Governor Henry Toole Clark

HENRY T. CLARK, the thirty-sixth governor of North Carolina, was born near Taraboro, North Carolina on February 7, 1808. His education was attained at the George Phillips School, at the Louisburg Academy, and at the University of North Carolina, where he earned an undergraduate degree in 1826 and an A.M. degree in 1832. He went on to study law, however he never practiced. Clark first entered politics as court clerk, a position he won election to in 1840. He also served as a member of the North Carolina Senate from 1850 to 1861, as well as serving as senate speaker from 1858 to 1861. On July 7, 1861 Governor John W. Ellis died in office, and Clark, who was senate speaker at the time, assumed the duties of the governorship. During his tenure, the Civil War had started, and volunteers, arms, and provisions were raised for the war effort. Also, a confederate prison was organized; and a gunpowder mill was established. After leaving the governorship, Clark served again in the North Carolina Senate, an office held from 1866 to 1867. Governor Henry T. Clark passed away on April 14, 1874, and was buried in the Calvary Episcopal Cemetery in Taraboro, North Carolina.