Augustine Clarke facts for kids

Augustine Clarke (born around 1780 – died June 17, 1841) was an important person in Vermont history. He was a lawyer, a banker, and a politician. He was a leader of the Anti-Masonic Party and even served as Vermont State Treasurer, which means he managed the state's money for the state government.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

We don't know exactly when Augustine Clarke was born, but it was around 1780 in Richmond, Massachusetts. His name is sometimes spelled "Clark."

Clarke later moved to Vermont. He studied to become a lawyer, though we don't know many details about this time. He also worked as a merchant, selling goods, and was involved in other businesses. In 1804, he became a lawyer in Wheelock. Two years later, in 1806, he became Wheelock's first Postmaster, managing the mail.

In 1806, Clarke also became a lawyer in Danville. In 1808, he married Sophia Blanchard in Danville. Sophia's sister, Sarah, was married to William A. Palmer. Palmer later became the Governor and a U.S. Senator. Clarke and Palmer became important leaders of the Anti-Masonic Party in Vermont.

Clarke practiced law in Danville. He was part of the National Republican Party. He held local jobs, like Justice of the Peace. In 1820, he was on the Vermont Council of Censors. This group met every seven years to check if new laws followed the state's constitution.

In the 1820s, Clarke also joined groups like the American Tract Society. He was also an active member of the American Anti-Slavery Society, which worked to end slavery.

He served as the Treasurer for Caledonia County from 1822 to 1824. He was also an Assistant Judge for Caledonia County from 1824 to 1825.

In 1826, Clarke became the president of the Caledonia National Bank. He took over from William A. Palmer, who had been the bank's first president.

Clarke represented Danville in the Vermont House of Representatives several times: in 1824, 1828, 1830, and 1832.

In 1830, he was one of three Commissioners of Jail Delivery for Caledonia County. This role involved overseeing certain legal processes related to jails.

Building the State House and Political Leadership

In 1832, Clarke was chosen for the Committee to Erect the Vermont State House. He helped plan and watch over the building of the Second State House. This building was used from 1833 until it burned down in 1856.

Clarke was one of the people who started the Anti-Masonic movement. This political party was against secret societies like the Freemasons. In the 1832 United States presidential election, William Wirt was the Anti-Masonic Party's candidate for president. Clarke was one of Vermont's electors. He voted for Wirt in the election.

Vermont State Treasurer

For many years, Benjamin Swan had been Vermont's Treasurer, often winning without much competition. But in 1833, Clarke ran as an Anti-Mason and won the election for Treasurer. William A. Palmer, Clarke's brother-in-law, had already become Governor as an Anti-Mason in 1831. Clarke's win showed that the Anti-Masonic Party was becoming very strong in Vermont.

In September 1837, Clarke was named to the Anti-Masonic Party's National Committee.

Clarke served as State Treasurer until October 1837. He ran for reelection that year but did not win. He got the most votes, but not the majority needed by the Vermont Constitution. When no candidate gets a majority, the Vermont General Assembly (the state's legislature) votes to decide. By this time, the Anti-Masonic Party was losing popularity. Also, the country was going through a tough economic time called the Panic of 1837. Because of these reasons, Clarke did not win the legislative election.

By 1839, the Anti-Masonic Party had broken up. Clarke then joined the Democratic Party. In July 1839, he was appointed the United States Pension Agent for Vermont. This meant he helped distribute pensions to people in the state.

Later Life and Death

Clarke's first wife, Sophia, died in 1833. He later moved to Montpelier. In 1839, his daughter Sophia married Samuel L. French, a merchant. In 1840, Clarke married Julia Jewett Hubbard.

Augustine Clarke passed away in Montpelier on June 17, 1841. He was buried at the Elm Street Cemetery in Montpelier.