ARCHIE BIERD AND BESSIE MAE COTTAM CLARK

Archie Bierd Clark was born December 1, 1875 to James and Dorothy Jane (Jenny D.) Bierd Clark. Archie married Bessie Mae Cottam Dunham on February 28, 1903 in Saginaw, Saginaw County, Michigan. Bessie was born February 19, 1879 to George and Dee Bishop Cottam.

Archie and Bessie had the following children:

1. Hazel Francis Dunham Clark was born July 4, 1898 in Essexville, Saginaw County, Michigan. Hazel married George Wenzel, Jr. on November 30, 1918. George was born November 20, 1893 in Swan Creek Township, Saginaw County, Michigan and died December 28, 1966. Hazel died November 6, 1995. They are both buried in Lakefield Township Cemetery.

2. Archie C. Clark was born November 3, 1903. Archie married Anna Phelps on February 10/11 1923 in Gratiot County. Anna taught school in the Merrill School District for over 30 years. Archie was a Saginaw County Police Officer and a Constable in Merrill, Saginaw County, Michigan. Anna died on August 7, 1965 and Archie died on December 15, 1976. They are both buried in Lakefield Township Cemetery.

3. Gilbert G. Clark was born in 1906. He married Sophie Mikek

4. John R. Clark was born in 1909.

5. Viola Jean Clark was born September 8, 1918 and died on February 14, 1920 at the age of 17 months. Viola died of pneumonia and is buried in Lakefield Township Cemetery.

6. Joseph Edward Clark was born July 11, 1920. While serving our country in WWII, Joseph met and married Thea Ferman who was from Marklem, Germany.

In 1916, Archie and Bessie owned a 41 acre farm in Section 16 on the north side of Lakefield Road between Fenmore and Meridian Roads. Their neighbors were: Ed Kissane, John Kissane, J.G. Clark, Frank Glinke, Sr., Charles Glinke, William Bierd, O.B. Parker, Edward Miller, Gustav Klugas and Richard Welke.

Archie died on September 6, 1940 and Bessie died on August 25, 1945. They are both buried in the Lakefield Township Cemetery.

SOURCES: Granddaughter Helen Clark Davis; U.S. Census; 1916 Lakefield Township Plat Map; Archie and Bessie Cottam Clark's marriage record; Archie Bierd Clark's WWI Draft Registration; Archie C. and Anna Phelps Clark's marriage record; Della Miller McKay's obituary collection; Hazel and George Wenzel's obituaries; Viola Clark's death record and obituary; Archie B. and Bessie Clark's obituaries.