David William Clark was born May 9, 1854, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, the son of David William Clark and Louise Curtis Clark. He was the oldest of eleven children. While still in his teens, the family moved to Tidevute, Pennsylvania, where he attended Public School, also took some work at Cornell University. David learned the Printer's Trade and entered the Insurance Business.
On Christmas day, D. W. married Clara Roselind Porterfield, who was the daughter of Robert and Margaret Porterfield. Clara was born in Emlenton, Pennsylvania on September 18, 1854.
In 1879, David Clark came to Fargo, North Dakota by way of the Great Lakes, Buffalo and Duluth, then by Northern Pacific Railroad to Fargo. He filed on a preemption and tree claim near Walcott, Richland County, North Dakota; then returned to Pennsylvania. In 1880, he returned to North Dakota to plow ten acres and seed it to oats. On March 31, 1881, he came to Fargo, expecting to build a house and establish an insurance business. He was disappointed to learn the field was well covered, so someone suggested he go to Valley City. His first impressions were very disappointing as the place was small, with very few buildings and houses, but he found very friendly people, among them: Walter F. Jones, also of Tidevute, Pennsylvania; John Holmes, his mother and sisters, Sarah, Rachel and Henrietta; George Getchell; William H. McPherson; M. E. Mason, Sim Mason; and Mart Mason; B. W. Benson; P. O. King and Ole Knudson.
David Clark brought his wife and small son, Louis, to Valley City in the Spring of 1881. He built the house at 1201 West Front Street, which was occupied by the family for 75 years.
The Clark family was a musical family and took part in every dramatic and musical production held in Valley City. Mr. Clark organized the Valley City Band and both he and his wife sang in the church choir. All of their children were gifted musicians. He operated an insurance agency, was member of the Park Board for 31 years, an enthusiastic skater, a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge, the Masonic Order and the Valley City Rotary Club. He was also a Charter Director of the Fidelity Savings & Loan Association.
Mr. and Mrs. Clark celebrated their 75th Wedding Anniversary on December 25; 1949. Mr. Clark died January 9, 1950. Mrs. Clark died January 26, 1955. This couple had five children; Louis, Howard, Marguerite (Mrs. R. J. Rathje), Elizabeth (Mrs. Worley) and Bryan.
Source: Barnes County History 1976 Page 47