Jonas Gilman Clark
| Jonas Gilman Clark | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born |
February 1, 1815 Hubbardston, Massachusetts |
| Died | May 23, 1900 (aged 85) Worcester, Massachusetts |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Known for | founding Clark University in 1887 |
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. He had a successful entrepreneurial career. He moved to Worcester in 1878, and founded Clark University in that city in 1887.
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; Susan was his childhood friend and neighbor. The couple were active supporters of the anti-slavery movement.
Clark sold his hardware business to his brothers, and moved his capital to business in California. His first business venture in California was not successful because he lost his money because of 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.
In 1860 Clark liquidated his businesses because of the medical reasons. He reinvested his fortunes in the San Francisco area, particularly in real estate.
When the American Civil War began, Clark supported the Union cause; he was active in multiple Union causes.
In 1868 he purchased a mansion on Fifth Avenue in New York City. He started collecting rare books and art works, and also invested in securities and real estate.
He made trips to Europe. He developed a deep interest in higher education; he visited and collected information about the universities in Europe.
Clark and his wife, Susan, shifted to Worcester in 1878. He started to liquidate his California and New York area holdings in the early 1880s. He started collecting a compact plot of land in the growing South End of Worcester in 1881. He had acquired most of a block that bordered Main Street by the fall of 1885.
...
Wikipedia