Great-Grandfather and Great-Grandmother, Charles Clark 1870-1943 and Mary Elizabeth Durbin Clark 1861-1949. Family lore tells the story of Mary Elizabeth Durbin being attacked and raped by boys on the neighboring farm. She bore a child, refused to marry either of the boys, but gave the child their last name. She was never ashamed of what happened and spoke out about it when her family tried to hush her up. She fell in love with Great-Grandfather and they eloped against her parents wishes. Charles was 18 and Mary Elizabeth 26 when they married - unheard off and another scandal for the Durbin's. Charles and Mary were blessed with seven children, and together they raised her first son. My father remembers Mary always wore boots and loved to go out side and play with her grandchildren. He said she would place tag in those boots and always tagged her fair share during play.
