Chariton County, Missouri Biographical Sketch - CHARLES A. CLARKSON
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by: Willard D. Smith

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an enterprising, progressive citizen who has liberally contributed of his
time, energy and means to the growth and development of the city of
Salisbury, Mo., from a village of perhaps a dozen houses to its present
social and financial position, was born at Quincy, Illinois, July 15,
1849.  Anselm Clarkson, father of our subject, was born and reared in
Virginia.  During his life he was married three times, the first occurred
in Virginia after which he moved to Kentucky and there reared a family.
The second union of our subject occurred in Kentucky, and in 1845 moved to
Adams county,  Illinois,  soon afterwards suffering  the loss of his
second wife. In 1848 he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Jane Tuttle,
of Quincy, Illinois by which union two children were born, our subject and
a brother, who died when an infant.  The death of the father occurred Dec.
28, 1858, in Harrison county Kentucky, while enroute to Virginia.  The
widow and son returned to Illinois and there resided until the fall of
1865, when they moved to Fayette, Howard county, Mo.,  Mrs. Clarkson,
having previously united in marriage with Mr. N. S. Brown of Quincy,
Illinois.  In 1866 the family removed to Huntsville where they remained
until Nov.  '67, when they located in this city.  By her last union Mrs.
Brown was the mother of three children, namely: Wm. N. Brown, now of
Minneapolis, Minnesota; Lizzie now Mrs. Geo.  Porter, of Quincy, Ill.; and
James H., a resident of this city.  Some years after locating here, Mr.
and Mrs. Brown moved to Kansas, where the death of the husband occurred,
when the mother returned to Salisbury, Mo., and remained with her children
until her death.  December 28, 1886. At the age of 16 years Charles A.
Clarkson began the trade of a stone mason, an occupation he has since
followed, with brick laying, meeting with excellent success.  To his
enterprise and credit, it may be said that he has contracted the laying of
nearly all the present foundations in and the erection of a large majority
of the brick buildings of Salisbury, Missouri.  On December, 31, 1871 he
was united in marriage to Miss Clara Scales, a worthy daughter of John and
Sarah Scales,  then prominent citizens of this county.  This union has
been approved by the birth of six children, as follows: Ella, now Mrs. W.
R. McNabb; Minnie, Clara B., Charles H.,  Lillie M., and Frankie. Starting
in the world without any means, our subject is to be congratulated upon
the success he has accomplished.  In addition to a nice home upon second
street, Mr. Clarkson is the possessor of much other property in Salisbury.
Since 1891 he has been interested in the liquor business in this city,
being associated with Thomas Karcher, although he has not devoted to the
business his personal attention.  He is also a stockholder and director in
the Savings Bank of Salisbury, Mo. . Politically he is an enthusiastic
democrat,  earnestly interested in the success of the principles of his
party.