He was born in Talbot County, Maryland, in 1815/19.
[sources:
date: 3 (42 in 1861), 4 (42 in 1861), 6 (46 at death in 1862), 10 (35 in 1850).
place: 3, 6, 10]
On 7 April 1836, he married Elizabeth Burr.
She was born in September 1816, in Washington, District of Columbia.
They were married at Alderman Christian's office, by Alderman John Binns.
According to one report, Binns 'was a very prominent political and literary character of the time [and] was enjoying himself [there] at a social gathering'.
Binns recorded James's name as Amos, because of James's southern accent.
They apparently had ten children, including:
George Clark (born 1836/37, PA)
Mary Clark (born 1839/40, PA)
Susannah (Ann) Clark (born 1843/44, PA)
John Clark (born 1845/46, PA)
Edward Clark (born 1847/48, PA)
Catharine Clark (born 25 October 1849, PA)
Sarah Jane Clark (born 19 February 1852 [1851?], PA)
William Henry Clark (born 18 August 1854, PA; m. Jemima Martin Wevill 30 Oct 1880 [she was b. 27 Apr 1854; d. National Park NJ 7 May 1907, bur. Fernwood Cem; he later married Charlotte [unknown family name])
Louisa Baker Clark (born 30 December 1856, PA)
[sources: 8, 10 (note that Edward is listed after Catherine--might he have been visiting?; Elizabeth b. PA), 11, 12, 13 (6 children alive in 1900)]
In 1850, he was living in Passyunk, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
He was living with his wife Elizabeth, and (their apparent children) George, Mary, Ann, John, Catharine, and Edward.
He was a farmer.
[source: 8]
In 1860, his wife, Elizabeth, was living in ward 2, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
She is listed in the city directory as the widow of James.
She was living with her (apparent) children Susannah, Sarah, William, and Louisa.
She owned $200 in personal property.
[sources: 12, 16]
When he enlisted, he was a gardener.
[source: 3]
Description
When he enlisted, he was 5 feet 8-1/2 inches tall, had a light complexion, blue eyes, and light hair.
[source: 3]
During the war
He enlisted and was mustered in on 20 August 1861, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
He was enlisted by Captain Lentz, and mustered into service by Colonel Reiff.
He was a private in company E.
[1, 3, 4, 8 (enlisted 20/24 Aug, mustered 9 Sep), 18]
He died on 16 March 1862, in Douglas General Hospital, Washington DC, of typhoid fever.
He was a private, in company E.
He was married.
On 6 April 1862, he was buried, at Trinity [or Passyunk] Lutheran Cemetery, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
[sources: 2, 3, 4, 6 (apparently at Philadelphia, of apoplexy), 8, 9, 17, 18]
After the war
On 10 March 1864, his widow, Elizabeth Clark, applied successfully for a pension, from Pennsylvania, under the Act of 14 July 1862.
She was living at 733 Moss Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Her application was accepted on 26 January 1865, retroactive to 14 March 1862.
She initially received $8 per month.
[sources: 5, 7, 8]
On 4 September 1866, Elizabeth Clark applied for an increase in pension, under the Act of 25 July 1866.
She was still living at 733 Moss Street.
Her application was accepted in July 1867, and she received an additional $2 per month for each child less than sixteen years old, retroactive to 25 July 1866.
[source: 8]
Elizabeth continued to live at 733 Moss until about 1869.
[source: 16]
On 18 December 1875, the Pension Office told the Pension Agent to suspend payment of her pension, which was resumed on 19 January 1876.
[source: 8]
In 1880, his widow, Elizabeth Clark, was living at 737 Pierce Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
She was a tailoress.
She was living with her son William.
[source: 11]
In 1900, his widow, Elizabeth Clark, was living at 813 Pierce Street, ward 1, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
She was a boarder.
[source: 13]
On 10 June 1900, his widow, Elizabeth Clark, died, at 813 Pierce Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
She died of valvular heart disease.
On 13 June 1900, she was buried, at American Mechanics' Cemetery, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
[source: 14]
On 30 September 1903, Elizabeth Clark was dropped from the pension rolls.
