Born in Prince George's County, Maryland, Clarke moved to Buffalo, New York, in 1815.

He served as clerk in the office of the Holland Land Co., Batavia, New York, from 1819 to January 1822, when he was transferred as their agent for the county of Cattaraugus to Ellicottville, New York.

Elected Treasurer of Cattaraugus County in 1824 and served until 1841.

His brother Archibald S. Clarke also served as a Congressman from New York.

This article incorporates public domain material from the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress