FOUNDING CLARKSTON

The Clarkston area welcomed settlers for almost a decade before the town was officially founded in 1832. Jeremiah Clark arrived to Michigan from New York after serving in the War of 1812. He opened a bakery and grocery store in Detroit before moving to Clarkston. Jeremiah Clark arrived to Clarkston 1832, while his brother Nelson came shortly after in 1839. Nelson’s home still stands today on Main St. The Clarks were very involved in the new town. They built a sawmill on Crooked Lake, created a gristmill, started a fish hatchery, opened a general store, and served as postmasters. Jeremiah brought the town their first apple trees. He was also township supervisor and justice of peace and his brother was also active in local politics. By 1840, they created the village officially and the town voted to name it Clarkston two years later. (Clarkston Historical Society)