Z 1960.000 Clark (Felix G.) Papers

Felix G. Clark, a planter and soldier, was born in Tennessee on February 7, 1817. His family later moved to Mississippi. In June of 1846, he enlisted in Company C, First Regiment, Mississippi Rifles, for service in the Mexican War. On March 11 of the following year, he married Aletha Faust in Amite County, Mississippi. Clark moved his church membership to New Providence Baptist Church in Amite County on May 27, 1848, and was a member there until at least 1866, after which date church records are unavailable. He and his wife had several children, most of them listed on the 1860 census: Lucinda A.; Rachel; a son, Robin; and Martha. Later censuses show other children, but county records do not clarify the full names of these children. Clark lived and farmed between Liberty and Gloster in Amite County, but he apparently did not own property there until 1857. In that year, he was involved in two land deals regarding a gristmill near Liberty. His partner in both of these deals was a man named William Clark, who was possibly a relative. By 1860, Clarks total net worth had increased to $4,000, probably including the land on which he farmed.

Despite his increasing responsibilities at home, Clark was drafted into the Confederate Army on July 12, 1862. He began as a second sergeant in Company C, Second Regiment, Mississippi Infantry (Quinns State Troops). He was promoted to third sergeant. Clarks term of enlistment ended on February 28, 1863. His wife, Aletha, died on July 8 of that year. Besides this personal loss, Clark also suffered financial losses. The 1870 census lists his net worth at just over half of his pre-war net worth. Clark remarried on July 16, 1867, to Matilda D. Lusk of Amite County. With her, Clark had at least three children: Rita, Pearl, and Nettie. In the 1870s, Clark was a member of the local grange. He also joined an association of Mexican War veterans. In 1887, Clark was granted a Mexican War pension of $8.00 per month. He continued to farm near Gloster until his death on December 7, 1900. Matilda Clark resided at their home until her death on October 28, 1922.

This collection contains correspondence and receipts of Felix G. Clark of Gloster, Mississippi. Some letters document his entitlement to a federal pension for military service in the Mexican War. One personal letter, dated May 8, 1876, is from his eldest daughter, Lucinda A. Fisk, who was living in Girard, Illinois, at the time. An August 1885 issue of The Vedette, a publication sent to veterans of the Mexican War and other wars, is included.

1. Correspondence (Personal). 1876.
2. Receipts. 1876-1905.
3. Pension Application and Related Correspondence. 1887-1901.
4. Newspaper. 1885.