Harley F. Clark, a lifelong resident and dedicated farmer of Springfield Township, Williams County, exemplifies the essence of local success and community contribution. Born into a family with deep roots in Ohio, Clark has continued the legacy of agricultural excellence on his 120-acre farm, focusing on the breeding of Percheron horses, Shorthorn cattle, and Ohio Improved Chester hogs. His commitment to maintaining high standards of farming and his active support for the republican party highlight his role as a progressive force in the community. Married to Stella Ziegler with three children, Clark’s life is a testament to hard work, family values, and civic responsibility, making him a respected figure in his community.
Harley F. Clark.— The true measure of individual success is determined by what one has accomplished, and, as taken in contradistinction to the old adage that a prophet is not without honor save in his own country, there is particular interest attached to the review of the subject of this sketch, since he is a native son of Williams County, where his entire life has been passed, and has so directed his ability and efforts as to gain recognition as one of the worthy citizens of Springfield Township.
Harley F. Clark was born on the farm on which he now lives in Springfield Township, Williams County, on December 2, 1890, and is the son of Austin F. and Mary (Woodward) Clark, both of whom are now residents of Stryker. These parents are both natives of Ohio, the former born in Springfield Township, Williams County, on June 17, 1850, and the latter, near Marietta, in Washington County, on September 15, 1856. Austin F. Clark has always been an active supporter of the republican party and has taken a keen interest in local public affairs, being a member of the school board. To him and his wife were born eight children, namely: Edith, the wife of Frank Lenobrink; Byron W., of Springfield Township; Cynthiana, the widow of Jacob Rumbaugh; Mary, the wife of Adolph Buehrer; Rosa died at the age of three years; Roxanna died at the age of twenty-three years; Harley F., the subject of this sketch; Austin M., who is a graduate of the common schools, enlisted during the World’s war and was at Camp Sherman, Chillicothe, Ohio.
Harley F. Clark spent his boyhood days on the home farm and received his education in the district schools. He has never forsaken the vocation to which he was reared and has been more than ordinarily successful as a farmer. He is now the owner of 120 acres of the old home farm, which he is devoting to the raising of general crops and to the breeding and raising of live stock. He gives special attention to registered Percheron horses, Shorthorn cattle and Ohio Improved Chester hogs, his herd of cattle being headed by “Mins’s Champion,” an exceptionally fine animal, of which Mr. Clark is justifiably proud. He has maintained his farm at a high standard of excellence in the way of improvements and fertility, and is looked upon as an enterprising and progressive man in his line of effort.
On November 2, 1912, Mr. Clark was married to Stella Ziegler, who was born in Fulton County, Ohio, and graduated from the common schools. To their union were born three children, Leland, Hope and Morris. Mr. Clark gives his support to the republican party and his cooperation can always be counted upon in the advancement of the best interests of the community in any way. Because of his business ability and his splendid personal character, he enjoys the unlimited confidence and regard of the entire community.
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.