Walter McKenzie Clark | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Chief Justice of theNorth Carolina Supreme Court | |
| In office 1903–1924 | |
| Preceded by | David M. Furches |
| Succeeded by | William A. Hoke |
| Associate Justice of theNorth Carolina Supreme Court | |
| In office 1889–1903 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | (1846-08-19)August 19, 1846 Halifax County, North Carolina, US |
| Died | May 19, 1924(1924-05-19) (aged 77) Raleigh, North Carolina, US |
| Spouse | Susan Washington Graham |
| Education | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
| Occupation | Judge, Lawyer, Politician |
| Signature |  |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance | Confederate States of America |
| Service | Confederate States Army |
| Rank | Lt Colonel (CSA) |
| Unit | 22nd North Carolina Infantry 35th North Carolina Infantry 70th North Carolina Infantry |
| Commands | 6th Battalion, North Carolina Junior Reserves |
| Battles / wars | American Civil War |
Walter McKenzie Clark (August 19, 1846 – May 19, 1924) was aNorth Carolina politician andattorney who served as an associate justice (1889–1903) andchief justice (1903–1924) of theNorth Carolina Supreme Court.
Clark was born inHalifax County, North Carolina, to General David Clark and Anna M. Thorne.[1] He attended theUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he was a member of thePhilanthropic Society. His portrait currently hangs in the chamber of the Philanthropic Society wherein aspiring members are expected to memorize his contributions to North Carolina.[2] He served as an officer in theConfederate States Army, in 1861 as a Lt. with the 22nd and in 1862 as an Adjutant in 35th North Carolina Infantry regiments during theAmerican Civil War before enrolling at theUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. After graduating first in his class in 1864, he returned to the war as commanding officer (Major) of the 6th Battalion, North Carolina Junior Reserves. The battalion was quickly integrated into the 1st Junior Reserves Regiment, also known as 70th North Carolina Infantry Regiment, of which he became thelieutenant colonel in 1865. In the 1870s, Clark moved toRaleigh, North Carolina, practiced law, and wrote books on law and history. Clark was married on 27 January 1875 to Susan Washington Graham, daughter ofWilliam Alexander Graham andSusannah Sarah Washington Graham.
In April 1885, GovernorAlfred M. Scales appointed Clark a judge of the superior court, and in 1889, Gov.Daniel G. Fowle elevated him to the state Supreme Court. He was elected to the Supreme Court in 1890, and in 1894, was re-elected with the support of not only his ownDemocratic Party, but also that of theRepublicans andPopulists.
Clark was elected chief justice in 1902 and re-elected several times. In 1912, he unsuccessfully ran for theUnited States Senate as a liberal reformer against fellow DemocratFurnifold Simmons. Clark died in office in Raleigh on May 19, 1924. He was buried atOakwood Cemetery.[3]
Clark's five children attendedNorth Carolina State University. They include Walter Clark, Jr., who is considered to be the youngest person to ever graduate from the university, and David Clark, who later served on theUniversity of North CarolinaBoard of Trustees. Clark Dining Hall and David Clark Labs are named after Walter and David, respectively.[4][5]
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| Preceded by | Chief Justice ofNorth Carolina Supreme Court 1903 - 1924 | Succeeded by |
| International | |
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| National | |
| People | |
| Other | |
