IN SUMMARY

- - – – - -

James Clark was born in Virginia 1779, and came to Kentucky as a child. He was educated in Virginia and returned to Winchester to open a law practice. He married Susan Forsyth of Bourbon County KY and they had 4 children. They were very happy.

 

After being appointed as the Judge on KY Court of appeals he was elected to Congress. He completed another term as Circuit Court Judge before becoming the State Senator.

In 1836, Clark was elected Governor of Kentucky.

PRIVATE LIFE

- - – – - -

Susan died in 1825. As evidence that they were a loving couple, Clark remarked that he lost one of the best friends he ever had on earth. Susan Clark was buried in the private family burial ground at Holly Rood.
In 1829, he remarried Margaret Buckner Thornton, and she died on August 15, 1836. The Kentucky Press carried the news of her death and his official election as Governor on the same day.

Kentucky Governor, James Clark, died in office August 29, 1839.

 

IMPORTANT STUFF

- - – – - -
 He was one of the first to support free public education for all citizens.
As Judge, his decision on fair banking practices were legally and morally correct, but brought him much criticism from the public.

The House Holly Rood is named after the home of Mary Queen of Scots.