Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1880-08-05
For Congress, Who /?

We ask the people to put in
nomination Col. John G Clark. He
came to this county when it was
comparatively wilderness. He
came without dollar in his pocket.
AT twelve years of age he was thrown
upon his own resources. A youth in
western wilds, by hard, honest labor
he earned the means to educate and
fit himself for the duties of life. With
al the temptations that surround a
youth with no arm to lean upon, and
that SO often pull down manhood,
not a whisper Of wrong towards
his fellow men, or an act that could
make man less man, was ever
breathed against Col. Clark. Accus.
toned to hardships in early life, he
brayely overoame obstacles, and sym.
pathizing with the poor or unfortu-
nate, many along his walks have
been helped by his generous hand.
Tie early joined in the anti-slavery
movement and was one of the first in
this county to aid in the organi-
cation of the Republican party.
About this time, as indicative Of the
character of the man, it may be re-
lated that few hundred dollars were
left to his wife by Inheritance as her
share of the sale of a Missouri slave.
Ladies suggested to Mrs. Clark when
the money came that she could now
furnish her house as nicely as any in
town and the more enjoy 1t. But no !;
Mr.. Clark had persuaded her, easily.
that there would be no enjoyment in
luxuries that the price of slave had
bought, and that money was sacredly
laid away with the object of being
able some day to add enough to it to
buy the freedom of the slave. 1t was
kept for that purpose until the slaves
shackles were broken by the war in
which Mr.. Clark was actively en-
gagged. In the early days of the Re-
publican party its offices went beg.
ging and when the office of the Clerk
of the Court was worth about $3.50 a
year it was forced upon Mr.. Clark
He attended to its duties faithfully
and correctly. In 1860, the year Of
Linooln's first election, he was elect.
ed to represent this district in the
Legislature. While he was at Madi.
son serving in that body the war be
gan. He was rendered and accepted
the Quarter mastership of the 9Th
Wisconsin Volunteers. He was, as
he always was everywhere, very
active aGd efficient in that service
While there he was appointed to the
Provost Marshalship Of this district
and no man could have been more
effective Il ere than he. Next he was
appointed, without even his knowl-
edge 7 til the appointment was
made, Colonel of the 50th Wisconsin.
His regiment after the rebels were
Quoted was sent up to settle the In.
dams who perpetrated the horrible
massacres in Minnesota. His soldier
life lasted five years. After coming
home he applied himself to the study
of law. Friends, among whom were
j. G. Cover and Jared Warner, urged
him to the candidacy for Sheriff and
other offices but he declined all, say
ing, nothing should divert him from
the student life he was engaged in
until the course was completed and a
business living independent of Office
secured. He finished and has followed
the profession of law ever since.
When important local public works,
difficult Of accomplishment, were pro
jected, the community turned to him
as the most energetic and successful
man we have to take the lead. Op-
position dnas not rastrain hi.-a - ~
terprises for the public good. The
history, character and qualifications
of Col. Clark show him to be the man
the people IN this District should
Fave as their representative in Con-
gress. If the people, the working
people, the honest people, are vigil
liant in their own interest they will
have him there. Don't forget your
Caucuses.