Lewis Louis Clark was born on November 6, 1918, in Newcastle, Clark County, Durham, Ontario, Canada. His life journey was a remarkable tale of family heritage and the growth of Upper Canada (now Ontario) during the 19th century.
Family Heritage: Lewis was the son of Robert Clarke, who was born in 1786 in Rockingham, Windham County, Vermont. The Clark family emigrated from Vermont to Canada in 1796 when Robert was just 10 years old. This move likely had roots in the broader migration trends of the time, as many families sought new opportunities and land in the growing Upper Canada.
Durham West, Ontario: Durham West in Ontario during Lewis’s birth was a region characterized by its historical significance. Established in 1792 and named after General Alured Clarke, this county played a role in the development of Upper Canada. It was surveyed in 1797, and various community centers, including Newcastle, Newtonville, Crooked Creek, Morgan’s Corners, Orono, Kendall, and Liskard, contributed to its growth.
Lewis’s Occupation: In the 1851 census, Lewis was working as a Yeoman. A Yeoman was a term used to describe a farmer who owned a small piece of land and cultivated it for a living. Agriculture was a prominent profession in the region during that era.
Primitive Methodism: By 1871, Lewis was listed as a Primitive Methodist. Primitive Methodism was a religious movement within Methodism that emphasized a more straightforward, emotional approach to worship. This reflects the strong religious ties that many families in that era held.
Family on Census: Lewis’s close family connection is evident from the 1851 and 1871 censuses, where his mother’s brother, Eldad Johns, and his mother’s sister, Lucretia, were living with him. This highlights the importance of extended family networks during this period.
Personal Tragedy: On April 10, 1880, Lewis experienced a personal tragedy when his wife, Mary Simpson Clark, passed away at the age of 51.
Legacy and Future Generations: Lewis’s legacy continued through his son, Zolman Johns Clark, who was born on May 14, 1864, in Orono, Durham, Canada. Zolman later ventured to Oregon around 1896, illustrating the westward migration patterns that characterized the late 19th century.
Later Years: In the 1891 census, Lewis was found living with his daughter, Emily Clark, still working as a farmer. His life continued to be closely tied to the land.
Lewis Louis Clark passed away on April 2, 1902, in Newcastle, Clark County, Durham, Ontario, Canada. He found his final resting place at the Orono Cemetery in Orono, Durham, where his memory endures.
Lewis’s life story is not only a testament to the historical events and occupations of his time but also a reflection of the enduring family ties that played a crucial role in shaping his journey through the 19th century in Canada.
