Charles B. Clark facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles B. Clark
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Wisconsin's 6th district |
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| In office March 4, 1887 – March 3, 1891 |
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| Preceded by | Richard W. Guenther |
| Succeeded by | Lucas Miltiades Miller |
| Member of the Wisconsin State Assembly from the Winnebago 2nd district |
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| In office January 1, 1885 – January 1, 1887 |
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| Preceded by | Peter Vredenburgh |
| Succeeded by | John Williams Tobey |
| Mayor of Neenah, Wisconsin | |
| In office 1880–1883 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | August 24, 1844 Theresa, New York |
| Died | September 10, 1891 (aged 47) Watertown, New York |
| Cause of death | Bright's disease |
| Resting place | Oak Hill Cemetery Neenah, Wisconsin |
| Nationality | United States |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouses | Caroline F. Hubbard Clark (1844–1922) (m. 1867–1891, his death) |
| Children | 2 daughters, 1 son |
| Residences | Neenah, Wisconsin |
| Profession | Merchant, manufacturing (paper) executive |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States ArmyUnion Army |
| Years of service | 1862–1865 |
| Rank |  1st Lieutenant |
| Unit | 21st Wis. Vol. Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Charles Benjamin Clark (born August 24, 1844 – died September 10, 1891) was an important person from Wisconsin. He served as a U.S. Representative in Congress. He was also one of the people who started the famous Kimberly-Clark Corporation. This big company makes paper products.
Contents
Who Was Charles B. Clark?
Charles Benjamin Clark was born in New York in 1844. He became a successful businessman and politician. He helped create a large paper company. He also served his country during the American Civil War. Later, he represented Wisconsin in the U.S. Congress.
Early Life and Moving to Wisconsin
Charles was born in Theresa, New York. He attended local schools there. In 1855, when he was about 11 years old, he moved to Wisconsin. He moved with his mother, who was a widow. They settled in the town of Neenah.
Serving in the Civil War
The American Civil War began in 1861. Charles was only 16 years old at the time. He decided to join the army. He enlisted in Company I of the 21st Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment.
He served with this same group throughout the war. He started as a private. Then he became a first sergeant. Finally, he rose to the rank of first lieutenant. He served bravely from 1862 to 1865.
A Business Leader: Kimberly-Clark
After the war, Charles Clark became involved in business. He worked in retail and banking. He also got into making paper. In 1872, he helped start a very important company. This company was the Kimberly-Clark Corporation.
He founded it with John A. Kimberly, Franklyn C. Shattuck, and Havilah Babcock. Kimberly-Clark grew into a huge company. It makes many paper products we use today.
Getting Involved in Politics
Charles Clark was also active in his community and state. He held several important political jobs.
Mayor and State Assembly
From 1880 to 1883, Charles Clark served as the mayor of Neenah. He helped lead his hometown. After that, he was a member of the city council from 1883 to 1885. In 1885, he became a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly. This is part of Wisconsin's state government.
Representing Wisconsin in Congress
Charles Clark was a member of the Republican Party. He was elected to the United States House of Representatives. He served in the Fiftieth and Fifty-first Congresses. This means he was a U.S. Representative from March 1887 to March 1891.
He tried to be re-elected in 1890 but was not successful.
His Legacy: Theda Clark Hospital
Charles Clark passed away in September 1891. He was 47 years old. He died in Watertown, New York, while visiting his old home. He was buried in Oak Hill Cemetery in Neenah, Wisconsin.
His eldest daughter was named Theda Clark Peters. She passed away in 1903 after childbirth. She was only 32 years old. To honor her, the Clark family helped establish a hospital. This hospital, ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Neenah, opened in 1909. It was named Theda Clark Memorial Hospital.
