Clark, Billy.

Clark was the son of Julia and Edward J. Clark, editor and printer of Grand Rapids, and the grandson of Merrills H. Clark, owner of the Grand Rapids Democrat. He was also the grandson of E.R. Huntley, once one of the wealthiest people in Grand Rapids. Clark was a top ranking minstrel performer for 20 years before he retired. During his career, he traveled throughout the U.S. and worked with the Hi Henry's, Al G. Field's, Wm. H. West's, Crawford Bros.', Nell O'Brien's, Billy Clark's and Geo. B. Reno's minstrel companies. He was also a vaudeville performer in the Keith and Orpheum circuits. Clark was unique in writing all of his own material, including his songs, and painting his own scenery. He was a life member of the Elks Lodge No. 48. After he retired, he was assistant treasurer of Powers Theatre and was employed at the Redmond's Grand Opera house, both in Grand Rapids. He died in Grand Rapids at the Cody Hotel, on Nov. 27?, 1939 at the age of 64. Clark was survived by his sister, Mrs. Edgar B. Delano. His parents and a sister, Mrs. Albert A. Bean, preceded him in death. (Information from the collection.).