George Washington Clark

George W. Clark (July 18, 1841 – March 28, 1918) was an American politician, lawyer, and soldier. A Democrat, he was the Secretary of State of Texas and the Texas Attorney General.

Early life and military service Clark was born on July 18, 1841, in Eutaw, Alabama, the youngest of seven children born to James Blair Clark and Mary (née Erwin) Clark. He matriculated at the University of Alabama in October 1857, studying there until April 1861, leaving after the Battle of Fort Sumter occurred.

In June 1861, during the American Civil War, Clark enlisted as a private into the Confederate States Army. He eventually became a junior lieutenant of the 11th Alabama Infantry Regiment, achieving the final rank of lieutenant colonel. He fought at the Battle of Chancellorsville and the Battle of Gettysburg, among other battles. He was wounded in July 1863 and August 1864. By the end of the war, he was at Danville, Virginia. was steadfast in his beliefs.

After serving in public office, Clark returned to practicing law in Waco, becoming an attorney for rail companies.