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James W. Clarke, postmaster at De Soto, was born in Culpeper County,
Va., in 1846, and is a son of James and Elizabeth (Murphy) Clarke, of
Irish descent.  The former a native of Orange County, Va., born in 
1803, was a wheelwright by trade, and served in the Mexican War. By
his marriage to Miss Murphy three children were born.  Mr. Clarke 
died in Virginia in 1853.  Mrs. Clarke (whose birth occurred in Culpeper

County, Va., in 1820) married, after coming to Missouri, Rev. James Keen

(deceased). She had come to this State in 1851.  James W. Clarke is one

of the three children by his mother's first marriage. A brother, John T.,

served as chief clerk in the State auditor's office, at Jefferson City

for fourteen years, and his sister, Mary A. became the wife of A. J. 

Norwine, of Mineral Point, Mo.  Young Clarke accompanied his mother to 

Missouri when young and obtained his education in the common schools.

In 1863, during the progress of the war, he enlisted in Company I, 

Thirteenth Missouri Regiment, Shelby's brigade, under Capt. Williams,

and served for two years, surrendering at Shreveport, La., in June, 1865

after having participated in numerous engagements, among which was the 

battle of Fort Scott.  The winter of 1864-65 he passed in Texas.  In 1874

he married Miss Jennie Taylor, a native of Franklin County, Mo.  In 1875 

he established a livery stable at Mineral Point, Mo., of which he was 

proprietor two years, and the following five years was engaged in 

merchandising.  In June, 1886 he received the appointment of postmaster 

at De Soto, under Cleveland, and assumed charge of the duties of that 

position in November following an office which he still holds.  Mr. and

Mrs. Clarke have two children: Latty Howard and Carter.  Politically he

is a Democrat.  Mrs. Clarke is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and

Mr. Clarke belongs to the A. O. U. W.