She had last been paid through 4 May 1900, at a rate of $12 per month.
[source: 8]
Sources
1 Bates, Samuel Penniman. History of Pennsylvania volunteers, 1861-5. Harrisburg: B. Singerly, state printer, 1869-71. 5 volumes. 'Ninety-first regiment', volume 3, pages 186-233.
(In the roster)
8widow's pension certificate file, National Archives and Records Administration, record group 15, certificate WC 39,773
(Elizabeth Burr widow of James Clark)
9 Find a grave, memorial 65664741, created by Lizann, added 15 February 2011, accessed 2 October 2012
(James Clark)
101850 US census, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Passyunk, microfilm series M432, film 820, page 60 recto = 122 [? or 118?] handwritten (FamilySearch)
(Jas Clark)
111880 US census, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, supervisor's district 1, enumeration district 15, microfilm series T9, film 1166, page 207 = 10 B (FamilySearch)
(Elizabeth Clark)
121860 US census, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, ward 2, microfilm series M653, film 1152, page 589 = 223 handwritten (FamilySearch)
(Elizabeth Clark)
131900 US census, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, ward 1, supervisor's district 1, enumeration district 24, microfilm series T623, film 1451, page 299 = 5 A handwritten (FamilySearch)
(Elizebeth Clark)
14death certificate, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 10 June 1900, #27949
(Elizabeth Clark)
18index to compiled service records of volunteer Union soldiers who served in organizations from the state of Pennsylvania
(James Clark)
Sources checked unsuccessfully
1860 US census
no James born 1815/19 in Maryland is living in Philadelphia (Ancestry and FamilySearch indices (accessed 4 Oct 12)
I have not found a James of approximately the right age, born in Maryland, a gardener
1870 US census
Ancestry and FamilySearch indices (accessed October 2012)
an Elizabeth Clark, 54, born in Pennsylvania, was living with Annie Clark, 22, b. PA--but this Annie is too young, Elizabeth was born in PA, and she is a nurse (ward 16, district 49, microfilm series M593, film 1401, page 391 recto = 177 handwritten
1890 US census, veterans schedule
Ancestry index (accessed 3 October 2012)
1910 US census
Ancestry and FamilySearch indices (accessed October 2012)
1920 US census
Ancestry and FamilySearch indices (accessed October 2012)
1930 US census
Ancestry and FamilySearch indices (accessed October 2012)
Find a grave
searched for Elizabeth Clarke died 1900 buried Philadelphia, and for Elizabeth in American Mechanics Cemetery (accessed 3 October 2012)
Pennsylvania veterans burial cards
accessed 4 October 2012
applications for headstones for military veterans, 1925-1941
FamilySearch index (accessed 4 October 2012)
RootsWeb WorldConnect
accessed 3 October 2012
Display
James Clark in the 91st PA gedcom on RootsWeb WorldConnect
[death certificate, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, March 1862, James Clark]
[Although this seems to suggest he died in Philadelphia, the fact that no date of death is given (but only a month), and that the death certificate was signed by the Health Officer, may suggest that he did not]
[thanks to Ed McLaughlin for finding this!]
RETURN OF A DEATH,
IN THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA.
PHYSICIAN'S CERTIFICATE.
1. Name of Deceased, James Clark
2. Colour, White
3. Sex, Male
4. Age, Fourty [sic] Six
5. Married
6. Date of Death, March [sc. 1862] 7. Cause of Death, Appoplexy [sic]
Wm Read M.D.
Residence, Health Officer
UNDERTAKER'S CERTIFICATE, IN RELATION TO DECEASED.
8. Occupation, Soldier
9. Place of Birth, Talbot County Maryland
10. When a Minor, [blank]
11. Ward, 2nd Ward
12. Street and Number, 733 Moss
13. Date of Burial, April 6th
14. Place of Burial, Pasyunk [sic] Lutheran
[illegible] UNDERTAKER.
