Jonas Gilman Clark

Jonas Gilman Clark (February 1, 1815 – May 23, 1900) was an American businessman, and the founder of Clark University. He started his business career in Massachusetts, before moving to California in the 1850s. After a successful entrepreneurial career, he moved to Worcester in 1878, and founded Clark University in 1887.

Biography

Early life Clark was born in Hubbardston, Massachusetts. He was a son of a farmer, and received a common school education. He became a carriage-maker at the age of sixteen, and opened his own carriage shop after five years. He extended his business to the manufacturing and marketing of chairs. He entered the tinware industry after discovering the greater profitability in this business around 1845. He was also a manager of retail stores in Hubbardston, Milford and Lowell.

Clark married Susan Wright (1816–1904) in 1836; she was his childhood friend and neighbor. The couple were active supporters of the anti-slavery movement. His first business venture there was not successful because he lost money due the ineptitude of his partner. He formed a second partnership, and in 1853 went to San Francisco to run his business. He achieved success in the furniture business. When the American Civil War began, Clark supported the Union government; he was active in multiple Union causes. He was probably inspired by his friend Leland Stanford to establish his own university. In January 1887, Clark secured from the Legislature, for himself and associates of his choice, an act of incorporation under the name of Clark University. On March 31, the legislation was passed and signed. On May 4, at the first regular meeting of the Board of Trustees, Clark disclosed his educational and financial plans for the new university. Clark University was to incorporate the best features of the continental European and American universities such as Cornell University and Johns Hopkins University. Hall and the trustees wanted to keep Clark happy until his death; after Clark's death they could use his money according to their wishes.

Clark gave money to the university for the academic year 1892–93, but gave no more financial support to the university from this point forward. He realized that Hall and the trustees would not start the undergraduate college. His will, drafted in New York City, was kept secret from Hall and the trustees.

Clark died on May 23, 1900, at his home in Worcester. After his death, when the conditions of his will became known, the trustees discovered that they would have to establish an undergraduate college or else they would lose the remainder of Clark's fortune. The college was established, and it merged with the university in 1920 after Hall's retirement.