JOSEPH MONCRIEFF CLARK.
Joseph Moncrieff Clark, one of the best known insurance men in
Yorkton, was born in London, England, in 1868, a son of John and
Mary (Smith) Clark, likewise natives of that country, the mother's birtb-
place being London.
In the pursuit of his education Joseph Moncrieff Clark attended the
public and private schools of Westminster and after putting his textbooks
aside was articled to an architect in London, but spent part of his ap-
prenticeship of four years in Bristol. In 1888 he came to Canada, and
for the first year was at Pilot Mound, Manitoba. He homesteaded near
the post office known as Armstrong Lake, in the fall of 1889, and was
actively engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1900. He faced the many
hardships of those early pioneer days with confidence and courage.
Pioneer conditions prevailed for many years after his arrival but he
achieved success in his undertakings, the result of his persistent industry
and stanch determination. In 1891 he accompanied J. T. Gordon on his
first shipment of cattle to the old country. In the early days of the Do-
minion cattle raising was the chief industry in this section of the country
and there is no phase of the cattle business with which Mr. Clark is not
thoroughly familiar. Subsequently he moved into Yorkton and made his
initial step into business circles as a bookkeeper in a mill here, holding
that position until he was appointed postmaster of Yorkton in 1902,
serving until 1916. He is now in the insurance business and is enjoying
an extensive patronage. In his business dealings he has ever been
straightforward and reliable and he is accorded the confidence and esteem
of all who know him.
At Pilot Mound, in 1891, Mr. Clark was married to Miss Mary Haire,
a daughter of Joseph Haire, who was of Irish descent. To Mr. and Mrs.
Clark seven children have been born. Mrs. Clark is a woman of culture
and refinement and she is prominent in the club and social circles of
Yorkton. Mr. Clark has always maintained an active interest in civic
affairs. He was a member of the city council from 1907 until 1910 and
in 1910 served as mayor. He was a member of the local high school board
and was chairman of that board at the time of its organization in 1908.
He is secretary of the Board of Trade. Fraternally Mr. Clark is identified
with the Masons and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and his re-
ligious faith is that of the Presbyterian church. He is interested in out-
door sports of every kind and finds his greatest recreation in the great
out-of-doors. Mr. Clark has made good use of his time and opportunities
and as the years have gone by has gained prosperity, yet his success is
measured not alone by material gain but by the enterprising spirit and
worthy methods by which it was accomplished.
Bibliography follows:
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