David Clark came from northern Ireland and settled first in the Pequa Valley, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He then moved to Rothwell Landing, north of Smyrna Landing on Duck Creek. Here he became a farmer and joined the militia. David Clark died on September 2, 1766, at the age of 57 years.
David’s son William Clark inherited the land. He was a militiaman during the Revolutionary War. He served seven years in the Delaware State House. Captain William Clark raised a Company of 75 men from the neighborhood and led them at the Battle of Monmouth in the Revolutionary War.
The Battle of Monmouth occurred on June 28, 1778, at Monmouth, New Jersey. It was a blistering hot day. Scores of soldiers collapsed or died from sunstroke.
British General Clinton had decided to move his Base of Operations back to New York. General George Washington attacked Clinton at the Monmouth Court House. Holding the field, the Americans were able to claim victory.
At the Battle of Monmouth, Captain William Clark lost 40 out of his 75 men.
William’s son John Clark became the third owner of “New Bristol.” John was born at “New Bristol” on February 1, 1761. In late 1784, John married Sarah Cook. Sarah was the daughter of Governor John Cook and Elizabeth Collins Cook, who was the sister of Governor Collins. John Cook and his wife Elizabeth were first cousins.
John Clark spent his adult life as a public servant. He was a justice of the peace, a colonel in the militia, and a chief magistrate of Delaware. In 1766, he was a justice of common pleas. In 1771, he was a justice of the peace. From 1775-1779, Clark was the Sheriff of New Castle County. He served in the State House in 1798. He was the State Treasurer in 1802 and 1805.
