CLARKE, Charles, Canadian journalist, born in Lincoln, England, 28 November, 1826. He was educated in his native place and at Waddington, Lincolnshire, and in 1844 immigrated to Canada and became a farmer. After contributing articles to the Hamilton "Journal and Express " for some time, he obtained control of the paper, and continued this connection until 1850. Subsequently he wrote several political papers for the " North American," was a contributor to various other reform journals, and in 1852 established the "Backwoodsman." He was elected to the Ontario legislature for Centre Wellington in 1871, re-elected in 1875 and 1879, and again at the last general election for the same constituency. He became speaker of the House in 1880, and was re-elected in 1884.