I sent a scan of this image from the Lucas County Historical Society collection home from the office yesterday, just to see what I could find out about the subject --- identified on the back as Simeon Clark, pastor of Goshen Baptist Church. Goshen, then and now, is located on Highway 65 south of Lucas and north of Derby.
The name threw me off initially --- in full it's actually Markwood Simeon Clark, but he seems to have been known informally as Simeon and, formally, as M. S.
Like many current pastors, the ministry was his second vocation. He was farming near Ottawa --- then located at the crossroads of the Woodburn road and what now is U.S. 34 not far west of the Lucas-Clarke county line --- when he experienced the call to preach in 1893 at age 40. By this time, there were young adult sons to take on much of the farming and a patient spouse to support him in his new endeavor.
Ordained as a Missionary Baptist in 1896, he was installed as Goshen pastor during September of 1897 and served five years, then returned in 1920 to serve an additional six. And after that, he filled in when needed, giving him a total of about 20 years with the congregation.
He died with his boots on and Bible in hand, so to speak, at age 83 --- having preached a sermon the previous Sunday and helped out with the farm chores on the morning of his final call.
Here's the Rev. Mr. Clark's obituary, from The Chariton Leader of July 27, 1937, which provides a number of other details:
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Rev. M.S. Clark, for many years a resident of Chariton and vicinity, died suddenly Thursday morning, July 15, 1937, at his home near Woodburn, Iowa, at the age of 83 years, 7 months and 26 days. He was active up to the time of his death. The Sunday prior to his passing he delivered a sermon at East Concord and was one of a trio which sang sacred songs at the services. The morning of his death he assisted with the milking and other farm chores.
Largely attended funeral services were held at the Methodist church in Woodburn Sunday afternoon at two o'clock, conducted by Rev. Harry Secor, of the Chariton Baptist church, and burial was in the Woodburn cemetery by the side of his departed companion, who was called to her eternal home on March 8, 1923.
Rev. Markwood Simeon Clark, son of Rev. J.D. and Nancy Clark, was born in Jackson county, Ohio, Nov. 19, 1853. In 1865 the family moved to Chillicothe, Iowa, and later to a farm near Ottawa in Clarke county. In 1901 Mr. Clark and family located in Chariton and lived here until 1925, when he returned to the farm in Clarke County.
On Sept. 8, 1874, he was united in marriage to Terressa Elmore of Woodburn, Iowa. To this union six children were born, one of whom, Jacob Carlton, passed to his heavenly home in the spring of 1901. Those living are Mrs. Berdie Patterson of near Chariton, Mrs. Lillian Marker of Liberty Center, Rev. J. Elmer Clark of Russell, S. Manny Clark of near Woodburn and W. Edward Clark of near Chariton.
Mr. Clark was converted when a boy and united with the Methodist Episcopal church and was called into the ministry by his lord in 1893 and then united with the Missionary Baptist church and continued that affiliation until his death.
He served as missionary of the Eden association for a number of years, was pastor of the Unity church for 17 years, the Goshen church for 20 years and a number of other churches for a short period of time.
He delivered his last message at East Concord on Sunday evening prior to his death from the theme of Ezekiel's Vision of the Resurrection, and was one of a trio who sang the hymn entitled, "Lead Me Gently Home father."
He has baptized 430 candidates into the church, conducted 349 funerals and officiated in 141 marriages.
Thus ends 35 years of faithful fulfilling of the commission his Lord gave him, "Go ye into all the world ad preach my Gospel." His faith was his victory, his hope was his treasure and his trust was his benediction.
Besides his children previously mentioned he is survived by sixteen grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, one sister, Mrs. J.S. Carson and one brother, C.H. Clark, both of Woodburn; one half sister, Mrs. K. Wolverton, Derby; two half brothers, O.N. Clark, Sheridan, Wyo., and I.N. Clark, Osceola; and many other relatives and friends.
His son, Manny Clark and wife, moved to his home and for three months made his life comfortable and happy and gave him the tenderest care.
Those who are left behind can only bow their heads and say to the Prince of Peace, "Thy will and not mine be done."
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