Clark, Lew W.

Lew W. Clark, born in Riverside County on August 8, 1887, was the son of Peter T. and Elizabeth C. Tune Clark, who had migrated to California from Missouri in 1886. Reared and educated in his native county, he attended the local grammar and high schools before deciding to follow the vocation of a rancher. His father operated a major livestock and agricultural enterprise in the San Jacinto Valley for eighteen years before moving to the San Joaquin Valley to manage a large 4000 acre ranching operation. Following his schooling, Lew chose to build upon this familial foundation and establish his own agricultural career within the developing region of Fresno County.

In March 1916, Lew purchased the thirty-one acre original Reese ranch, which stood as one of the first fruit ranches to come into bearing in the Centerville district. He managed the property as an up-to-date and successful rancher, dedicating the acreage to the growth of lemons and oranges. On October 14, 1916, he married Catherine R. Colvert, the daughter of William P. and Catherine Tice Colvert. Beyond his ranching duties, he became an active community member through his fraternal affiliations with the Orangedale Lodge Number 221 I. O. O. F. at Sanger and the Visalia Lodge Number 1298 B. P. O. Elks.