A native of St. Andrews, New Brunswick, George Clarke taught school for a time in Charlotte County before studying law.
On January 22, 1914, Clarke was appointed by Premier James K. Flemming to the province's Executive Council as Attorney General and Commissioner of Provincial Hospitals.
Highly regarded for his integrity, George Clarke became the 15th premier of New Brunswick in March 1914 when his predecessor, James Kidd Flemming, was forced to resign as a result of a scandal.
Because of the health problems, he stepped down as premier on February 1, 1917, handing over the reins of power to James Alexander Murray just before the general election.
Clarke had been selected for appointment as the province's Lieutenant Governor but was not able to accept the post due to poor health.