Myron Holley Clark (October 23, 1806 – August 23, 1892) was an American politician from New York. He served as the 19th Governor of New York from 1855 to 1856.

Early life

Clark was born in Naples, Ontario County, New York on October 23, 1806.

His education was limited and was in the common schools of New York.

Career

thumb|left|Gubernatorial portrait of New York Governor Myron H. Clark.

He served in the state's militia as a lieutenant colonel and then entered politics, first serving as President of the then-village of Canandaigua, New York, and eventually becoming Sheriff of Ontario County, New York.

He was a member of the New York State Senate (29th D.) from 1852 to 1854, sitting in the 75th, 76th and 77th New York State Legislatures. At the New York state election, 1854, he was nominated as the Whig candidate, and was elected Governor of New York in the closest gubernatorial election in New York State history. He served as Governor from January 1, 1855, to December 31, 1856.

As Governor, Clark was noted for his meddling with militia appointments, causing the resignation of the state Adjutant General John Watts de Peyster. In 1862, President Abraham Lincoln appointed Clark the first Collector of Internal Revenue of in the Ontario County district. He finished in third place, behind Democrat Samuel J. Tilden and the incumbent Republican Governor John Adams Dix.

Personal life

In 1830 Clark was married to Zilpha Watkins (1806–1877), a daughter of Andrew Watkins and Abigail ( Stanley) Watkins. Together, they were the parents of five children, one son and four daughters, including:

  • Zilpha Clark (1834–1915), who married Samuel D. Backus.
  • Mary Lee Clark (1835–1923), who married prominent banker Frederick Ferris Thompson.
  • Charlotte Elizabeth Clark (1838–1929), who died unmarried.

Clark died in Canandaigua, New York on August 23, 1892. He is interred at Woodlawn Cemetery in Canandaigua.

Legacy

As a memorial to Clark, his daughter Mary presented a scenic and geologically significant tract of land to New York State in 1915 that is now part of Clark Reservation State Park. Comptroller Clark Williams was his grandson.

References

  • National Governors Association website
  • Myron Holley Clark Papers, 1809-1899; bulk, 1829-1867 at the New York State Library