Residence, [illegible]
Date of Certificate. [blank]
[records of headstones of deceased Union veterans, 1879-1903]
[transcribed 4 October 2012, from FamilySearch]
Clark. James
Pvt. Co. E, Regt. 91" Pa. Inf.
Cemetery Trinity Lutheran Rope [?] Ferry Road
City or Town above Passyunk Ave. Phila.
County and State Philadelphia Pa.
Grave Sec. "B" Lot 24.
died March 16" 1862.
Headstone supplied [blank] by D. W. Whitney
Contract dated [illegible] 29" 1879.
Headstone applied for [blank]
[1850 US census, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Passyunk, microfilm series M432, film 820, page 60 recto = 122 [? or 118?] handwritten (FamilySearch)]
[identification is confirmed by the children's names and ages; see the widow's pension certificate file abstracted below]
[1860 US census, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, ward 2, microfilm series M653, film 1152, page 589 = 223 handwritten (FamilySearch)]
[identification is probable given the children's names and the 1860 city directory entry below (note especially the address)]
[note that household 1542, family 1725, includes George W Clark, who was a gardener--which supports the theory that this Elizabeth is the Elizabeth listed in the 1860 and 1860 city directories as a widow of James, living at 733 Moss]
[1880 US census, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, supervisor's district 1, enumeration district 15, microfilm series T9, film 1166, page 207 = 10 B (FamilySearch)]
[identification is probable, given her and her son's ages and birthplaces; note also that William's father was born in Maryland]
[1900 US census, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, ward 1, supervisor's district 1, enumeration district 24, microfilm series T623, film 1451, page 299 = 5 A handwritten (FamilySearch)]
[I did not transcribe the family at this residence, headed by V Kate Pizone]
[identification is likely, given her birthplace (see the other census entries transcribed above)]
[index to compiled service records of volunteer Union soldiers who served in organizations from the state of Pennsylvania]
[transcribed 20 Mar 2014, from Fold3]
Clark, James
Co. E, 91 Pennsylvania Inf.
Pvt. | Pvt.
See also [blank]
[widow's pension certificate file, National Archives and Records Administration, record group 15, certificate WC 39,773, Elizabeth Burr widow of James Clark]
[abstracted October 2012, from 36 pages on Fold3]
7 April 1836
Amos [sic] Clark married Elizabeth Burr (both of Philadelphia PA), by Alderman John Binns (pp.4, 9)
4 children under 16 in 1864 (pp.4, 26, 28)
(1) Catharine (b. 25 Oct 1849)
(2) Sarah Jane (b. 19 Feb 1851 [1852 on p.30 and 33 (the nurse's record) and 35])
(3) William Henry (b. 18 Aug 1854)
(4) Louisa Baker (b. 30 Dec 1856)
24 Aug 1861
enrolled at Philadelphia PA in E 91st PA (p.7)
20 August 1861, according to the certificate of mustering on (page 27)
9 Sep 1861
James Clark mustered as private at Philadelphia PA (p.7)
16 March 1862
died 14 March 1862 of typhoid fever in Douglas Hospital, Washington DC (pp.4, 34)
James Clark died (adjutant general) (p.7)
surgeon general and surgeon's report have death 14 March 1862 of typhoid fever at Douglass General Hospital, Washington DC (p.29)
10 Mar 1864
Elizabeth Clark, 47 years old, widow of James Clark (E) applied for a pension under the act of 14 July 1862 (p.4)
post office address 733 Moss St, Philadelphia PA (p.4)
attorney Jas E Devitt Philadelphia PA (p.4, p.31 [dated 8 Jan 1864])
application 47,170 (p.5)
witnesses Mary Anne Clark, Eliza Morris (both of Philadelphia) (p.5)
dated 8 Jan 1864 (p.4)
admitted 26 January 1865, pension of $8 per month retroactive to 14 March 1862 (p.15)
certificate 39,773 was dated 30 Jan 1865 (p.15)
24 May 64
the Pension Office sent circular 16 to the Adjutant General (p.18)
28 May 64
the Adjutant General's Office sent the Pension Office the above-summarized information (p.5; see p.17 for the request)
