Reader W. Clarke

Who was Reader W. Clarke?

Reader Wright Clarke was a U.S. Representative from Ohio.

Born in Bethel, Ohio, 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. Third auditor of the Treasury from March 26, 1869, to March 26, 1870. He was appointed collector of internal revenue in Ohio. He died in Batavia, Ohio, May 23, 1872. He was interred in Union Cemetery.