George W. Clarke

from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

George Washington Clarke (born October 24, 1852 in Shelby County , Indiana , † November 28, 1936 in Adel , Iowa ) was an American politician ( Republican Party ) and from 1913 to 1917 the 21st governor of the state of Iowa.

Early years and political advancement

In 1856, George Clarke and his parents came to Davis County in Iowa. There he attended the local schools and then worked as a teacher himself for some time. He later continued his own education at Oskaloosa College until 1877 . He then studied law at the University of Iowa . After his exams and admission as a lawyer, he began to practice his new profession in the town of nobility. There he also worked as a justice of the peace for four years.

Between 1900 and 1908 he was a member of the Iowa House of Representatives . From 1904 he was also speaker of this body. In 1908 he was elected lieutenant governor of his state as his party's candidate . He held this office between 1909 and 1913. In 1912 he was elected governor himself, with only 1700 votes ahead of the Democratic candidate Edward G. Dunn.

Governor of Iowa

Clarke took up his new post on January 16, 1913. After re-election in 1914, he could remain in this office until January 11, 1917. During his tenure, the Iowa electoral process was changed. Clarke also campaigned for an improved workmen's compensation bill and supported the establishment of a Highway Commission . Clarke also advocated amendments to the laws to control investment firms.

After the end of his governorship, Clarke withdrew from politics. Between 1917 and 1918 he was dean of Drake University Law School . He then worked as a lawyer in Des Moines . Since 1878 he was married to Arletta Green, with whom he had four children.

literature

  • Robert Sobel and John Raimo (Eds.): Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States, 1789–1978. Volume 2, Meckler Books, Westport, 1978. 4 volumes.

Web links

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Our Campaigns: IA Governor, Nov. 05, 1912
personal data
SURNAME Clarke, George W.
ALTERNATIVE NAMES Clarke, George Washington (full name)
BRIEF DESCRIPTION American politician
DATE OF BIRTH October 24, 1852
PLACE OF BIRTH Shelby County , Indiana
DATE OF DEATH November 28, 1936
Place of death Adel , Iowa