Sedgwick County KSGenWeb

Portrait And Biographical Album of Sedgwick County, Kan.

Chapman Brothers 1888

Pages 821 - 822

CLARK J. DEMING became a resident of Sedgwick County in 1878, and since that time he has given his attention principally to farming, although at present he is engaged as a dealer in coal and stone at Colwich. He has accumulated his property since coming to Kansas, being now numbered among the wealthy citizens of this State. He was born in Saratoga County, N. Y., April 23, 1851.

            John G. Deming, the father of our subject, was a native of Dutchess County, N. Y., and was a farmer by occupation. He married Sally M. Rockwell, also a native of that State. She died when our subject was but six days old, leaving four children -- Edgar L., Orville, Melvina and Clark J. Edgar resides in Northville, N. Y., and is engaged in the mercantile business; Orville is a farmer in Gage County, Neb.; Melvina is the wife of Enos Murphy, a lumberman of Saratoga County, N. Y. After the death of his first wife Mr. Deming married Miss Mary Hendricks, a native of New York, and in 1866 migrated with his family to DeKalb County, Ill. He was there successfully engaged in his vocation for several years, until his death in 1885. By his second marriage he became the father of six children.

            The subject of this sketch passed most of his boyhood in his native State, being fifteen years old when he removed from there with his parents to Illinois. At the age of seventeen he left home to make his own way in the world, working as a farm hand in the summer seasons, and completing his education by attendance at the winter schools. One summer he had an experience of life and work in the lumber regions of Wisconsin. After completing his education he taught school one term. He then decided to turn his face westward, and on the fertile prairies of Kansas turn his attention to the life of a farmer, to which occupation he had been bred. Accordingly, in January, 1878, he journeyed hither and purchased, with another man, a half-interest on 160 acres of land in Union Township. This proved to be a profitable investment, as it was very finely situated, was well watered, and had a deep alluvial soil, capable of producing large crops. He worked with persistent energy, and by his skillful cultivation of the soil produced the best results, and in a few years had made considerable money, so that he was enabled to add to his original purchase, and is now the sole owner of 240 acres of valuable farming land, all improved. In the spring of 1887 he took advantage of a fine opening to establish himself in the coal and stone trade in Colwich, and by his energy and wise management he has already placed this enterprise on a firm footing, and is doing a fine business.

            The marriage of Mr. Deming with Miss Katie Nicholson took place in DeKalb County, Ill., Feb. 24, 1875. To her energetic and hearty co-operation he is greatly indebted for their pleasant home. She was born in Lockport, N. Y., and is the daughter of David and Mary Nicholson, natives respectively of New York State and St. John, New Brunswick. At some period of their married life they settled in DeKalb County, Ill., and there the father died. He was a millwright by trade. The mother is now living in Wichita, Kan. Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Deming three children have been born - Mabel, Winnie and Flossie.

            Our subject is a firm Republican in his political views. He is an influential citizen, and takes an earnest interest in public affairs, and by his honest and efficient discharge of the duties devolving upon him as Justice of the Peace and of the various other local offices of which he has been an incumbent, has gained the respect and confidence of his fellowmen. He is connected with the Mt. Hope Lodge No 230, Mt. Hope, Kan.

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