Many people have confused this James Clark with James Dilon Clark born 22 Apr 1831 in Owen Co., Ky, son of Amos D. Clark and Sarah Suter, who married Martha Chipman and died 30 June 1918 in Franklin Co., Ky. The mistake is understandable, due to the similarities in age, and the fact that James was living in Owen County in 1857 though 1860. But they each appear separately in the censuses.

His age is very approximate, since it varies widely in the censuses. I suspect, based on the 1840 census record for the James Clark family, which lists one son under 10, that he may have been born in late 1830 or early 1831, making him the youngest son. If the 1827 birthdate suggested by the 1850 census is instead correct, then his brother Isaac may be a year younger than recorded in this database.

1850 census of Bath Co., Ky, division 2, enumerated 26 July, lists on p. 24 as family #167:
James Clark, 23, farmer; Malinda, 24; George A., 1 (female). All born in Kentucky.

The preceding household is James Jones age 56 with wife Rhody 55, and the one before that is Hugh Clark, age 29.

1860 census of Owen Co., Ky, district 1, enumerated 7 June, lists on p. 18 as family #126:
James Clark, 28; Malinda, 34; George Ann, 11; Jessee, 9; Nancy J., 6; John A., 2. All born in Kentucky.

1870 census of Bath Co., Ky, Mudlick precinct, Olympian Springs P.O., enumerated 2 Aug, lists on p. 5 as family #29:
Clark, James, 39, farmer; Malvina, 45; George Ann, 20; Jessee, 19, farm hand; Nancy, 15; John, 13; Mary, 10; Robert, 5. All born in Kentucky.

His brother Hugh Clark is two households before, at #27.

1880 census of Bath Co., Ky, Polksville precinct, enumerated 23 June, lists on p. 25 as family #220/224:
Clark, James, farmer, 50; Malinda, 55, wife, b. Ky NC NC; Mary E., 19, dau; Robert T., 15, son; Bettie L., 7, granddau. All except Malinda born Ky Ky Ky.

The next household is headed by James’ brother Hugh, and their son John is at #223/227.