clarke served in the kansas state house of representatives in 1879 as an independent and was elected speaker. he moved to oklahoma city, oklahoma in 1889 and engaged in railroad building. he served as chairman of the statehood executive committee in 1891, and as member of the territorial council from 1898 to 1902. he also served on the oklahoma city council and as the second provisional mayor. he died in oklahoma city, and was interred in fairlawn cemetery.