The Reverend Dexter Clary, for whom Clary Street was named, was born in Massachusetts in 1798. Raised in a very regressive religious oriented family, Dexter received a common school education, qualified as an instructor and became an apprentice to a merchandiser. Failing health caused a change in perspective and Mr. Clary with his religious background felt he qualified to become a minister. Beginning the necessary preparation for the ministry, he passed through his academic course, studied and worked with various pastors as opportunities presented, gradually assisting in revival work.

Having placed himself under the tutelage of the Presbytery, he was granted a formal license from the Lawrence Presbytery at the age of 30. For a year Mr. Clary served a mission with the Domestic Missionary Society and in 1829 was ordained as a full fledged evangelist. For several years and covering one hundred thousand miles, he successively served in New York State, Canada, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and the Mississippi Valley.

In 1838 Mr. Clary landed in Rockford, Illinois and by 1840 was enticed to settle in Beloit. From 1840 to 1850 Mr. Clary served the local Congregational Church as its first full time pastor. His resignation from the local church came about due to irreconcilable difference between the member of the Congregational and Presbyterian sects. In 1850 he became an agent and secretary of the American Home Missionary Society for the State of Wisconsin continuing in the capacity until 1872. In his travels he preached at least once a week, distributing more than $1,000 each year among the scantily supported home missionaries throughout this region.