Richard Henry Clarke facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Richard Henry Clarke
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Alabama's 1st district |
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| In office March 4, 1889 – March 3, 1897 |
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| Preceded by | James T. Jones |
| Succeeded by | George W. Taylor |
| Member of the Alabama House of Representatives | |
| In office 1900-1901 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born |
James Taylor Jones
February 9, 1843 Dayton, Alabama |
| Died | September 26, 1906 (aged 63) St. Louis, Missouri |
| Political party | Democratic |
Richard Henry Clarke (born February 9, 1843 – died September 26, 1906) was an important politician from Alabama. He served as a U.S. Representative, which means he helped make laws for the country.
Contents
Richard Henry Clarke's Life
Early Life and Education
Richard Henry Clarke was born in Dayton, Alabama, in 1843. He went to school at Green Springs Academy. After that, he studied at the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa. He finished his studies there in July 1861.
Soon after graduating, Richard joined the Confederate Army. This was during the Civil War. He served as a lieutenant in the First Battalion of Alabama Artillery.
Starting His Law Career
After the Civil War ended, Clarke decided to become a lawyer. He studied law with an experienced law firm. In 1867, he passed the exam to become a lawyer, which is called passing the bar. He then started his own law practice in Dayton, Alabama.
Later, he moved to Demopolis, Alabama, and continued working as a lawyer. In Demopolis, he was chosen to be the State Solicitor for Marengo County. He held this job from 1872 to 1876. He also worked as a prosecuting attorney for a judicial circuit in 1876 and 1877. This meant he helped the state bring cases against people accused of crimes.
He eventually moved to Mobile, Alabama, where he continued his law work.
Family Life
In 1877, Richard Henry Clarke married Helen Gaines Foot. She was from Mobile. Her family had a long history in America. Helen and Richard had two daughters, Helen Gaines Clarke and Mary Morris Clarke.
A Life in Politics
Serving in Congress
Richard Henry Clarke was a member of the Democratic Party. He was elected to represent Alabama's 1st congressional district in the United States House of Representatives. He served four terms in Congress, from March 4, 1889, to March 3, 1897. This means he worked in Washington D.C. to represent the people of Alabama.
State Politics
After his time in Congress, Clarke decided not to run for re-election. Instead, he ran for governor of Alabama in 1896, but he did not win.
He then went back to practicing law in Mobile. However, he soon returned to politics. He was elected to the Alabama House of Representatives in 1900 and 1901. This is a group of lawmakers who make rules for the state of Alabama.
Later Years and Legacy
Richard Henry Clarke passed away in St. Louis, Missouri, on September 26, 1906. His body was brought back to Mobile, Alabama. He was buried in Magnolia Cemetery.
