Jeremiah Clark came from New York State to Michigan Territory in 1831 at age 41 to seek his fortune, and in 1838 his brother Nelson joined him in buying 2,000 acres in Independence Township. The brothers built a mill and dam that created the Mill Pond and used waterpower to grind the region’s wheat into flour, and the village that grew up around the mill was named Clarkston in their honor. Jeremiah later planted hundreds of apple trees in the area and became a judge and state representative. Nelson built a fish hatchery and the school at 90 North Main Street, platted the village, and served as its postmaster.