American politician

Reader Wright Clarke (May 18, 1812 – May 23, 1872) was a U.S. Representative from Ohio for two terms from 1865 to 1869.

Biography

Born in Bethel, Ohio. Son of Houten Clarke (1766-1835) and Nancy (Riley) Clarke (1786-1857). Reader Clarke learned the art of printing.He studied law.He was admitted to the bar in 1836 and commenced practice in Batavia, Ohio.Published a Whig paper in Shawneetown, Illinois, for a few years.He returned to Batavia, Ohio.He served as member of the State house of representatives 1840–1842.Presidential elector in 1844 for Whigs Clay/Frelinghuysen.He served as clerk of the court of Clermont County 1846–1852.

Clarke was elected as a Republican to the Thirty-ninth and Fortieth Congresses (March 4, 1865 – March 3, 1869).Third auditor of the Treasury from March 26, 1869, to March 26, 1870.He was appointed collector of internal revenue in Ohio.

Death

He died in Batavia, Ohio, May 23, 1872.He was interred in Union Cemetery.

Sources

• United States Congress. "Reader W. Clarke (id: C000468)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
• Taylor, William Alexander; Taylor, Aubrey Clarence (1899). Ohio statesmen and annals of progress: from the year 1788 to the year 1900 ... Vol.:1. State of Ohio. p.:255.

:This article incorporates:public domain material from the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress website http://bioguide.congress.gov.