Charles Clarke and Matthew S. Marsh traveled to Sangamon County, Illinois in 1833 from New Hampshire seeking a new home. Both bought land and settled in the New Salem vicinity to farm. Clarke was born in Northwood, New Hampshire to David and Mary (Burnham) Clarke. He married Rachel Smith of Cass County in 1841, and they had four children, John, Minnie (Mrs. J.H. Burkholder), Charles R. and Luella. Clarke served as county judge for 8 years and as county commissioner for 4 years. Clarke died April 9, 1870. Matthew Marsh farmed in the New Salem area for a time . He married Martha Jane Short and later sold his land and moved first to Cass County, Jacksonville and later Chicago, Illinois.
From the description of Papers, 1826-1936. (Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library). WorldCat record id: 46888552
