Shaver, F. A., Arthur P. Rose, R. F. Steele, and A. E. Adams, compilers.  "An
Illustrated History of Central Oregon." ("Embracing Wasco, Sherman, Gilliam,
Wheeler, Crook, Lake, & Klamath Counties")  Spokane, WA: Western Historical
Publishing Co., 1905.  p. 632.

MYRON O. CLARKE

     a leading citizen and pioneer of Gilliam county, is also one of the most
enterprising business men of Condon. He is at the head of a large hardware and
furniture establishment, which is doing a mammoth business and which has been
built up by the skill and ability of Mr. Clarke. He is justly entitled to be
classed with the builders of this county and an epitome of his life will be
found interesting to all.
     Myron O. Clarke was born in Derby, Vermont, on September 5, 1859. His
father, Barney D. Clarke, was also born in Vermont and was a skilled cabinet
maker and prominent citizen. He was in the employe of the government during the
Civil War and also held many offices of trust at the hands of his fellow
citizens in his native place, where he remained until his death. He married Miss
Laura Kendall, who came from a prominent family. She was related to the
Redfields, Proctors, and Colbys and her father, Peleg R. Kendall, was a very
prominent attorney in Rutland, Vermont.
     Our subject was educated in the district schools of his native place and in
1876 went to California. Although young in life, still he possessed that self
reliance which is requisite to meet and overcome the obstacles in the path to
success. He wrought on a ranch near Salinas, then spent a year on Union island
and in 1878 came thence to Lone Rock, Gilliam county, where he took a ranch and
engaged in horse raising. At that time Mr. Clarke had no means and started in
the pioneer's life with bare hands and a determined spirit to win success. He
prospered from the start, owing to his sagacity and careful management, and he
was always interested in politics and in the welfare of the community. In 1894,
he was elected assessor in his county and for eight years he held the office to
the satisfaction of all concerned. In 1901, Mr. Clarke, in company with H. N.
Frazer, opened a hardware and furniture store in Condon. They started in on a
small scale but soon enlarged and by their kindly ways and business methods
secured a fine patronage. In July, 1903, Mr. Frazer sold his interest and in the
following January, Mr. Clarke purchased it himself. Since that time he has
continued in the business with marked success. His trade is constantly
increasing and he is supplying to the demand a full line of all kinds of goods
handled in his establishment. Mr. Clarke is a leading business man of this part
of, the state and he has many friends.
     In 1884, Mr. Clarke married Miss Sadie Balding. She was born in Iowa and
came to this country with her parents in 1876. They settled in Lost Valley and
although Mrs. Clarke had to ride five or six miles to and from school, still she
secured a fine education and is a cultured lady. Mrs. Clarke's father is
Fredrick Balding, a pioneer of Gilliam county. To our subject and his wife, the
following named children have been born: Lilla M., who took a course in a
Portland business college and is now keeping books for her father; Florence R.,
who has finished the Condon schools; Herbert and Katie, school children. Mr.
Clarke is a member of the K. P. and the W. W. He is a man of stability and
enterprise and has also shown an integrity and probity that distinguish him as a
leading citizen.


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Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in January 2011 by Diana Smith.  Submitter
has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.