James Clark was a brother of my g-g-g-grandmother, Phebe (Clark) Carey. Although he was born in New Jersey and allegedly died in New York, several of his children ended up joining Phebe's other Clark nieces and nephews in Logan county, Illinois, in the 1830s. His wife's name was Jennie Seaburn or Seaborn. While there's a good deal of information on his Illinois descendants, James himself remains a mystery.
From Harman Clark's notes, 10 Jan 1998:
James Clark born 28 Aug 1772,1 New Jersey, married Jennie Seaborn, born circa 1773, New Jersey. His mother had a brother James. -- Mt. Pulaski History (1836-1986)
In the submission by Glenna Gandy Carlson, page 171, under the heading "The Clark Family" and following her narrative concerning David and Sarah (Winans) Clark, Carlson continues:
"James Clark born 1770, Rahway, New Jersey, married Jennie Seaborn about 1790. He died February 15, 1851. They were parents of 'Yankee' John Clark who married Permelia Ann Price." [Carlson includes no sources or documentation].
Children:
- Sarah Clark born circa 1790.
- Catharine Clark born circa 1795, married Charles Jones. Charles lived in Yankeetown area.
- James Clark born circa 1796.
- Susan Clark born circa 1798.
- John Clark born 02 Feb 1799.2
1850 census. During a quick scan through the 1850 U. S. census records for Logan county, we found entries for the following members of this family within a few pages of each other:
It is noteworthy that, in John and Permelia's not very legible census record, their birthplaces and some of their children's appear as "N. Y.", which lends credence to the story that James and Jenny moved to New York. Sarah's birthplace, however, appears to be "N. J." and Catharine's as "Pa."; if these pieces of information are correct, this family moved several times during the 1790s.
According to Lyle Black, Catharine and Charles had no children. The census lists five probably unrelated people as living with them.