A Biography of Ezra Thompson Clark

Ezra Clark, page 050

50 EZRA THOMPSON CLARK lot of hard work to pay for their immigration, he made them feel glad that they were not in the old country. How- ever, these immigrants were frequently sympathized with by those who were aware of Mr. Clark's business traits. He was ambitious to accumulate property and he real- ized many a good bargain. He had an innate ability for trading, which was a custom of his time, and he was always ready to put over a deal. Someone asked him how it was that he always had-the advantage in a business trans- action. His reply was: "I let the other party suggest the terms." And so he did, but he usually bought a cow or a yearling that was brought to the Clark farm to sell, for considerable less than the original price asked, and this was due to the fact that taxes were due and the money had to be obtained. Frequently, however, Ezra Clark's possession of ready money was a blessing to those in great need. Many people, when going away, were glad to accept a small price for their land. People had been on the move so much that it seemed difficult for them to become settled, while Ezra Clark remained permanently located. Unlike his father, who had so many homes from Hartford, Con- necticut, where he was born in 1773, to Vienna, Illinois, where he died in 1848, Ezra was determined to remain at Farmington. When urged to make an investment, he was very care- ful to obtain sufficient security. This position was not al- ways easy to maintain. Frequently people needed money but they could not supply the proper security. However, Mr. Clark remained steadfast to this business policy. Once it cost him a friend who came from Salt Lake to borrow $ 1,000. He envisioned the welfare of the group and suggested