Robert Clark (New York politician) facts for kids

Robert Clark (born June 12, 1777 – died October 1, 1837) was a doctor and a politician. He worked in the New York State Assembly and was a United States Representative for New York for one term. In 1823, he moved his family to Monroe, Michigan, joining many others moving west. He did not seek political office again after this move.

Early Life and Education

Robert Clark was born in Washington County, New York. This was about six months after his family moved there from the Scottish Lowlands. When he was thirteen, his father passed away.

He learned at home from a private teacher. Later, he studied medicine with his older brother, Thomas Clark. In 1799, he started his own medical practice in Galway, New York.

Starting His Career

In 1799, when he was 22, Robert Clark married Catherine Reid. She was only 15 years old. Catherine's mother offered to help them settle in Lachine, Quebec, Canada. This was Catherine's old home. However, Clark did not want to live in a place ruled by the British Crown.

So, Robert and Catherine stayed in Galway, New York. They built a house there, and their first two children were born. After their house burned down, neighbors helped them with a temporary place to live. Their third child was born while they were staying there.

Soon after, the family moved to Stamford, New York. They later settled near Delhi. Robert Clark continued to work as a doctor in these new places.

Political Journey

Before the War of 1812, Robert Clark began his political career. He was elected to the New York State Assembly for Delaware County in 1812. He served again from 1814 to 1815.

A few years later, he was elected as a Democratic-Republican to the 16th United States Congress. He held this position from March 4, 1819, to March 3, 1821. In 1821, he was also a delegate at the New York State Constitutional Convention.

While living in New York, he was a Free and Accepted Mason. He was also a Presbyterian and a leader in the Scotch Church.

Moving to Michigan

In 1823, Clark and his family joined many others moving west. They settled in the small village of Monroe in Monroe County, Michigan. His wife, Catherine, and their eight children followed him from New York. Their youngest child was 22 months old at the time. Robert and Catherine had a total of thirteen children together. Ten of their children grew up to be adults.

From 1823 to 1831, Robert Clark worked as the Register of the Land Office. This was an appointed job for the 2nd Land District of Michigan Territory. At first, his family lived in a small house in the village. Clark soon bought a farm on the edge of the village. This land had once been part of a French-Canadian estate.

When the land office moved to White Pigeon, Clark went back to being a doctor. He also became interested in growing fruits and grasses using scientific methods. He also studied how to drain land properly.

Robert Clark used to say that he never changed his political beliefs. He found himself a member of the Whig Party without having to change his views. After a long illness, Clark passed away in Monroe, Michigan. His wife lived for 22 years after he died.