Bayard Clarke facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bayard Clarke
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| Member of the House of Representatives from New York's 9th District | |
| In office March 4, 1855 – March 3, 1857 |
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| Preceded by | Jared V. Peck |
| Succeeded by | John B. Haskin |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 17, 1815 New York City, New York |
| Died | June 20, 1884 (aged 69) Schroon Lake, New York |
| Political party | Opposition |
| Spouse | Alletta Remsen Lawrence |
| Alma mater | Geneva College |
| Occupation | lawyer |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service | |
| Years of service | 1841–1843 1861 |
| Rank |  Second lieutenant (US Army) Colonel (Union Army) |
| Battles/wars | Seminole Wars American Civil War |
Bayard Clarke (born March 17, 1815 – died June 20, 1884) was an important person in American history. He served as a U.S. Representative for New York State. This means he was elected to speak for the people of his area in the United States government. He was also a lawyer and a soldier.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Bayard Clarke was born in New York City on March 17, 1815. His family was well-known in the city. He went to Geneva College and finished his studies in 1835. After college, he studied law and became a lawyer.
Time in France
From 1836 to 1840, Bayard Clarke worked for Lewis Cass. Mr. Cass was the U.S. Minister to France, which is like being the top U.S. diplomat in that country. While living in France, Clarke also attended the Royal Cavalry School. This school taught him about military horse riding and tactics.
Military Service
After returning to the United States, Clarke joined the United States Army. In March 1841, he became a second lieutenant in the 8th Infantry. He later moved to the 2nd Dragoons in September 1841. During his time in the army, he fought in the Seminole Wars in Florida. These wars were conflicts between the U.S. Army and Native American groups. Clarke left the army in December 1843.
Law and Family Life
After leaving the military, Clarke worked as a lawyer in New York City and Westchester County. In December 1843, he married Alletta Remsen Lawrence. She also came from a well-known family in New York.
Political Career
Bayard Clarke tried to get elected to Congress in 1852 as a member of the Whig Party, but he didn't win. In 1854, he was elected to the Thirty-fourth Congress. He served as a U.S. Representative from March 4, 1855, to March 3, 1857. He was part of the Opposition Party at that time. He decided not to run for re-election in 1856 and went back to being a lawyer.
Civil War Service
When the American Civil War began, Clarke wanted to help his country. He became a colonel in the Union Army. He helped create the 1st New York Cavalry Regiment, also known as the Lincoln Cavalry. This regiment was led by several officers, including Clarke himself.
There were talks in 1861 that Clarke might become a brigadier general. People thought he might lead a cavalry training school in Westchester County. However, this plan never happened, and he remained a colonel.
Later Life and Death
Later in his life, Bayard Clarke lived in England for several years. He then spent his winters in Florida and his summers on an island in Schroon Lake, New York. He passed away on June 20, 1884, at his summer home in Schroon Lake. He was buried in a vault at the First Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Newtown, New York.
Sometimes, his name was spelled "Clark" in old newspapers and records.