received 2 June 1864 (p.18)
14 June 1864
the Pension Office sent circular 14 to the Surgeon General (p.18)
16 June 1864
the Surgeon General returned circular 14, with evidence (p.18; the reply is page 29)
16 June 1864
the Pension Office sent circular 17 to the attorney (p.18)
18 Oct 1864
John R Vareties [??] and Christopher Bastian swore that they know James Clark married Elizabeth Burr, and that he enlisted in D 91 PA, that the witness named was Mrs Anings [??] whose present residence they did not know, that the marriage occurred at Alderman Christian's office 'where Alderman John Binns (who was a very prominent political and literary character of the time was enjoying himself at a social gathering)', and that the named Amos Clarke was actually James Clarke (pp.23-24)
dated 17 Oct 1864
15 Nov [?] 1864
the Pension Office received additional evidence and a notary's certificate, which they sent to the attorney to be sworn to (p.18)
11 Jan 1865
E H Bailey testified that he had visited John Binns' relatives and could not find any record of marriages performed by him, and that John Binns' signature on the marriage certificate is genuine (p.19)
17 Jan 1865
Andrew J Baker and Elizabeth Culin testified that James Clark was married by alderman John Binns (deceased), who 'mistook the name of James Clark for Amos, on account of the peculiar pronunciation of the said James Clark, he being a Southerner' (pp.11, 18)
dated 4 Jan 1865
4 Sept 1866
Sarah Newsinger (Philadelphia) swore that she attended Elizabeth Clark as a nurse on 18 August 1854 when William Henry Clark was born, and on 30 December 1856 when Louisa Clark was born (p.32)
Elizabeth Buttycomb (Philadelphia) swore that she attended Elizabeth Clark as a nurse on 19 Feb 1852 when Sarah Jane Clark was born (p.33)
Sep 1866
Elizabeth Clark applied for an increase in pension under the act of 25 July 1866 (pp.30, 35)
Elizabeth was 49 years old (p.35)
her post office address: 733 Moss St, Philadelphia (p.30, 35)
attorney Joseph Devitt (p.35)
witnesses Elizabeth Buttycomb and Sarah Newsinger (p.36)
dated 4 Sep 1866 (p.35)
application for increase was accepted, and a certificate dated 18 July 1867 was sent to Joseph E Devitt (pp.21, 30)
Elizabeth Clark received $8 per month + $2 per month per child less than 16 retroactive to 25 July 1866 (pp.21, 30)
6 June 1867
the Pension Office sent a letter about the date of birth of Sarah (p.16)
10 June 1867
Elizabeth Clark originally gave the dates of birth of her children from memory, and the dates stated in the birth records are correct (p.26)
18 Dec 1875
the Pension Agent was instructed to suspend payment (p.22)
19 Jan 1876
the Pension Agent was instructed to resume payment (p.22)
8 Mar 1880
the auditor [informed?] the Pension Office that the soldier's name was correct (p.22)
30 Sep 1903
Elizabeth Clark was dropped from the pension rolls (pp.13, 22)
she was last paid at $12 per month to 4 May 1900 (p.13)
[death certificate, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 10 June 1900, #27949, Elizabeth Clark]
[transcribed 3 October 2012, from FamilySearch]
27949
RETURN OF A DEATH
IN THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA.
Physician's Certificate.
1. Name of Deceased, Elizabeth Clark
2. Color, White
3. Sex, Female
4. Age, 83 years
5. Married or Single, Married
6. Date of Death, June 10. 1900
7. Cause of Death, Valvular dis. of heart
W. B. Jones M.D.
Residence. N.W. c. 8th [?] + Reece St
Undertaker's Certificate in Relation to Deceased.
8. Occupation, -
9. Place of Birth, Washington D.C
10. When a Minor, [blank]
11. Ward, 1"
12. Place of Death, Street and Number, 813 Pierce Street
13. Buried from, Street and Number, " " "
14. Date of Burial, June 13" 1900
15. Place of Burial, Mechanics Cemetary [sic]
William B Rulon Undertaker.
Residence, 1516 S" 8" street