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Henry J. CLARK
Captain, Company D, 7th Kentucky Infantry
By Jim Clark
Henry Jackson Clark was the youngest son of William Clark and Tabitha Evans and was born in Clay
County, Kentucky on March 18, 1841. He was the grandson of two Clay County pioneer families,
Henry and Jane Clark and Edward and Margaret Evans.
Henry grew up on his father's farm and enlisted in the 3rd Kentucky Infantry Regiment, later named the
7th, along with his older brother Andrew, and some of his cousins. At the time of his enlistment he was
20 years old and gave his address as Green Hall, in Jackson County. Henry enlisted as a Private in
Company D, under his brother Andrew, who was elected Captain.
Henry served his unit well and was soon promoted to 1st Sergeant, and then to 2nd Lieutenant on
February 28, 1863. This promotion occurred due to a vacancy created by the resignation of his brother,
Captain Andrew H. Clark, and Thomas H. Wilson moving up to the rank of Captain. On May 16, of
that year, at the Battle of Champion Hill, Mississippi, Captain Wilson was killed in action and Henry
was then promoted to Captain and took command of the company. These were unpleasant times for
Henry, because Andrew had resigned in protest to Colonel T.T. Garrard for not recommending him for
promotion. Then two of his double first cousins who were also in the company, Privates Hiram and
Edward Clark, sons of Elhannon Clark and Rachel Evans, both died of diarrhoea: Hiram on the
Hospital Steamer D. A. January on March 15, 1863, at Youngs Point and Edward on April 30,
at St. Louis, Missouri after being taken there on the same steamer. While in service Henry suffered from
general debility caused by fever and chronic diarrhoea. Henry was discharged on October 5, 1864.
Henry met Emma R. Jones while stationed in Clinton, Louisiana and married her on August 18, 1865.
They were married by Rev. Wall, when Henry was 24 and Emma was just 16. After the wedding,
Henry and Emma returned to Kentucky, and lived next to his mother. Henry had been sick during his
service and took several months to recover his health. Emma had a hard time adjusting also because she
was young and had been used to having servants in the house. Emma never saw her parents again, but
was visited by one brother in later years.
Henry became a hard-shelled Baptist Preacher (Elder) and belonged to the Tates Creek Association of
Predestinarian Baptists. Henry rode a circuit, preaching at Flat Woods, Station Camp, and Lebanon
Churches. He also preached at the Rock Springs Church near his home in Owsley County. He later
preached at the Old Cane Spring Church at College Hill. After his mother died, Henry moved to Estill
County and finally settled in Madison County.
Henry applied for a pension in 1885 and his records disclosed he had indeed been treated and been
granted sick leave, which at the time was considered necessary to save his life. These were the remarks
of the 7th KY Vols Senior Surgeon, William Berry, at Vicksburg, Mississippi in August 1863.
Henry re-filed his claim in 1912, when he was 71 years old. At the time he stood 5'10", and had dark
hair and dark eyes, with a light complexion.
Henry died at the age of 84, on April 23, 1925, while living at Richmond, Kentucky. The cause of death
was listed as Mitral Insufficiency with Senility as a contributory factor. He was attended by Dr. R.C.
Coomer of Speedwell, Kentucky. Henry was receiving a pension of $50 per month when he died.
Emma applied for a Widow's Pension in May of 1925. J.N. Culton, aged 82 and Hezekiah Creech,
aged 88 both gave testimony that they had known Henry since he was a boy, and that Emma was his
only wife. Emma died on March 4, 1928, while residing at 420 W. 4th Street, Lexington, Kentucky.
Emma was receiving a pension of $30 per month when she died.
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