CLARKE, GEORGE F.

CLARKE, HAWKINS, STRAW

Posted By: Volunteer (email)
Date: 6/1/2005 at 09:16:29

Biography reproduced from page 282 of the History of Kossuth and Humboldt Counties, Iowa published in 1884:

George F. Clarke, one of the most prominent attorneys of the Kossuth county bar, was born March 19, 1845, in Sangerville, Piscataquis Co., Maine. He received his education at Foxcroft Academy. In August, 1865, he removed to Illinois, remaining there until 1866, when he removed to Red Oak, Iowa, where he taught school several years. He also taught school in Saint Charles, Ill. Mr. Clarke commenced the practice of law in Algona in the winter of 1869-70. Very few men have been more successful in the practice of their profession than has Mr. Clarke. He soon built up a large and lucrative practice not only in Kossuth, but in the counties adjoining as well. In 1877 he became employed in various cases for the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway Company. His business with this company has grown so extensive that for three years past it has occupied his entire attention and time. In fact, he makes that business a specialty, hence does not devote any time to general practice as formerly. Mr. Clarke has charge of the legal business of over 700 miles of the C., M. & St. P. R. R. lines. Mr. Clarke’s reputation in his profession is co-extensive with the State, as he is largely engaged in both the federal and supreme courts of the State. Mr. Clarke was married July 7, 1869, at Saint Charles, Ill., to Lou E. Hawkins. She died July 5, 1875. On the 21st day of June, 1876, he was united in marriage with Carrie A. Straw, of Guilford, Maine. Mrs. Clarke is very highly educated and accomplished. She was a graduate of Kents Hill Seminary, in Maine, and received an excellent musical education at the Boston Conservatory of Music. This marriage was a happy one, and has been blessed with a pleasant home. Mr. Clarke has three daughters—Gertie E., born June 25, 1871; Lulu M., born June 24, 1875; and Nellie Straw, born Oct. 28, 1882. Mr. Clarke’s parents are of English descent. His paternal ancestor, Hugh Clarke, came from England to the colony in Massachusetts in 1624. William G. Clarke, father of the subject of this sketch, was a prominent lawyer in Piscataquis Co., Maine. He stood at the head of the bar in that county.