Clarence M. David.
It is safe to say that no better or more worthy official ever occupied the position of chief of police in Cameron than Clarence David, who, supported by the law and order citizens, was elected to the office in April, 1912, and held the office two years. Conscientious, shrewd, courageous and industrious, he rendered the city most valuable and efficient service, and, in addition, is a most loyal and esteemed citizen, and has the confidence of the people. A native of Missouri, he was born on a farm, September 19, 1886. His father, William David, was born and reared in Tennessee.
Migrating to Missouri, he settled in Gentry County, where he has since been actively and prosperously engaged in agricultural pursuits, including farming and stock raising. He married Eliza Campbell, who was born in De Kalb County, Missouri, where her father was a pioneer settler. Eight children blessed their union, six sons and two daughters. Completing his early education in the Stanberry High School, Clarence David became familiar with farm work while living beneath the parental rooftree, but did not like it well enough to make it his life occupation. Since coming to Cameron, Mr. David has been active in public affairs, and in 1909 was elected street commissioner, and filled the position to the satisfaction of all concerned. During his incumbency of the office of chief of police, he performed his duty courageously and fearlessly, going wherever his services were needed without regard to personal danger, the local police force under his wise leadership having reached a high plane of efficiency. Mr. David married, August 8, 1907, in Blackwell, Oklahoma, Maudie Phillips, of Stanberry, Missouri, a daughter of S. P. Phillips, and to them three children have been born, namely: Elvis, Phillip, and Evelyn. Politically Mr. David is a stanch adherent of the democratic party, and fraternally he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Both Mr. and Mrs. David are members of the Christian Church.
Source: A History of Northwest Missouri, edited by Walter Williams, Volume II, published by The Lewis Publishing Company, 1915; Pg. 1052
