This article needs additional citations for verification. (November 2024) |
George Washington Clarke (October 24, 1852 – November 28, 1936) served two terms as the 21st Governor of Iowa from 1913 to 1917.
George W. Clarke | |
|---|---|
.jpg) | |
| 21st Governor of Iowa | |
| In office January 16, 1913 – January 11, 1917 | |
| Lieutenant | William L. Harding |
| Preceded by | Beryl F. Carroll |
| Succeeded by | William L. Harding |
| Lieutenant Governor of Iowa | |
| In office January 14, 1909 – January 16, 1913 | |
| Governor | Beryl F. Carroll |
| Preceded by | Warren Garst |
| Succeeded by | William L. Harding |
| Personal details | |
| Born | George Washington Clarke October 24, 1852 Shelby County, Indiana, U.S. |
| Died | November 28, 1936 (aged 84) Adel, Iowa, U.S. |
| Resting place | Adel Cemetery |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse |
Arletta Greene (m. 1878) |
| Children | 4 |
| Relatives | Nile Kinnick (grandson) |
| Alma mater | Oskaloosa College (AB) University of Iowa College of Law |
Early life
editGeorge Washington Clarke was born on October 24, 1852, in Shelby County, Indiana, to Eliza (née Akers) and John Clarke. At the age of four, his family moved near Drakesville, Iowa.[1][2][3][4] He taught school in Bloomfield, Iowa.[citation needed] He graduated from Oskaloosa College with a Bachelor of Arts in 1877. He graduated from the University of Iowa College of Law in 1878.[1][4]
Career
editClarke served four years as justice of the peace and in 1882 formed a law partnership with John B. White.[4] He was a Republican. He served in the Iowa House of Representatives from 1901 to 1909 and was speaker of the house for two terms from 1904 to 1909.[1][citation needed] He was chair of the judiciary committee.[4] He was lieutenant governor for two terms from 1909 to 1913. In 1912, he defeated Bull Moose Party candidate John L. Stevens for Governor of Iowa. He served from 1913 to 1917. During his tenure, he pushed for a US$2,285,000 beautification project of the Iowa State Capitol grounds. The grounds were expanded from four blocks to 93 acres (38 ha).[1][5] He advocated for better roads and workmen's compensation laws.[4][5]
Clarke was dean of Drake University Law School for one year.[5] He was manager for the campaign of Albert B. Cummins.[5] He practiced law in Des Moines, Iowa. His papers are in the collection of the University of Iowa.[citation needed]
Personal life
editClarke married Arletta Greene on June 23, 1878.[3][4][6] He had two sons and two daughters, including Fred, Charles and Frances.[1][4][7] In 1895, he established a farm near Adel.[5] He had an extensive book collection and library.[5] One of his grandchildren was Nile Kinnick, who won the Heisman Trophy while playing for the University of Iowa.[6]
Clarke died on November 28, 1936, at his home in Adel.[1] He was buried in Adel Cemetery.[8]
References
edit- ^ a b c d e f "Ill Few Days in Adel Home; Had 2 Terms". The Des Moines Register. November 29, 1936. p. 17. Retrieved November 3, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Clark Dies". The Sioux City Journal. November 29, 1936. p. A14. Retrieved November 3, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b "41 Men Have Served as Governors of the Territory or State". The Des Moines Register. January 14, 1996. p. 7. Retrieved November 3, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Clarke, George Washington". The Biographical Dictionary of Iowa. Retrieved November 3, 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f "Clarke, Twice Governor, Dies". The Des Moines Register. November 29, 1936. p. 4. Retrieved November 3, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b "Widow of Former Iowa Governor Dies at 92". The Gazette. January 3, 1949. p. 12. Retrieved November 3, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Death Claims George Clarke at Age of 79". The Sioux City Journal. November 29, 1936. p. 1. Retrieved November 3, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Clarke Rites to Be Tuesday". The Des Moines Register. November 30, 1936. p. 4. Retrieved November 3, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
External links
edit