Jason J. Clarke Biography


	This biography appears on page 659 in "History of Dakota 
	Territory" by George W. Kingsbury, Vol. V (1915) and was 
	scanned, OCRed and edited by Maurice Krueger, mkrueger@iw.net.

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				JASON J. CLARKE.  

	Jason J. Clarke is successfully identified with business 
interests in the conduct of the Colton Farm Implement Company, which he 
assisted in organizing in 1910 and which carries a complete line of 
farm implements, machinery, gasoline engines and vehicles. His birth 
occurred in Jefferson county, New York, on the 11th of February, 1869, 
his parents being Zadock and Sarah Clarke, both of whom have passed 
away. The father was an agriculturist by occupation and a pioneer 
settler of South Dakota. He was also a soldier of the Civil war, 
enlisting in the Ninety-fourth New York Regiment in 1861, and serving 
throughout the war.  

	Jason J. Clarke enjoyed the advantages of a public-school 
education in his youth and subsequently assisted his father in the 
operation of the home farm. In 1910 he abandoned the work of the fields 
and assisted in organizing the Colton Farm Implement Company, with 
which he has since been connected, the firm carrying a comprehensive 
line of farm implements, machinery, gasoline engines and vehicles. The 
business has increased in volume annually, and the stock now carried is 
as extensive as any in that part of the state, representing an outlay 
of about fifteen thousand dollars. The concern was incorporated for ten 
thousand dollars, and its growing success may be attributed in large 
degree to the sound business judgment, enterprise and ability of Mr. 
Clarke. He is likewise a director of the Colton Telephone Company and 
is widely recognized as a progressive, representative and popular 
citizen of Minnehaha county.  

	As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life Mr. Clarke 
chose Miss Lucy McKee, a daughter of James and Frances McKee, of Spring 
Valley, Minnesota, the former a farmer by occupation. By this union 
there are two children, Marie and Clifford, who are now attending 
school.  

	Mr. Clarke gives his political allegiance to the republican party 
and has done valuable service in the interests of the cause of 
education as a member of the school board, on which he is serving at 
the present time. His religious faith is that of the Baptist church, 
and fraternally he is identified with the Masons and the Modern 
Brotherhood of America. He has always shown great interest in all that 
pertains to the general welfare and has been known as a public-spirited 
man who has found time and inclination to cooperate in movements for 
the public good. In all the relations of life he has been honorable and 
straightforward and his example is well worthy of emulation.