John Blades Clarke

John Blades Clarke (April 14, 1833 – May 23, 1911) was a U.S. representative from Kentucky.

Early life and family John B. Clarke was born in Brooksville, Kentucky, on April 14, 1833. He was the son of John and Mary (Blades) Clarke. In 1851, he left school to return to his father's farm. After the marriage, the family moved to Rockport, Indiana, where Clarke commenced practice in January 1885. By September 1855, Clarke's wife had become ill, and the family returned Brooksville on December 10, 1855, where Clarke continued the practice of law.

Political career Clarke was elected prosecuting attorney of Bracken County in 1858, serving until 1862. In 1867, he was elected to the Kentucky Senate, serving a single, four-year term. He was elected as a Democrat to represent the Tenth District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He served in the Forty-fourth and Forty-fifth Congresses (March 4, 1875 – March 3, 1879). He declined to be a candidate for renomination in 1878.

Later life and death After Clarke's service in the House, he resumed the practice of law. He died in Brooksville on May 23, 1911, and was interred in Mount Zion Cemetery.