William Thomas Clark facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Thomas Clark
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William Thomas Clark
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Texas's 3rd district |
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| In office March 31, 1870 – May 13, 1872 |
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| Preceded by | District created |
| Succeeded by | Dewitt Clinton Giddings |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 29, 1831 Norwalk, Connecticut, U.S. |
| Died | October 12, 1905 (aged 74) New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Resting place | Arlington National Cemetery |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United StatesUnion |
| Branch/service | United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861 – 1866 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General Brevet Major General |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
William Thomas Clark (born June 29, 1831 – died October 12, 1905) was an American soldier and politician. He served as a general in the Union Army during the American Civil War. After the war, he became a U.S. Congressman.
Contents
Early Life and Career
William Thomas Clark was born in Norwalk, Connecticut. He first worked as a school teacher. In 1854, he moved to New York City. There, he studied law and passed the bar exam. This meant he could become a lawyer. After he got married, he moved to Iowa. In Iowa, he started his own law practice.
Serving in the Civil War
When the American Civil War began in 1861, William T. Clark joined the Union Army. He started as a lieutenant, which is a junior officer. He was also an adjutant for the 13th Iowa Infantry Regiment. An adjutant helps a commanding officer with paperwork and orders.
Key Battles and Promotions
Clark fought in important battles like the battle of Shiloh and the Siege of Corinth. He also served as an assistant adjutant general. This role meant he helped manage military operations. He was part of the XVII Corps during the siege of Vicksburg. Later, he helped the Army of the Tennessee during the Atlanta Campaign.
For his service in the Atlanta Campaign, he was given a special honor. He was made a brevet brigadier general. A "brevet" rank is an honorary promotion for good service. He then led an infantry brigade in the XV Corps. This was during the Carolinas Campaign. By 1865, he became a full brigadier general. At the end of the war, he was made a brevet major general. This was for his brave and excellent service.
Life After the War
After the Civil War ended, William T. Clark moved to Galveston, Texas. He became very active in his new community.
Helping the Community
In Galveston, Clark helped organize the first school for African American children. This was a brave thing to do at the time. He also became friends with African Americans, even though it was risky. He helped found the First National Bank in Galveston. He was also its first cashier, managing its money. Clark also served as the postmaster for Galveston. This meant he was in charge of the mail service.
Political Career
William T. Clark was a member of the Republican Party. In 1870, he was elected to the U.S. Congress as a representative from Texas. He served in Congress until 1872. During his time in Congress, he worked to help Galveston. He got the first money from the government for Galveston's harbor. This was $100,000. This money helped build the jetties there. Jetties are structures that protect harbors and help ships.
William Thomas Clark passed away on October 12, 1905. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
