Clark, John T. S.

John T. S. Clark, born at Burton-on-Trent, England, on June 15, 1883, was the son of an able Scotland Yard detective who immigrated to the United States at the early age of sixteen. He initially spent two years working on ranches in Santa Clara County before moving to Converse Basin in the spring of 1902 to work for the Sanger Lumber Company. Through his unquestioned and marked ability, he advanced rapidly from loading cars to chief engineer, ultimately achieving the highest post of mill superintendent. His early career in Central California reflects the significant contributions of industrious English pioneers who brought valuable technical and mechanical skills to developing local industries.

On December 17, 1914, he partnered with William F. Jones to establish the Sanger Plumbing Company, which became a highly successful enterprise specializing in installing pumping and irrigating plants. The company expanded rapidly under his guidance, installing over four hundred outfits for local ranchers and employing seven men with a fleet of three automobiles. He also demonstrated strong leadership by organizing and presiding over the Kings River-Hume Auto Service Company, managing a chain of freight trucks into the mountains. Married to May Bryant in 1906 and father to two children, Jack Bryant and Ashley Oliver, he became an influential member of the Sanger Chamber of Commerce and several Masonic lodges.