S. H. H. Clark
Silas H. H. Clark | |
|---|---|
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| Born | October 17, 1836 Morristown, New Jersey |
| Died | June 1, 1900 (aged 63) Asheville, North Carolina |
| Occupation | Railroad executive |
Silas Henry Harrison Clark (October 17, 1836 – June 1, 1900) was an American railroad executive. Clark is best remembered as the President of the Union Pacific and Missouri Pacific Railroads during the decade of the 1890s.
Biography
[edit]Early years
[edit]Silas H. H. Clark was born in Morristown, New Jersey in 1836 to Silas Condict Clark and Nancy Ianson Clark.
Career development
[edit]Clark first began to work in the railway industry as a railroad conductor on the New Jersey Central Railroad.[1] He moved to the Union Pacific Railroad in 1867 and rose through the ranks to eventually become its general manager,[1] working on behalf of wealthy financier Jay Gould, who controlled the line. Clark retained this position until resigning in the summer of 1884.[1]
In November 1886, Clark was appointed 1st Vice President and General Manager of the Missouri Pacific Railroad,[1] a road also controlled by Gould. He would remain in that position until March 1893.[1] He was also named the General Manager of the Union Pacific in December 1890, holding this dual post until February 1, 1893.[1]
Railroad presidency
[edit]On April 27, 1892, Clark was named President of the Union Pacific, replacing the recently deceased Sidney Dillon.[1] He resigned this position on March 27, 1893, to take the job as President of the Missouri Pacific.[1]
The Union Pacific found itself in financial trouble in 1893 and was placed under receivership. On October 13, 1893, Clark was named as one of the receivers of the road.[1] Clark resigned his place as President of the Missouri Pacific to devote himself full time to the management of the Union Pacific.[1]
Death and legacy
[edit]During the last few years of the 1890s, Clark's health began to fail.[1] He died on June 1, 1900,[1] at his residence in Asheville, North Carolina.[2] His body was transferred by rail to Omaha, Nebraska for interment.[2]