Dr. John Edward Clark - The Early Years (1850-1877)

Dr. John Edward Clark, my Grandma Jayne's maternal Grandfather, was the focus of my first genealogical report (a 5th grade book report) and still to this day one of my favorite ancestors to research. He had an outstanding medical career in Detroit that spanned 58 years.

John was born to Frederick John & Ellen (Petley) Clark on January 13, 1850 in Worlington, Suffolk, England. He was baptized February 10, 1850 in the Terrington St. Clement Church.

The Clark family (Frederick, Ellen, John, Mary, Robert, & Ellen) immigrated to Toronto, Ontario, Canada on the SS City of New York in August 1856 and settled in Norwich, Ontario before May 1857. 

At the age of 15, John joined the Canadian Rebellion and received the Queen’s Medal for Veterans of Fenian Raids in 1866 for active service. Shortly after serving, he continued his education in New York before enrolling at Victoria College in Toronto, Canada. 



After successfully completing the preliminary examination in 1874, John left Ontario for Ann Arbor, Michigan to study medicine at the University of Michigan. In July 1877, John graduated as president of his class and started his medical practice in Detroit, Michigan.

To be continued...

Cheers To My Maternal 2nd Great Grandfathers

I would consider myself fortunate to have the four maternal 2nd Great Grandfathers that I have. They were all extremely successful, not just with their careers (a physician/county chemist, a pharmacist/ink & mucilage manufacturer, a cooper/inventor/factory supervisor, and a lumber baron) but also in their communities. They all were devoted to their families and perhaps that is why, throughout the decades, they have always been held in the highest regard when spoken of.This certainly made it a lot easier to find information on them even without the internet, a drivers license,  and a "street light" curfew in the early 90's.

Birth: 13 Jan 1850

Worlington, Suffolk, England

Death: 19 Sept 1934

Detroit, Wayne, Michigan

Birth: 29 Jul 1860  

Hondingen, Villingen, Baden, Germany

Death: 09 Jun 1932  

Riverside, Essex, Ontario, Canada 

Birth: 20 Jun 1848

Victor, Ontario, New York

Death: 25 Jun 1912  

Gaylord, Otsego, Michigan

Birth: 17 Nov 1853  

Allumette Island, Quebec, Canada

Death: 24 April 1924  

Detroit, Wayne, Michigan

 

May they rest in peace.