CLARKE, Dr. James Frederick. 1867-1942
CLARKE, CLAPP
Posted By: Betty Hootman-Volunteer
Date: 11/17/2012 at 22:32:48
Dr. J. Fred Clarke, Civic And Army
Leader, Dies At Fairfield, Aged 78Fairfield---Dr. James Frederick Clarke, 79, prominent retired Fairfield surgeon and physician and army medical corps officer in two wars, died at his home 500 South Main street at 4:30 p.m. Sunday. He had been in failing health for a year.
He was born in Fairfield, February 23, 1864, and spent his life in the community except when studying and in army service. He married Miss Matilda Clapp of Amboy, Ill., October 13, 1891, celebrating their golden wedding anniversary last fall.
Dr. Clarke attended Parsons college and the State University of Iowa, and received his medical degree at the University of Pennsylvania. He took graduate work at John Hopkins Baltimore and in Gattingen, Germany. He began the practice of medicine here in June 1891 and retired 50 years later. His father was pioneer doctor in Mt. Pleasant, beginning practice in 1843.
Dr. Clarke and Mrs. Clarke were extensive travelers, having visited Europe three times.
During the Spanish-American war he commanded the medical department of the 49th division of the army. During the first World war he commanded Hospital unit R, one of two such organizations in Iowa. The unit spent 14 months in France, and Dr. Clarke retired with the rank of lieutenant colonel. Mrs. Clarke, a nurse served with her husband in Cuba.
Dr. Clarke was active in local, state and national medical groups having held numerous offices in them. He was a civic leader, was a member of the Parsons college board of trustees and was instrumental in the building of the Jefferson County hospital here. He also was a student of early Iowa history, a collector of rare art works, ceramics and antiques.
Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book B, page 4, Keosauqua Public Library; Keosauqua, IA
Van Buren Obituaries maintained by Rich Lowe.
WebBBS 4.33 Genealogy Modification Package by WebJourneymen