In 1840, Clarke became a track repairer on the
Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. In 1842, he became a locomotive fireman for the railroad and held this role for 12 years. He was elected as a Democrat and served as a member of the
Maryland Senate, representing Baltimore County, from 1868 to 1872. He served under Governor
Oden Bowie as brigadier general of the
Maryland National Guard. ==Personal life==