Ezra T. Clark and wife, Mary Stevenson came into this valley about 1848. He took up a large tract of land west of the Short Line railroad track. He also purchased land on the east of the railroad where he built the center of the old rock home for Mary before leaving for a mission to England. Across the street on the south, he bought land from Amasa Lyman and built a house for Susan Leggett, his second wife. Near the highway stands a lovely monument to honor his name. They were noble, stalwart pioneers.
Amasa Lyman Clark was born June 6, 1865 in this old rock home which is still standing and is in use. He had ten brothers and one sister. He was always an active, energetic young man but not physically strong. His father started a bank and placed Amasa in it because of his condition. He has always been a banker and taken great pride in it. He is so modest and humble and said to me when I asked him for some information, "Sister, don't say too much about me. 11
He is one of the original Primary children, standing in front with James H. Robinson in the Mural on the chapel wall. He attended the elementary school and the old Academy. He was a student at the University of Deseret, the B.Y.U. and the University of Utah. He was an Alumnus of these two schools. It is the height of folly to say that a man can only learn so much and no more. We know Brother A. L. Clark is ever seeking to learn. He never misses one of the U.E.A. meetings and keeps up with the new ideas and policies. He not only thinks of his own education but has educated and financed others who were not able to do it. He also sent boys on missions.
Amasa married Alice Charlette Steed, December 16, 1885 in the Logan Temple. They had five children. Alice Maud died in 1887. She was the oldest child. The youngest, Milton J. passed away in 1895. The same year their mother, Alice, died leaving three little boys.
A loving mother is the core of foundation of a home, and they surely needed the love and care of a mother. Brother A.L. Clark married Susan Duncan on March 31, 1895 in the Salt Lake Temple. She went into that home as a loving mother and gave the little boys the same love and care she did her own five lovely children. And I'm sure they loved and honored her and do so today as their mother. She has been affectionately called "Aunt Suzie." She has been such a wonderful helpmeet to her husband, supporting him in all he did. They have succeeded in maintaining a happy home and a wonderful companionship--just like sweethearts. One of the greatest lessons of life learned in a home is doing for others and cultivating love and devotion and good will. They have raised a wonderful family. No wonder he loves the song, "Let Me Call You Sweetheart."
We all love these good people. May this great bond of love we have for each other tie into a greater love in our Heavenly Home.
A.L. has been mayor of our City. I remember how thrilled and excited we were when we first got electric lights through his administration. Our only source of light had been candles and kerosene lamps. How it saved us from chasing to the store for two-bits worth of coal oil every Saturday night.
He has been our Bishop sixteen years, a counselor, Superintendent of the Stake Sunday School, Ward Teacher, Sunday School Teacher, and fulfilled two missions.
He was treasurer of Davis County School Board for sixteen years and President of the Bank for many years.
He is a great Scouter, has the honor of being an Eagle Scout and a Silver Beaver. He has gone on many hikes and rough ones too, and also to many scout conventions. He has taken his older brothers up our canyon to Scout outings, returning home late and safely. He never misses a daily good turn, is kind to widows or the unfortunate, to the shut-ins or sick folks, taking David Hughes to sing for them; or to fix a clock or comfort the sorrowing ones; or to sit at one's piano and play "Shine On" or hand you a bunch of Articles of Faith cards to pass out to people when going on a trip or a little Book of Mormon to hand out.
When we were children he used to pull teeth for us.
He has given much unselfish service to mankind. I think he found his deepest joy in living the gospel and sharing his love and devotion. He also loved to play. He loved his car, but his bike he loved much more. He has ridden it many years. I remember one dark night we used to have fences and a gate that stretched across the side walk. Amasa riding along hit the gate and was knocked to the ground. It stunned him for awhile but it didn't stop him long. He was soon up and on his way. I have often told him I would like to see him race with Frank Stevenson on their bikes. Amasa is a wonderful monument to Farmington.
He is a great lover of his whole wheat cereal. I would like to say boil up a little more wheat and add another handful of raisins Brother Clark for we want to keep you with us for a long time yet.
He has a strong testimony of the Gospel and his life has been successful because he believed in the teachings of his Master. We all came from a Celestial home to this earth and we shall return to a Celestial home when we leave this world. I should like to be there when Brother Amasa L. Clark receives that crown of Glory for all his faithfulness, his charitable acts, his kindness and all his good thoughtful deeds while here on earth. May God continue to bless him and his lovely companion and family.
