A month after Clarke's election to State Senate, Providence's popular mayor Thomas A. Doyle left the Republican Party to run as an independent.

[2] During Clarke's time as mayor, a system of fire alarm boxes were installed in Providence.

A major hurricane struck the city on September 8, 1869, which caused much damage and flooding in downtown Providence.

[2] Clarke married Frances Alice Chace, daughter of a textile firm owner.

The couple lived at 95 Angell Street in Providence's east side.