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. He had a successful entrepreneurial career. He moved to Worcester in 1878, and founded Clark University in that city 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; Susan was his childhood friend and neighbor. The couple were active supporters of the anti-slavery movement.