Reader W. Clarke

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

Reader Wright Clarke
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Ohio's 6th district
In office March 4, 1865 – March 3, 1869
Preceded by	Chilton A. White
Succeeded by	John Armstrong Smith
Member of the Ohio House of Representatives from the Clermont County district
In office December 7, 1840 – December 4, 1842 Serving with Gideon Dunham Robert B. Harlan Stephen Evans
Preceded by	T. J. Buchanan
Succeeded by	Thomas Ross D. Fisher John D. White Moses Rees
Third Auditor of the Treasury
In office March 26, 1869 – March 26, 1870
Preceded by	John Wilson
Succeeded by	Allan Rutherford
Personal details
Born	(1812-05-18)May 18, 1812 Bethel, Ohio
Died	May 23, 1872(1872-05-23) (aged 60) Batavia, Ohio
Resting place	Union Cemetery, Batavia
Political party	Whig Republican

Biography

Born in Bethel, Ohio, Clarke was the son of Houten Clarke (1766–1835) and Nancy (Riley) Clarke (1786–1857). Clarke learned the art of printing as well as studying law. He was admitted to the bar in 1836 and commenced practice in Batavia, Ohio.

Clarke published a Whig paper in Shawneetown, Illinois before returning to Batavia, Ohio. He also served as member of the State House of Representatives 1840–1842 along with being a Presidential elector in 1844 for Whigs Clay/Frelinghuysen.^[1] He also 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). He also become the third auditor of the Treasury from March 26, 1869, to March 26, 1870. Eventually, he was appointed collector of internal revenue in Ohio.

Death

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