Robert F. Clark | |
|---|---|
| Born | (1838-05-20)May 20, 1838 |
| Died | January 30, 1912(1912-01-30) (aged 73) Milton, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Resting place | Mount Auburn Cemetery |
| Occupation | Stock broker |
| Known for | Chairman of theBoston Police Commission First president of theBoston Athletic Association |
| Spouse | Margarita Jones (m. 1865) |
| Children | 1 |
| Relatives | Ellery Harding Clark (brother) |
Robert Farley Clark (May 20, 1838[1]–January 30, 1912) was an American banker, political figure, and sportsman who served as chairman of theBoston Police Commission and was the first president of theBoston Athletic Association.
Clark was born inBoston to Benjamin Cutler and Mary Preston Clark.[2] He attendedBoston Public Schools and graduated fromBoston Latin School in 1856.[3] During his youth, Clark was a standout rower. In 1857 he was a member of the 6-man Volant crew that was the champion of the Charles River Association and beat the Huron crew made up of Harvard students Samuel B. Parkman,Charles F. Walcott, William H. Elliot, William G. Goldsmith,Alexander Agassiz, andJames J. Storrow.[4] After graduating, Clark worked for his father, who was a prominent Boston importer.[3]
On September 2, 1861, Clark enlisted in theUnion Army. Clark was commissioned a captain in the24th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment. He took part inBurnside's North Carolina Expedition and fought in the battles ofRoanoke Island,New Bern,Goldsborough Bridge,White Hall, andTranter's Creek. He then served as a senior aide to brigadier generalThomas G. Stevenson and was with him at theSecond Battle of Fort Wagner. Clark was ordered to return home following his father's death and was honorably discharged from the army on February 5, 1864.[3]
After leaving the Army, Clark became a stock broker in Boston. He was associated with the firm ofHayden, Stone & Co. and was treasurer of theBoston Stock Exchange.[2]
Clark was one of the original members of the Boston Athletic Association and was chosen to serve as the organization's first president.[2][5] He did not seek a second term due to business obligations.[2]
On March 30, 1893, Clark was nominated for a seat on the Boston police commission by GovernorWilliam E. Russell. Clark had never sought political office before and was not affiliated with any political party.[3] He was confirmed by theMassachusetts Governor's Council on April 13, 1893, and took office on May 1.[6] He was reappointed by GovernorRoger Wolcott in 1898.[7] The following year, Clark was designated chairman of the commission by Governor Wolcott.[8] Clark's two colleagues on the commission (Charles P. Curtis Jr. and Harry F. Adams) designed him the sole spokesman for the board.[9] In 1893, GovernorJohn L. Bates chose not to reappoint Clark and he was succeeded by William H. Emmons.[10]
In 1865, Clark married Margarita Jones, daughter ofJohn Coffin Jones Jr. They had one son, Robert J. Clark.[11]
Clark died on January 13, 1912, at his home inMilton, Massachusetts.[2]