Byron W. Clark. — Fealty to facts in the analyzation of the character of a citizen of the type of Byron W. Clark, of Springfield Township, Williams County, is all that is required to make a biographical sketch interesting to those who have at heart the good name of the community, for it is the honorable reputation of the man of affairs and standing, more than any other consideration, that gives character and stability to the body politic. In the community where he has spent his life, Mr. Clark stands deservedly among his fellows for he has ever stood for those things which are for the good of the community and his personal record is one of which he has no reason to be ashamed.
Byron W. Clark, whose fine farm of eighty-two acres is situated about two miles south of Stryker, in Springfield Township, was born m this township on July 6, 1877, and he is the son of Austin F. and Mary (Woodward) Clark. These parents, who now reside in Stryker are both also natives of the Buckeye State, the father having been born in Springfield Township on June 17, 1850, while the mother was born m Washington County on “September 15, 1855. Austin Clark is a republican in his political views and has been active in local public affairs, having served as a member of the school board. To him and his wife were born eight children, of which number four are now living, namely: Byron W., the subject of this sketch; Cynthia the widow of J. M. Rumbaugh; Harley, a farmer in Springfield Township; Myron, a farmer in Springfield Township.
Byron W. Clark spent his boyhood days on the homestead and secured his education in the district schools of Springfield Township Ihe home farm, which is now operated by the subject’s brother is located about one and a half miles south of where he now lives He remained at home until his marriage, in 1904, since which time he has been farming on his own account in section 16. He carries on a general line of farming, raising all the crops common to this locality and also gives considerable attention to the raising of live stock making a specialty of Ohio Improved Chester hogs and Shorthorn cattle, in the handling of which he has met with splendid success. His farm is well improved, the buildings being of a substantial and attractive character and the general appearance of the place indicating the owner to be a man of good taste and up-to-date ideas
On December 21, 1904, Mr. Clark was married to Lucile Barber who was born in Springfield Township on January 20 1883 the daughter of Levi and Minnie (Miller) Barber. She was reared ‘here and educated in the district schools. Her parents are both natives of Ohio; her father being a native of Williams County and her mother, of Fulton County. To Mr. and Mrs. Clark has been born one child, Milbert B., who was born on November 4, 1905, and who is now a student in the Stryker High School.
Politically. Mr. Clark is an earnest supporter of the republican party and takes an intelligent interest in local public affairs. He is a member of Springfield Grange No. 499, of which he is a past master. The qualities of keen discrimination, sound judgment and persistent industry have been the key to his success and they have earned for him the unqualified respect and good will of all who know him.
Source: Bowersox, Charles A. ed. A standard history of Williams County, Ohio: an authentic narrative of the past, with particular attention to the modern era in the commercial, industrial, educational, civic and social development , 2 vols. Publisher Chicago: Lewis Pub. Co. 1920.