Polk Co. IAGenWeb

CLARKE, R. W. — Justice of the Peace. Was born in Westmoreland county, Pa., February 5, 1816, and when about 17 years of age, he went to Blairsville, Indiana county, to attend school. About two years later his parents moved to that place. He is a civil engineer by profession, having followed the same in Pennsylvania for 21 years. In 1855 he came to Iowa, locating in this place. In 1868 he helped to locate the C., R. I. & P. R. R. for 100 miles this side of Council Bluffs, and since that time he has been identified with a number of surveys in this place. In the fall of 1873 he was elected justice of the peace, which office he now holds. He was married in Erie, Pa., December 9, 1840 to Miss Caroline King, a native of that place. They have three sons and three daughters: Mary A., James P., Jane M., Thomas, K., R. W. and Sarah. Mr. Clark was a member of the city council in 1857.