Summary
John Blades Clarke (April 14, 1833 – May 23, 1911) was a U.S. Representative from Kentucky.
John Blades Clarke | |
|---|---|
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Kentucky's 10th district | |
| In office March 4, 1875 – March 3, 1879 | |
| Preceded by | John Duncan Young |
| Succeeded by | Elijah Phister |
| Personal details | |
| Born | April 14, 1833 Brooksville, Kentucky |
| Died | May 23, 1911 (aged 78) Brooksville, Kentucky |
| Resting place | Mount Zion Cemetery |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Cordelia A. Robertson |
| Profession | Lawyer |
Early life and family edit
John B. Clarke was born in Brooksville, Kentucky, on April 14, 1833.[1] He was the son of John and Mary (Blades) Clarke.[1]
Clarke studied under Harvey King in the common schools of Augusta, Kentucky, and at Augusta (Kentucky) College.[1][2] In 1851, he left school to return to his father's farm.[1] During the winters of 1851 and 1852, he taught at a local school.[2] For three years, he studied law under Judge Joseph Doniphan of Augusta.[1] After examination by two local judges, he was admitted to the bar on April 20, 1854.[1]
Clarke married Cordelia A. Robertson, and the couple had six children – Bion Clarke, William R. Clarke, John B. Clarke, Cordelia Clark, Harry Clarke, and Clarence Clarke.[3] After the marriage, the family moved to Rockport, Indiana, where Clarke commenced practice in January 1885.[1] By September 1855, Clarke's wife had become ill, and the family returned Brooksville on December 10, 1855, where Clarke continued the practice of law.[1]
Political career edit
Clarke was elected prosecuting attorney of Bracken County in 1858, serving until 1862.[2] In 1867, he was elected to the Kentucky Senate, serving a single, four-year term.[1] He was elected as a Democrat to represent the Tenth District in the U.S. House of Representatives.[1] He served in the Forty-fourth and Forty-fifth Congresses (March 4, 1875 – March 3, 1879).[2] He declined to be a candidate for renomination in 1878.[2]
Later life and death edit
After Clarke's service in the House, he resumed the practice of law.[2] He died in Brooksville on May 23, 1911, and was interred in Mount Zion Cemetery.[2]
References edit
Bibliography edit
- Biographical Cyclopedia of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Chicago, Illinois: J.M. Gresham Company. 1896.
- United States Congress. "John Blades Clarke (id: C000464)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.