Clark and Hogg Family History

Lyon Clark, OBE, of West Bromwich

1873-1955

Lyon Clark, OBE, became a well known solicitor and coroner in West Bromwich and Smethwick, Staffordshire. He worked first with his elder brother James Clark who had established a practice in West Bromwich and on his brother's death founded the law firm Lyon Clark which became one of the largest practices in the West Midlands area.

The name Lyon comes from David Clark's mother's maiden name, Catherine Lyon.
Several of the Clark's children bore the name Lyon.

West Bromwich Library (and Town Hall to the right)

In 1940 an Illuminated Address was presented to Mr Lyon Clark by the West Bromwich Public Libraries Ctee in appreciation of his loyal service as committee member and deputy chairman. Signed by Guildford Hodges, Librarian and [?committee] secretary. - ref. M 104/1 - date: 1940

Picture of the Library Committee 1924 (Lyon Clark sitting second right)

Lyon Clark made OBE in 1954 New Year Honours

Lyon Clark, Chairman, West Bromwich Local Employment Committee.

[ wiki link ]

Lyon Clark's comments on the "bewitched" Birmingham - Wolverhampton New Road

The following comments were recounted in the Express and Star newspaper
on the 50th anniversary of the opening of the road:-

In 1938, recalled the newspaper, the West Bromwich coroner, Lyon Clark, had described the road as "bewitched." In ten years, he said, he had investigated 100 deaths. It was the most dangerous road he had ever known. [read more..]

Funeral Service of
Lyon Clark, OBE,
at St Thomas Church,
Hockley Heath, Birmingham
in 1955.

Lyon Clark in the 1881 census aged 7 (with the wrong name)

Household: Name Relation Marital Status Gender Age Birthplace Occupation Disability
David CLARK Head M Male 49 Aberd, Scotland Schoolmaster
Ann CLARK Wife M Female 44 Brierley Hill, Stafford, England
James CLARK Son U Male 19 Brierley Hill, Stafford, England Articled Clerk To Solicitor
William CLARK Son U Male 16 Brierley Hill, Stafford, England Apprentice Compositor
Elsie A. CLARK Daur U Female 15 Brierley Hill, Stafford, England Apprentice Teacher
Gordon B. CLARK Son U Male 13 Brierley Hill, Stafford, England Scholar
Walter L (should be S). CLARK Son U Male 9 Brierley Hill, Stafford, England Scholar
Catherine L. CLARK Daur U Female 8 Brierley Hill, Stafford, England Scholar
Syon (should be Lyon) CLARK Son U Male 7 Brierley Hill, Stafford, England Scholar
Wildermine B. CLARK Daur U Female 5 Brierley Hill, Stafford, England Scholar
Annie C. CLARK Daur U Female 3 Brierley Hill, Stafford, England Scholar
Ruth M. ROUND Serv U Female 16 Hill Top, Stafford, England General Serv
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Source Information: Dwelling Hollies St Census Place Kingswinford, Stafford, England
Family History Library Film 1341694 Public Records Office Reference RG11 Piece / Folio 2893 / 28 Page Number 9

Challinors Lyon Clark - 30th August 2005 is a sad day

The law firm Lyon Clark of West Bromwich had merged with Challinors in 1996.

One of Birmingham’s leading law firms has announced an official name change following the relocation of a number of its fee earners to its city centre office – a move that signals its sustained growth and continued presence. Established West Midlands law firm Challinors Lyon Clark will now be known solely as “Challinors” - a name which by which it is already well known in the marketplace.

He said “Challinors Lyon Clark is among Birmingham’s most well established and respected law firms and for some time has been abbreviated by the market to the shortened name “Challinors”. It is an obvious time to make the name change and, with additional space being taken in central Birmingham, the timing is right.

The firm, as it is known today, is the result of a merger between former local firms Challinors and Lyon Clark, which took place in 1996. The roots of both practices lie firmly in the Black Country, firstly with James Clark who set up as sole practitioner on West Bromwich High Street in the 1930's and was later joined by his brother Lyon Clark, who took full control following his sibling’s death. The firm established in the City Centre over 10 years ago.

Challinors was established just after the last war by Gerald Challinor, who, joined by John Roberts grew the firm into a sizable and profitable business. Trevor Lee, who completed his training with the firm 36 years ago, succeeded Gerald Challinor when he retired in 1985. Since then the firm has more than trebled in size and remains committed to growth.

The firm will officially be known as Challinors from 30th August 2005".

After 75 years - the end of an era !

Challinors enters Administration !

In 2013 we became aware that Challinors had entered administration with debts of £11 million on 23rd August 2013. Lyon Clark will be turning in his grave. He made the firm of Lyon Clark, and he and his son ran it in West Bromwich for sixty-six years. Challinors appear to have wrecked it. No members of the family were involved after 1996.

Birmingham Post report 23/08/2013 [Law firm Challinors enters Administration]

Express and Star report 22/08/2013 [Jobs axed as law firm Challinors crashes]

LegalVoice 22/08/2013 [Midlands law firm Challinors goes into administration]

David Clark, the father of Lyon Clark

David Clark in 1911, aged 80.

Described as "The Grand Old Man of the Teaching Profession"

[David Clark]

Read about David Clark - the "grand old man of the teaching profession"

"Daviot"

The frequent family association with the name "Daviot" comes from the area of Daviot, Aberdeenshire, where David Clark (and his father James) were born and where he lived in his childhood years.
Many of the family (including Catherine Lyon who died young - aged 29 years) are buried in Daviot churchyard.