 1889, also resides at home with her mother. She is a graduate of the academy at Hopkington, Iowa, and has been engaged in teaching for some time. There are two grandchildren, Arthur R. and Effie E., both living with Mrs. Clark.

Mr. Clark was well known in local political ranks, being a stalwart supporter of the democratic party, and he held several township offices. He and his wife were both faithful and exemplary members of the Methodist Episcopal church, the teachings of which have ever formed the guiding influences of their lives. Fraternally Mrs. Clark is a member of the Royal Neighbors, the Rebekahs and also of the Royal Patrons, in all of which organizations she is actively and helpfully interested. She has many warm friends in the county, within whose borders she has resided for so long a time, for she possesses many excellent traits of character such as endear her to all who come within the close circle of her friendship, while in her own family she has ever been a devoted and loving wife and mother.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Past and Present, R. M. Corbitt, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, 1910, p. 298.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Western Historical Company, Chicago, 1879, page 622.

Spending the period of his boyhood and youth on the home farm in Vermont, Norman P. Clark acquired his education in the district schools and when not busy with his text-books assisted in the work of the fields, early becoming familiar with the tasks that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He remained under the parental roof until twenty-four years of age, when he entered the business world on his own account, wisely choosing as a life work the occupation to which he had been, reared. In 1878 he came west to Bureau county, Illinois, where he remained until the spring of 1880, when he removed to Leadville, Colorado. Returning to Illinois after a short stay, he remained in the latter state but one year, and then in February, 1882, came to Jones county, purchasing the farm upon which he now makes his home. It consists of two hundred acres on section 2, Cass township, and to its further development he has directed his entire energies, bringing the fields under a high state of cultivation. When it came into his possession the farm was equipped with a small dwelling which has since been replaced by a comfortable and attractive residence, substantial and commodious barns and outbuildings have been erected and on the place are found all of the modern accessories and conveniences that go to make up a well improved farm of the nineteenth century. He carries on general farming and also make a specialty of breeding Duroc Jersey hogs, both branches of his business proving sources of gratifying remuneration, Industry and energy have been the salient characteristics of his business career and his labors have found their just reward in a most gratifying degree of success. As he has prospered he has purchased other property, and he now owns, aside from the homestead, sixty-five acres on section 25 and 36, Castle Grove township.

Mr. Clark laid the foundations of a happy home life in his marriage, on the 20th of June, 1894, to Miss Hattie J. Worster, who was born in Wayne township, Jones county, on the 18th of August, 1863. She is a daughter of Selim and Lucy (Ripley) Worster, the former born in Swanzey, New Hampshire, on the 26th of May, 1822, and the latter in Winchester, New Hampshire, November 20, 1825. They came to Jones county in 1853 with four of their children, the home being established in Wayne township, where they continued to reside until their death, at which time Mr. Worster owned about three hundred acres of fine farming land. He passed away on the 14th of January, 1907, while his wife survived him until the 13th of September, 1909. Their family consisted of ten children, namely: George C., of Ottosen, Iowa; John M., residing in Emporia, Kansas; Waldo A., of Fort Scott, Kansas; Alden E., making his home in Albion, Iowa; Charles, also residing in Emporia, Kansas; Mrs. Miranda S. Dunn, who lives in West Bend, Iowa; William J., also of Ottosen; Mrs. N. P. Clark; Mrs. Cora A. Walters, of Cass township; and Henry F., living in Wayne township. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Clark have been born four children, of whom Grace L., the eldest, passed away in infancy. The others are: Hattie May, Norman E. and Raymond J., all under the parental roof.

In his political allegiance Mr. Clark is a stalwart republican and has served as township trustee, justice of the peace, and has held other public offices. Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and with the Modern Woodmen of America, and his life record has ever been in harmony with the principles of brotherhood that form the basic elements of these organizations. His time and attention are naturally most largely given to his business interests and he has followed the occupation to which he was reared for many years. In his business career he has been straightforward and reliable and counts among his many friends all those who acknowledge and appreciate genuine personal worth.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Past and Present, R. M. Corbitt, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, 1910, p. 503.

It was on the 18th of March, 1908, that Mr. Clark was united in marriage to Miss Ella M. Nelson, a native of Scotch Grove township, born on the 23d of May, 1878. She is a daughter of M. J. and Nancy E. (Overley) Nelson, natives of Ohio and Kentucky, respectively. Both are now deceased. In their family were three children, of whom Emeline F., the eldest, has now passed away. The others are Mrs. Clark and a brother, Charles. The former was but three years old when her mother died in 1881, while her father passed away on the 22d of March, 1900. She attended the common schools until thirteen years of age, and then laid aside her text-books in order to take charge of the household. Both Mr. and Mrs. Clark are well known in Scotch Grove township, where their entire lives have been passed, and they have a circle of friends which is almost co-extensive with the circle of their acquaintances. In politics he gives his allegiance to the republican party, and his influence is ever found on the side of improvement, advancement and progress in all matters of citizenship.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Past and Present, R. M. Corbitt, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, 1910, p. 406.