Figure of the Week

John Clark (1804-1882) was born on Clark’s Mountain in Orange County, Virginia.  In addition to being a widely known and respected Baptist preacher, Clark was also a publisher, writer, and editor, as well as a millwright, engineer, bridge builder, carpenter, machinist, and fabricator of agricultural implements.  He rebuilt the Chatham Bridge after it washed out in 1826.  Clark preached extensively throughout the region, including at Chappawamsic and White Oak Baptist Churches in Stafford and at Union Church in Falmouth, Virginia.  John Clark was a Commissioner of Elections for Tolson’s Mill Precinct in 1850 and at that time was residing in the northern part of Stafford County.