Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1888-03-27

TEE RELLE.IaLE worms.
Mr.. Clarke succeeds Mr. Eianken.
shin.

A meeting of the stockholders OF the
Old Dominion Iron. and Nail-Works
Company was held at the Office OF the
company at l2 NJ. yesterday for the pur-
pose of electing a president, the Office
having been made vacant BY tho death
Of MIR. Il. Il. Blankenship.
Mr.. Arthur b. Clarke's was tho only
name presented. and he was elected by
acclamation.
Suitable resolutions regarding the
death of the late president were passed
and a few minor details were disposed Of
by resolutions and the meeting ad-
journed.
After their adjournment the directors
met and elected Mr.. Douglas Baird,
who for forty years has been the efficient
superintendent of the works, TO the Office
of vice president Mr.. G.. w. Catlett,
long in the employment OF the company,
is the secretary.
The directory consists OF the presi-
dent, Vice President Captain Philip
Haxall, Professor Thomas r. Price, OF
Columbia College, New York, and John
G. Spots, Esq, of Spots & Gibson.
This company conducts perhaps the
largest manufacturing business in the
city, generally employing more men
than any other, and it is calculated that
not less than 5000 persons receive their
daily bread through its operations. Its
articles Of trade are nails (of iron and
steel bar-iron) and horseshoes, all Of
which stand high in the markets of the
country.
Mr.. Clarke is emphatically Richmond
man. He wss born and reared on Church
Hill. and is thirty-three years OF age.
He is q son OF 4. B. Clarke, an old hard
ware merchant who was the instructor of
Mr.. Blankenship in early life. President
Clarke attended the school OF Thomas
II. Norwood, in old St. Johns church
yard, and later went 70 the University
school on Eighth street, conducted by
the late John NJ. Strother and Mr.. I. Ii.
Norwood. He began business-life in a
newspaper Office, folding and carrying
out the ReligiOus Hcraid during the
time OF DIR. Jeter. He afterwards held
minor positions in several houses, and
in 1872 accepted a position in the
Office of the Old Dominion Iron
and Nail-Works Company. Beginning
at the bottom OF the ladder be
was advanced through various posi-
tions, giving him a wide knowledge Of
the company's business. He was COM
missioned on several occasions to go to
other cities to adjust differences which
required delicate handling all of which
he did with great satisfaction to the
management. He was regarded rs MIR.
Blankenship's right-hand man and conf
dental clerk, which gave him intimate
insight into the finances and general
affairs aud plans of the company
In 1885 Mr. Clarke married Miss Le-
lia Berry, of this city, and lovely little
girl cheers his household.
Mr.. Clarke, although immersed in
business, has found time for other pur-
suits. lie is an active member OF the
First Baptist church, teacher OF large
class Of young men in the Sunday school,
and is president of the Young Mems
Missionary Society. lie is a lover of
music, and was largely instrumental in
rebuilding the grand organ in the First
Baptist church. The improvements were
planned and superintended by him, and
he has, since the work was done, given
personal attention TO keeping tine organ
in order. He is good orgauist, and has
written some music. Tie has capacity,
energy, and experience, and the general
verdict is that the selection Is the best
that could have been made.