James S. Clarkson

James Sullivan Clarkson (May 17, 1842 – May 31, 1918), sometimes known by the nickname "Ret Clarkson", was an American politician and newspaper editor. He helped establish part of the Underground Railroad in Iowa. He was an editor of the Iowa State Register. He was a leader in the Republican Party from the 1860s into the 1890s. He was surveyor of the Port of New York from 1902 to 1910.

Early life James Sullivan Clarkson was born on May 17, 1842, in Brookville, Indiana, to Elizabeth (née Goudie) and Coker Fifield Clarkson. His father was a newspaper editor and was involved in Whig politics in Indiana. His father later switched to the Republican Party and served in the Iowa senate. His mother died in 1848 and his father married Elizabeth Colescott in 1849. In 1855 or 1856, the family moved to Grundy County, Iowa, and started the Melrose Farm. Clarkson attended public schools in Indiana and Iowa. In 1859, he worked as a schoolteacher. He served on the school board in Des Moines. He was also an organizer of Callanan College.

By the 1860s, Clarkson was head of the Republican State Central Committee. As surveyor, he recommended an automatic weighing system and helped combat fraud in the department.