A look at James Henry Clark, Usk Observer's publisher

South Wales Argus

26-06-2025

Here we reveal the remarkable story of the publisher who made it all happen.
James Henry Clark lifted the front page of the Usk Observer from the press and with justifiable pride gazed at Monmouthshire's latest newspaper.
The following day Saturday, July 7, 1855, an illustrated eight-page weekly publication was on sale for the first time for one and a half pence.
The publication was just one of the many highlights in a career which began In 1833 at the age of 15 when he accompanied his elder brother George from Chepstow who set up a printing business in Woodbank House in Bridge Street, Usk. James' father had been a printer in Gloucester and it seemed inevitable that he would became an apprentice.
When George became ill and died in 1835 James took over the business and began a remarkable path which would lead to years of public service.
With earnest application he became dedicated to a future as a prominent citizen unmatched by anyone at the time. He was appointed to the ancient high-ranking position of Bailiff nine times and was the last surviving holder of this office which was discontinued in 1883.
As a printer, publisher, and bookseller, James possessed an innate prescience that a newspaper would provide information and pleasure – a view confirmed today with a loyal readership of national and local newspapers.
Historian Keith Kissack in his volume Victorian Monmouth expressed the view that for many the new Usk Observer played an important part in being the main source of information especially in villages with poor communications.
He wrote: 'The short-lived Monmouthshire Gazette was a pioneer of the agony column though only printed answers and not questions. We are left wondering what Mrs J. of Usk asked to get the reply 'No. It is a disgusting habit'.'
That was not the first reference which created speculation. The romantic poet Shelley known for his advanced views on women's rights, caused controversy with his views on nude bathing in the Usk, which 'scandalised the local people.'
No such column appeared in the Observer which dedicated itself to national and local issues.
The first edition carried local news, Parliamentary debates, market prices and reports of progress of the British army in the Crimea led by Lord Raglan. Its circulation covered Raglan, Llangibby, Llantrissant, Llangwm and Llandenny.
A confident James explained: 'If circulation increases as expected we should be happy to reduce the cost to one penny or four extra pages.'
Court reporting revealed that 56 prisoners – a large number for the season - were awaiting sentencing by local magistrates. There were three offences of knife crime, a problem described 'to be very much on the increase'. Stealing iron and coal and obtaining money by false pretences were few but all offences were dealt with severe sentences as a deterrent.
One case deserved a mention: For stealing coal from Dan Roberts of Hendre Farm, John Watkins was sentenced to 21 days hard labour.
A copy of the Usk Observer hangs in the Pontir House Inn (Image: Leslie Davies)
The only known copy of the Usk Observer is in a frame on a wall inside the Ponthir House Inn but no one can remember why it was placed there. The original is held in the National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth.
James' youthful enterprise led him to be elected as Master of the Lodge of Oddfellows when he was just 19.
With no time to stand and stare, he moved into local politics and for 13 years was chairman of the Usk Local Government Board. The Observer's report on health matters was matched when he became the first chairman of the Usk Board of Health.
Gwent Archives reveal in minutes of a board meeting that James supported admonishing the public surveyor for allowing ashes to be spread in the streets, with heaps of filthy rubbish and emptying of slops.
His quest for further involvement led him into local politics and for 13 years he was chairman of the Usk local government noard.
With so much experience and abundant energy he was perfectly poised to apply his talents to another aspect of life, so he made a decision to invest in an expanding market.
As a shrewd businessman alert to a potential lucrative investment, he was a pioneer of the newly formed Usk Gas Company and became one of 12 directors of an organisation which would become a significant centre for gas production providing street lighting and gas for homes.
Just when it seemed he had reached the zenith of his achievements, yet another opportunity beckoned.
Expansion of the railway network provided a further outlet for his seemingly limitless energy and he was a key motivator in establishing the GWR link from Little Mill to Usk in 1854 which continued to serve passengers until it closed in May 1955.
Mechanisation was moving apace in farming and here too he recognised the advantages of a farmers' club. With typical boldness he applied his skills as secretary of the Usk Farmers' Club formed in 1844, a post he was to hold for 50 years. He organised ploughing matches and encouraged agricultural shows with Lord Raglan later offering land for a permanent showground.
Military matters did not escape his attention and he is credited with forming the Usk Volunteer Rifle Corps. There was just one slight disadvantage: recruits had to pay for their own uniforms and rifles.
Just when it was felt he had done so much it was time to retire, a tireless devotion to public service led him to be Post Master in Usk.
Sundays were no day of rest when he arrived at St Mary's parish church to fulfil his duties as church warden. Incredibly, for such a busy fellow, he managed to find time to write guidebooks, studies of local history and botany.
Romance blossomed and he married Sophie Howell from Chepstow at St Woolos Church and they had seven children.
James' last duty was attending the unveiling of a monument outside the town hall with military honours for three local men who died in the Boer War.
The life of this remarkable citizen of Usk ended on February 16, 1908, at the age of 95 following a fall in the bathroom.
It was a life full of vigour and an endless quest for involvement with people and organisations in the search for information to nourish the newspaper columns.
The Usk Observer continued faithfully to serve its readers until 1907, though it had changed its name to the County Observer in 1867. However, his legacy lived on as his son Henry left Usk in 1866 to establish the Brecon County Times continuing a family tradition founded on the importance of local newspapers.