John E. Clancy was twenty-four years of age and managing his father's farm near Sanborn when he met Frances M. Starke at a dance or party. She was nineteen years of age and an ex-Hobart school teacher. On March 4, 1919 John E. and Frances M. were married at St. Catherine's Church, Valley City, attended by Tom Clancy and Gertrude Starke.

John and Frances began farming two miles east of Dazey and there their first born, Eileen, arrived, with, it is reported, three mid-wives and a doctor in attendance.

On October 8, 1920 the family moved to a farm belonging to Frank Starke, southeast of Valley City. It was here that the rest of the children were born, who are as follows: Rita, Adrian, Neil, Lorna, Lucile, Sharon and Lynn.

The Clancy children attended both the St. Catherine school, the Valley City Public Schools and were always involved in music in some way or in acting. Community affairs involved the Clancy family. Frances began the hot lunch program at St. Catherine school and she managed it for twenty-five years. She was active in 4H Youth, scouting and homemakers, as well as the Farmers Union. John was involved with the Farmers Union Oil Board, the Farmers Union Board of Directors, the Barnes County Creamery, the Hi-Line Elevator Board and others.

Source: Barnes County History 1976 Page 46