Hamilton Clark was born, Feb. 23, 1811, in Petersburgh. He received a common-school education. He was reared as a blacksmith, and was the first man to manufacture the shank hoe, which became so popular. He married Eliza, daughter of Deacon Z. Scriven, of Petersburgh, of whom two children were born, as follows: Jane E. and Edmund H., who now resides at Long Branch, N. J. Mr. Clark married for his second wife, Mrs. Deborah Reynolds, wife of S. Reynolds (deceased), and daughter of Thomas Randall, of Petersburgh, March, 1843. The had two children, viz: Louisa J., who married Charles E. Sweet, of Petersburgh; and Byron F., who is an enterprising and successful merchant of the same place. Mr. Clark commenced life poor, and followed the blacksmith trade until 1850, when he began the manufacture of shirts in Petersburgh, which he carried on successfully until his death, Nov. 1, 1871. He was a deacon of the Seventh-Day Baptist Church at Petersburgh, and was one of its principal members.
