Myron H. Clark

Myron Holley Clark ( born October 3, 1806 Naples, Ontario County, New York; † August 23, 1892 in Canandaigua, New York ) was an American politician and 1855-1857 Governor of the State of New York.

Early years and political rise

Myron Clark attended the public schools of his home. He then became a member of the militia of his state, in which he rose to lieutenant colonel. Clark was a member of the Whig party. Between 1837 and 1839 he was sheriff in Ontario County. After moving to Canandaigua he was 1850-1851 Mayor of this city. From 1852 to 1854 Clark was a member of the Senate from New York. On 7 November 1854 he was elected to the tightest gubernatorial election, the history of the State of New York as a candidate of a coalition against slavery as the new governor of his state.

Governor of New York

Myron Clark was the last New York governor, who belonged to the Whigs. He held office from 1 January 1855 to 1 January 1857. Remarkably, that he issued a Prohibition law that was found but a few months later by the Supreme Court of the State unconstitutional and void. Since his time in the state Senate, the governor had used for the mergers of the railway companies in New York. At the same time he made ​​sure that the fares and freight charges remained low.

Further CV

After the end of his term Myron Clark remained a supporter of the Prohibition movement. In 1874 he was an unsuccessful candidate for the Prohibition Party for the gubernatorial elections. Ex - Governor Clark died in 1892 and was buried in Canandaigua. With his wife Zilpha Watkins had five children.