St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1886-11-14

one of the Oldest and best known railroad
men il the Northwest. For sixteen years he
has been connected with the road that he
now represents. In person Mr.. Clarke Is,
like the great proportion OF railroad men,
handsome and has look about his eyes that
indicates a keenneSS and sdrewdnesS that pre-
vents those who deal with him from attempt
ing 10 get the best Of the bargain through
deceptive operations. A pair of pleas
ant eyes look out OF an honest face,
the attractiveness of which is greatly en-
HANGED by a siken mustache that gracefully
curves over pair Of firm lips that Indicate
character and determination. Mr.. Clarke IS
yet on the sunny side of life. the forty-seven
years that have passed before his eyes leav-
ing hardly Il trace in the wealth of dark hair
that clusters around his well-Shaped head,
and in disposition one could well imagine him
yet under thirty.
Mr. Clarke's name is known in every rail-
road office from Chicago to the Pacific coast.
ard he has brought himself to the front
solely through his integrity and sterling bus-
ness principles He stands at the head OF
traffic managers Of the Western lines, and is
at present vice president of the Genera!
Freight i gents association.
The subject of this sketch was born in Mad
isOn county, New York, in the year 1889, and
i'll the year IS graduated from Alfred sem
mary, in the s8I3 state. Fresh from school
he came TO ST Paul and took clerkship in
mercantile house. where he remained two
wears. fitting himself for the responsibility
that he then assumed. In 1860 he organized
the mercantile firm Of Clarke, Jefferson u Co.,
doing business at Hudson. Wis, and at the
head Of this company he remained till 20,
when he drew out ana accepted the appoint
ment of land commissioner and general
freight agent of the West Wisconsin railroad,
and in ~ was appointed general freight and
passenger agent of the same line, which DO
Sition he held till 80. In 10 the West Wis
consn road was reOrganiZeG, a new company
formed. ard it was called the Chicago, st.
Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha, which name it
now bears. In SO Mr.. Clarke was appointed
general traac manager OF this entire system.
Two years later he retired, taking a rest of
twelve months, when he retured to the road,
assuming his former position as general
traffic manager and which he holds at pres
ent. He i the Oldest officer on the road.
During his life of activity Mr.. Clarke has
acquired q competency, and knows how to
live life as it should be lived. On Summit
aFcnue, III one OF the pleaSautest localities
he mas built a splendid residence, surrounded
by spacious and wel-kept grounds. 1t is one
OF the finest homes on the hill and well calcu
lated to swell any mans heart with pride.
II is aid that Mr.. Clarke is amply able to
leave the busy grooves OF railroad life and rest
on the aurels that he has Won bat this is not
in the makeup of the man, and 1t is probable
that be viii DE identified with business enter
prses so long as he has health and vigOr to
give them the necessary attention.
The above facts regarding Mr.. Clarlle's past
life are recorded in an extensive wOIk giving
biographical sketches of prominent railroad
men, published by the Railway Age Publish
ing company.