This Week In Alaskan History: On May 20, 1909 Walter E. Clark became the 7th and last governor of the District of Alaska. He acted in that role for three years until 1912 when Alaska became a territory. In May of 1913 Clark became the 1st governor of the territory of Alaska.
The Governor’s Background
Clark was born in Ashford, Connecticut to a farming family. He served as a teacher as a young adult – even becoming principle of the Manchester, Connecticut elementary schools by age nineteen. After acquiring a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Wesleyan University, Clark worked as a journalist for different publications. Eventually, Clark traveled to the District of Alaska as a prospector. Although unsuccessful at prospecting, Clark stumbled into a new occupation while in Alaska. President William Howard Taft appointed him the governor of the District of Alaska.
Alaska Under Walter Clark
While Clark sat as governor, he ended up being instrumental in resolving several political battles that stood in the way of Alaska’s statehood. In January 1913, the Alaska Territorial Legislature unanimously voted to grant women full suffrage – the right to vote. It was Clark who signed the bill into law. Meanwhile, it would be another seven years before women achieved the right to vote on a national level.
Ultimately, Clark decided politics wouldn’t be his permanent career path. Later in 1913 he submitted his letter of resignation to President Woodrow Wilson. Clark’s last day: May 21, 1913. He served as governor four years.
After Alaska
Clark settled in Charleston, West Virginia. He purchased the Charleston Daily Mail and continued his career in journalism. He passed away February 4, 1950 and is buried in Charleston.
The Merdes Law Firm has been helping injured Alaskans for more than 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us … We’re here if you do. ~ Ward Merdes
Info Source: MustReadAlaska.com and SuffragistMemorial.org
Photo Source: AdobeStock
