William Clarke

William married Elizabeth Brann in 1824. Shadrack Clarke signed the bond along with William and swore that both were over 21 and that Elizabeth was a resident of Richmond County. Shadrack may have been a cousin or an uncle. His oath was taken on September 2nd and the marriage bond was issued on September 15th. William signed the bond by making a mark.

Records for William and Betty have been difficult to locate. A census record from 1830 in Richmond County appears to be a good match. William was listed as the head of a family with two boys under 5, one boy between five and 10, and one girl between 10 and 15. Since no relationships were given this older girl may have been another relative. The ages of the adults were marked between 20 and 30. No slaves were listed.

In the 1840 census there are no good matches for William in Richmond or any of the surrounding counties.

The 1850 does list William and his family in Richmond County. William was marked as a farmer with real estate valued at $125. He and Betty are both recorded as 47 years old and not being able to read or write. Living with them is Reuben Brann, age 78, also unable to read or write and noted as a pauper. This was most likely Betty's father. Reuben is the only member of the household marked as being born outside of Richmond County, he was born in Westmoreland. Children living in the home were; William J. Clark, 19, Sarah Clarke, 16, and Winifred B. Clark, 9.

William appears to have died before 1860. In that census year his daughter Sarah and wife Betty are living with Middleton Lewis. I have been unable to find records for William in the Death Register or any settlement of his estate.