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clarke genealogy: fourth generation

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20. CAREW⁴ CLARKE (Thomas³, John², John¹). He was born 3 February 1602/1603 in Westhorpe, Suffolk, England, and baptized 17 February 1602/1603 in Westhorpe, Suffolk, England. He died After 1679 in Newport, Newport, Rhode Island. Residence: Rougham, Suffolk, England and Newport, Newport, Rhode Island.

Carew Clarke emigrated to Rhode Island long after his brothers, and after his wife's death in 1658. He was living in Newport by 20 April 1676, when he was granted a life's maintenance in the will of his brother, Dr. John Clarke. On 13 June 1679, Carew Clarke of Newport released his right to 18 acres of land in Newport that Edward Larkin had purchased of "my brother John Clarke of Newport...phisitian deceased" years before, but currently occupied by Thomas Peckham, to Thomas Ward, assignee of Edward Larkin.

Sources:: J. O. Austin, "The Genealogical Dictionary of Rhode Island." New York, 1887 [1982], p. 43.; G. A. Moriarty, "Clarke-Cooke (alias Carewe)-Kerrich," NEHGR, Vol. 75 (1921), pp. 273-301.; G. A. Morrison, "The 'Clarke' Families of Rhode Island." Evening Post Printing House, New York, 1902, p. 14.; "Rhode Island Land Evidences: 1648-1696," Rhode Island Historical Society, Providence, RI, pp. 127-128.

He married DOROTHY ------. She died 13 June 1658 in Rougham, Suffolk, England, and was buried 15 June 1658 in Rougham, Suffolk, England. They had no known children.

21. THOMAS⁴ CLARKE (Thomas³, John², John¹). He was baptized 31 March 1605 in Westhorpe, Suffolk, England. He died 2 December 1674 in Newport, Newport, Rhode Island. Residence: Portsmouth and Newport, Newport, Rhode Island.

Thomas Clarke probably came to Boston with his brother, Dr. John Clarke, in 1637. He was among the original signers of the agreement, probably made in Boston, to establish a new colony (Portsmouth, Rhode Island) on 7 March 1638, but his name was later crossed off. He was among the first group of men admitted as inhabitants of the island of Aquidneck (at Pocasset), on 20 May 1638. However, he removed with his brothers to Newport the next year, and was admitted an inhabitant and freeman of that town on 17 December 1639. His name appears on a list of freemen present at the General Court of Elections held at Newport on 12 March 1640, and at Portsmouth on 16 March 1641. Thomas Clark of Nuport had his lands in Newport recorded, pursuant to an order from the General Court on 29 January 1639/40, sometime between March 1641 and 16 March 1642. His lands consisted of 48.5 acres in several parcels, inlcuding 31 acres north of John Peckham's land and ten acres, both east of the Stony River, a 3 acre house lot, several meadows (one next to his brother, Joseph), and half an acre of swamp adjoining the "feeld of Mr John Clarks next [to] the Towne."

He is said to have been among the original members of the First Baptist Church at Newport, in 1644, and was a member in full communion in 1648. A highway was laid out near his land and that of John and Joseph Clarke and recorded 15 February 1654. He appears as a freeman of Newport in a list of freemen of the Colony made in 1655. On March 10, 1656/7, Thomas Clarke was granted a 111th share of the purchase of Conanicut and Dutch Islands (this was apparently the land he granted to his nephew, William Clarke, in his will). On 3 December 1663, he and his wife, Jane, sold land and a house at Portsmouth to John Anthony. Thomas Clarke served as agent for his brother, John, while the latter was in England, as is noted in the testimony of William Vaughan, dated 4 October 1671, of an exchange of lands between Richard Tew and John Clarke in 1650/1.

