Jeremy Clarke (governor) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jeremy Clarke
Jeremy Clarke grave medallion
2nd President of the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
In office 1648–1649
Preceded by	John Coggeshall
Succeeded by	John Smith
Personal details
Born	baptized 1 December 1605 East Farleigh, Kent, England
Died	January 1652 Newport, Rhode Island
Resting place	Clifton Burying Ground, Newport
Spouse	Frances (Latham) Dungan
Children	Walter, Mary, Jeremiah, Latham, Weston, James, Sarah
Occupation	Constable, captain, treasurer, assistant, president

Jeremy Clarke (also known as Jeremiah Clarke) was an important early settler and leader in what became Rhode Island. He was born in England in 1605. Jeremy Clarke came to New England with his wife, Frances Latham, and her four children from a previous marriage.

They first settled in Portsmouth in 1638. The next year, he helped found the town of Newport. In Newport, he held many important jobs. In 1648, he became the President of the colony. Jeremy Clarke was also the father of Walter Clarke, who later became a governor of Rhode Island.

Jeremy Clarke's Journey to New England

Jeremy Clarke was born in Kent, England. His family was well-known. Before moving to America, he worked as a merchant in London. He married Frances Dungan in England. She was a widow with four children.

Jeremy, Frances, and her children sailed to the American colonies. They first settled on Aquidneck Island, which is now part of Rhode Island. In 1638, he was listed as a resident there.

Founding Newport

In April 1639, while living in Portsmouth, Jeremy Clarke was one of nine men who signed an agreement. This agreement was to create a new government. Soon after, they moved to establish the town of Newport.

In Newport, Jeremy Clarke held many different roles. From 1639 to 1649, he served as treasurer, constable, and assistant. He also helped plan how land would be divided in Newport. In 1642, he became a lieutenant in the local military. By 1644, he was promoted to captain.

Leading the Colony

In 1648, Jeremy Clarke was an assistant to the governor in Newport. That year, the person elected as governor, William Coddington, faced problems. People questioned his election. Because of this, Jeremy Clarke was chosen to be the acting governor, or President Regent, for the entire colony. This included all four towns.

A New Charter for Providence

One of the most important things Jeremy Clarke did as President was to grant a charter to the town of Providence. This happened on March 14, 1649. Providence was first settled in 1636. However, this charter was the first official recognition of its government.

The charter gave the people of Providence the power to govern themselves. After his time as President, records do not show Jeremy Clarke holding other official jobs.

Jeremy Clarke's Burial Place

Jeremy Clarke passed away in January 1652. His son, Walter, later became a Quaker. Quaker records say that Jeremy Clarke was buried "by the street by the waterside in Newport."

Today, the exact spot of his burial is unknown. However, there is a special governor's grave medallion for him. It is next to his son Walter Clarke's marker. This is in the Clifton Burying Ground in Newport. Many important Quakers are buried there.

Jeremy Clarke's Family Connections

Jeremy Clarke and his wife, Frances, had seven children together. Their oldest child was Walter Clarke. He later became a colonial governor of Rhode Island.

Their oldest daughter, Mary, married John Cranston. He also became a future governor of the colony. Their son Weston married Mary Easton. She was the granddaughter of two other governors, John Coggeshall and Nicholas Easton. Jeremy and Frances's youngest child, Sarah, married Caleb Carr. He also became a colonial governor.