William Clarke (justice)

Clarke "was one of the early settlers at Lewes soon after the occupation by the English, and was one of the magistrates, a surveyor and a member of Penn's Council".

Clarke "was styled 'Justice in General' and was called the President of the counties of Philadelphia and New Castle".

[2] Clark was a slaveowner, and a record exists of him "purchasing a Negro named Black Will from a Maryland planter".

[1] It is reported that "[t]he same night he sickened, as he thought of a surfeit of cherries, and in two days died at Newcastle".

[4] Clarke served as president of the courts of Pennsylvania and the Lower Counties until his death, and was succeeded in this office by Jasper Yeates.