My Genealogy Hound

Hon. James P. Clarke is an able lawyer of Helena, Ark., and ever since starting in this profession his career has been one of distinction and success. He is active, intelligent and energetic by nature, public-spirited, liberal-minded and generous in disposition; it is not to be wondered at that his career has been successful and honorable. He was born in Yazoo County, Miss., August 18, 1854, and is a son of Walter and Ellen (White) Clarke, who were early residents of the State of Mississippi, and there the father’s death occurred in 1861, his wife also passing away in that State. Mr. Clarke was a civil engineer and contractor, and he and his wife became the parents of three children, only two of whom are living, of whom Hon. James P. is one. He received the principal part of his education and rearing in Mississippi, but also attended school in Alabama and Virginia, thus becoming quite familiar with the “world of books.” He graduated from the Law Department of the University of Virginia, and since coming to Helena in 1879 has given his profession his undivided attention, and owing to his sound views, his intelligence, and his ability as a lawyer, business has come to him unsolicited. The people of the county have not been slow to recognize his worth, and in 1886 he was elected to the State legislature and to the State senate in 1888.