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Clark VALENTINE, a prominent farmer of Rose Township, was born in Troy, Oakland County,
this state, October 20, 1838, and is a son of John and Amanda (FAY) VALENTINE. The
grandfather, John VALENTINE, was born in New York, and pursued the calling of a farmer.
He reared to maturity four sons and four daughters. The sons were named - John, James,
Cornelius, and William. He died in Cleveland, Ohio. The family is of Dutch origin. His son
John was born in Cayuga County, N.Y., and was reared to follow the calling of the farmer. He
served in the War of 1812, and coming to Michigan about 1830, settled in Troy Township,
where he entered one hundred and sixty acres and proceeded to improve it. In his later years
he retired from active work and made his home in Birmingham, Oakland County, where he
departed this life about September 24, 1867. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, and was highly respected not only for his church connections but as a citizen. He
was twice married.
The first wife of John VALENTINE Jr. was the mother of ten children, namely - Samuel,
Jerusha, Lucinda, Edmund, Bannajah, Harriet, Ramsdell, Clark, Cordelia, and Charles. All
except the last named have established homes of their own. Their mother was a native of
New York, and she passed away from earth, August 18. 1859.
Our worthy subject had only the advantages of the common school, aand the faithful training
in farm duties which his excellent parents gave him. At twenty-one he began working on a
farm on shares. He also took contracts in grading streets and graded many of the streets of
Saginaw. For five years he was engaged in the hotel business at Flint, after which he entered
the grocery business in East Saginaw, which he carried on successfully for three years. In
1864 he moved on to a farm, and in 1866 he purchased the farm near Fenton, which he ten
years later exchanged for the one hundred and twenty acres where he now resides. This
farm is in excellent condition, and has fine improvements upon it. His political views are
embodied in the platform of the Republican party.
The marriage of our subject December 4, 1864, with Flora S. G. EVERTS, led up to a life of
more than usual domestic happiness. This lady is a daughter of James and Rebecca
(BEACH) EVERTS, who were born in New York, and Oakland County, respectively. She is
one of a family of three daughters, her sisters being Celestine E., and Lucy R, Her father
died March 17, 1882, and his wife is still living. She was born February17, 1823, in the town
of Troy, Oakland County, and is said to have been the first white child born in the county.
Mr. and Mrs. VALENTINE have one child, Flora R. They are considered by their neighbors
and friends to be among the best citizens and most delightful neighbors in the township.
Their home is ever hospitably opened to welcome their friends.
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SOURCE: "Portrait and Biographical Album of Oakland
County, Michigan", published in 1891 by Chapman Brothers, pg 685.
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