The Life and Times of John W. Clark of Nushagak, Alaska, 1846-1896
The earliest known photograph of John W. Clark, circa 1870. Photo courtesy of Mr & Mrs Dennis Herrmann and Mr & Mrs Herman Herrmann, Jr The earliest known photograph of John W. Clark (1846-1896), circa 1870s, was recently discovered in the family papers of one of his descendants in Anchorage, Alaska. Clark first came to Russian America in 1866 with the Western Union Telegraph Company Russo-American Expedition and in 1868 he became a fur trader in western Alaska. In 1879-1880 Clark became the chief trader for the Alaska Commercial Company at Nushagak and was a founder of the Bristol Bay canned salmon industry in the early 1880s. Lake Clark, Lake Clark Pass and the village of Clark's Point were all named in honor of Clark. 
By John B. Branson
Click on book sections below or download the entire book! Introduction, Glossary, Map of Bristol Bay Region, and a Timeline of Events Chapter 1 Obscure Roots Chapter 9 Clark Marries, and Rival Churches Spar, 1887 Chapter 14 The Last Years of John W. Clark of Nushagak |
Did You Know?
Dena'ina Athabascan people in the Lake Clark area preserve salmon by drying and smoking, as their ancestors have done for thousands of years.