Francis Clark ²

   Another name for Francis was Frank Clark.

   Ancestral File Number: 2NP7-8X.

  General Notes:

(Mary Clark was not married to Edward Mansfield at the time when Thomas Clark was born)
Records of J.E. Judd and David Gardner
Records recieved from LaVon Judd Aug 2001 concerning Frank Clark. This information is also located in the Book "Echoes of Yesterday", Summit County Centennial History
Tjere was amptjer pme-room building built toward the back and to the right side of the home whjich grandfather used as his art studio. It was built of logs with a dirt foof and was large enough for a black sqare heating stove, a spsrin couch, a achair or tow, his easel and a table that he used to put his paints and bruches on. He had a steady hand wnd would sit and paint by the hour. Many people visited him just to watch him paint. He bought his paint in lead tubes already colored. Then he would mix them to wuit himself and this the paint with linseed oil if needed. He bought his many bruches and canvas by the roll from c.R. Savage in Salt Lake City, Utah. He bought many frames for his paintings from a peddler who used to come to Upton in a covered wagon drwn by two horses, by the name of Sandy Glenn. Sandy would stay all night with grandfather and his family before going back home. Grandfather was indeed a gifted artist, never having received any training whatsoever. Through his love o nature and his abilituy to blend colors, he became an outstanding artist among his fellowmanm. He could look at a small piture or post card and paint a duplicate of it andy sissze he desisred.
In 1891 an amusement hall waqs erected on a peice of land belonging to Bishop John Clark, grandfather's brother. Bishop Clark and his son Roland were responsisble for building it. The Building was 50 feet lng, 26 feet wide and about 13 1/2 feet high to the square, with a stage 23 feet wide and 16 feet back, with a side door, a small entrance with steps to enter the bulding. After it was built, granfather painted different scenes on the walls down to the wainscoating which was about 3 feet high. Bill and Charles Clark pained the ceiling. on one side wall was paianted and Indian Village, Tepee's ponies, indian squaws with their papossses and etc.
On the other side wall was an outdoor scene of nature at its best, with the deet and other animals, the trees, the blue sky with the glouds and green grtass under foot.
The battle ship "Main" covered the end of the hall with the deep green water and along the shore the water soaked rocks peeked out.
Over the door was a steam engine with the smoke rolling out of the pipe. The rails and railroad ties were easilly seen, and train cars from behind as the traain seemed to wind itself around a bend to enter a tunnel.
These beautiful walls attracted much attention of the people throughout the state. Tourists stopped to admire it. Many compliments were paid him for his work and ability.
Roland Clark was manager of the hall. On special occasions children's dances wree held ibn the day time. Night dances were for the grownups. Music was mostey an organ and violin. One who played the organ waqs Vernie Fewkes. William Robinson, Ivan Fewkes and Earnest Clalrk were some who player the violins.
The lighting was furnished brom coal=oil lanterns hung at various places around the walls. Stage shows were put on, Mary staples remembers, Ib called "Under the Laurels", andother "Out In Thje Street". The people joined together for these occasions fand da good time was had by all.
In 1939 the interior was torn out, even to the floor, leaving onluy the outside covering which is stillstanding and is used for a strehouse for hay. Many heats were saddened to see this popneer buldiong stripped of its beauty.
Granfather made many peopple happy with his painting, selling them for a few dollars each. He too was happier and it helped to make a living for his family. He had many offers to go to the city and paint in large studios but he always said, "I have a home, food, a good bed and I don't owe anhone, so why should I go?"
This picture of grandfather with his paintings was taken at the home of his daughter Mary Staples, in Spring Hollow about 1926. The painting in the lowere right and corner is called "The Silvery Divide." It was presented toe the Henefer Camp of Daughters of Utah Pioneers 19 Jan 1961 by Darlene Clark Jaques and Grace Clark Jones as a gift to be added to the many souveniors of our pioeer ancestoresl. A Copy of this history will also be given to the Daughers sof Utah Pioneers.

Francis married Eliza Pike, daughter of Thomas Pike and Ann Postans, on 27 Nov 1864 in Echo, Summit Co., Utah. (Eliza Pike was born on 31 Aug 1844 in Holme Lane, Nottingshire, England, christened on 29 Sep 1844 in Holme Pier Pont, Notts., Eng, died on 28 Feb 1921 in Upton, Utah and was buried on 1 Mar 1921 in Upton, Summit, Utah.) The cause of her death was Heart attack.