Rahway News Record - July 17, 1997 - commemmorative Edition

Sun Stroke Fatal to Clark

Abraham Clark, perhaps Rahway's most prominent citizen during the 18th century, was felled by a sun stroke in June of 1994 and was dead of it within a matter of hours.

I'm very interested in the genealogy of ABRAHAM CLARK, signer of the Declaration of Independence, of Rahway, NJ. I'm familiar with ABRAHAM as he is in several books and was well known due to his part in the Revolutionary War. My questions pertain to his children and what became of them. One particular child is AARON CLARK. I know he moved to Pennsylvania and one of his sons, JOSIAH CLARK was born there. JOSIAH CLARK married GRACE(?) in Pennsylvania (don't know her last name) and they had a daughter, MARY CLARK. JOSIAH & GRACE CLARK divorced. Josiah married again and moved to AR. Grace died and Mary went to AR to be with her father and his new family. She married GIBSON MORRISON and they had several children. One of those children, SUSAN MORRISON, was my g-grandmother who married JOHN RANKIN MCCLURE in Pope County, AR. I would like to hear from anybody who is doing research on the ABRAHAM CLARK CLARK family.

Correction to date of death on previous article - should read June of 1794 - Sorry - I should proof read before I push the Post Message button!

Dear Joyce: Unforunately, I am not doing research on this family, I had a Commemorative Edition of a newspaper published in July of 1997 that had old articles from past issues listed. I thought it might help others if I posted some of the information. As you can see, there was a typing error on the date of death for Abraham Clark, should be 1794. In that same issue, there is a small clipping regarding the historic Rahway Cemetery that might be of interest to you: "The historic Rahway Cemetery began as a little graveyard connected with the original First Presbyterian Church (behind the Merchants & Drovers Tavern). Among those whose mortal remains repose there are Abraham Clark, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and noted Americal sculptor John Frazee (first American sculptor to carve busts in marble.) You might want to contact the Rahway Historical Society, maybe someone there has records pertaining to Clark's family and will be able to assist you.

Thank you for your prompt reply. I appreciate the information about the various places to search and will follow up your suggestions. Your article is a valuable contribution--a very good service. Joyce

In reply to your message concerning abraham clark. I am a descendent of abraham, & have the family traced back into the 1600's. I also have a branch on my tree which includes john alden. this is very sketchy i know, but i wanted to touch base as i may have information you would be interested in; including wills, & other stories. please contact me @ my e-mail: lindasweetmally@aol.com I am also very interested n knowin all i can ,also . thank you & anxiously awaiting any word from you!..Linda

Sounds like we may have a connection. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Joyce

Hi Linda,
How are you descended from Abra Clark?

Dan

Abraham Clark High School is located in Roselle NJ. Perhaps they can give you some info from their records.

Would you have any info on Joseph Clark b 1724 Rahway d 1751 Elizabeth Borough. Joseph m Mary Mersereau b 1720's . They had two boys. John Mersereau Clark and Joseph Clark b 10/21/1751 Rahway d 10/20 1813 New Brunswick.
Who was the original Clark to come to Rahway?
Rae