History of Eutaw, (Greene County) Alabama United States of America

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Biographies:

George Clark Biography

George Clark, jurist, was born at Eutaw, Ala., July 18, 1841; son of James B. and Mary (Erwin) Clark. His paternal ancestors were Protestant Irish and settled in Pennsylvania at an early date. His mother was born in Virginia and descended from English ancestors. He entered the University of Alabama in the class of 1861. On the fall of Fort Sumter he enlisted as a private in the 11th Alabama regiment. He was promoted lieutenant and participated in the battles of Yorktown, Williamsburg, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, Petersburg and in the severe fighting along the Welden railroad, the "mine," and various engagements north of the James. He was wounded at Gaines' Mill in 1862, at Gettysburg in 1863 and at Ream's Station near Petersburg, in August, 1864. He was promoted to a captaincy in 1862 and he served in that capacity to the end of the war. After the surrender at Appomatox he returned home, studied law with his father and was admitted to the bar in 1866. In January, 1867, he removed to Texas and practised at Weatherford until December, 1868, when he removed to Waco and permanently established himself in his profession. He was secretary of state for Texas in 1874; attorney-general, 1874-76; served as a commissioner on the revision and codification of the statutes until 1878; and was judge of the court of appeals, 1879-80. In 1892 he was a candidate before the Democratic primaries for nomination as governor of Texas. Upon the assembling of the convention the demands of the extremists caused a split in the Democratic party in Texas and Judge Clark was defeated.

From: Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans, Johnson, Rossiter, editor