Thomas Clarke Senior of Newport left a will, dated 28 July 1674, proved 18 December 1674, in which he names his brother, Joseph Clarke, the latter's wife, Margaret, and the children of Joseph, as his heirs. He left his lands "upon this Island" to his brother Joseph Clarke, his lands on Conanicut Island (i.e. Jamestown) to his cousin (i.e. nephew) William Clarke, son of Joseph, his household belongings to his brother Joseph Clarke's wife, Margaret, and the stock upon his farm "which William Clarke injoys when his time is out" to the children of Joseph Clarke (except William). He also states that

"there is due unto me from my brother John Clarke for my service and tendance when he was gon for England twelve years lookeinge to and provideinge for my brother John Clarkes stock and wintringe of them upon my Owne Lands in which time was reared twenty horse kinde and about nine score sheepe, and one hundred acres of Land purchased at Quonnonoqutt, a quarter share of Land at Miscomocutt and tenn acres or more at Aplegates Neck upon this Island, for which I demand and cannot Judge but that I deserve Twenty pounds a yeare..."

Whatever remained of his estate he ordered to be equally divided among the children of Joseph Clarke. He made Obadiah Holmes and John Salman his executors, and Walter Cunigrave, James Rogers, and George Hammond witnessed the will. An addendum to the will, dated 19 December 1674, gives the names of the children of Joseph Clarke.

Sources:: J. O. Austin, "The Genealogical Dictionary of Rhode Island." New York, 1887 [1982], pp. 47-48.; J. R. Bartlett, "Records of the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, in New England." Providence, 1856-1862 (Reprinted New York, 1968), Vol. 1, pp. 91, 95, 111, 301.; H. M. Chapin, "Documentary History of Rhode Island." Providence, 1919, vol. 2, pp. 19-20, 79-80, 92-93, 94-95, 117, 119-120.; G. A. Moriarty, "Clarke-Cooke (alias Carewe)-Kerrich," NEHGR, Vol. 75 (1921), pp. 273-301.; G. A. Morrison, "The 'Clarke' Families of Rhode Island." Evening Post Printing House, New York, 1902, pp. 14-15.; "Records of the Island of Rhode Island, 1638-1644." Rhode Island Archives, Providence (FHL Film #0954960), pp. 1, 41, 55.; "Rhode Island Land Evidences, 1648-1696." Rhode Island Historical Society, Providence, pp. 54-56, 56-57, 180-181, 270.; "Rhode Island Land Records, No. 1 (1648-1696)." Rhode Island Archives, Providence (original mss., and FHL Film #0947370), p. 73.; "Town of Jamestown, Land Evidence, Vol. 1 (1680-1739)." Typed transcript, FHL Film #0946901, pp. 6-10.

He married JANE ------. She died before 1674 in Newport, Newport, Rhode Island. They had no known children.

22. MARY⁴ CLARKE (Thomas³, John², John¹). She was baptized 26 July 1607 in Westhorpe, Suffolk, England. She died about 1647 in Newport, Newport, Rhode Island. Residence: Newport, Rhode Island.

Mary Clarke probably came to the Colonies at the same time as her brothers, Thomas, John and Joseph, and probably married John Peckham after arriving in Rhode Island as she was apparently granted land by the town of Newport, possibly before her marriage. Mary Clark of Nuport had her land in Newport recorded immediately after that of John Peckham, sometime between March 1641 and 16 March 1642. Her lands consisted of 40 acres "lying upon the millbrook alias hambrook." Peckham's land also lay near the Hambrook mill. It seems unlikely that the town would grant both individuals land if they were already married. Two deeds, one from Joshua Coggeshall to Walter Cunigrave dated 30 May 1651, and one from Walter Cunigrave to John Green dated 6 June 1651, describe lands in Newport adjoining "land granted by the Town of Newport unto Mary Clarke now deceased some time the wife of John Peckham," the first of which deeds was witnessed by John and Elizabeth Clarke, probably the brother of Mary Clarke and his wife.

Sources:: J. O. Austin, "The Genealogical Dictionary of Rhode Island." New York, 1887 [1982], pp. 147-148.; G. A. Moriarty, "Clarke-Cooke (alias Carewe)-Kerrich," NEHGR, Vol. 75 (1921), pp. 273-301.; G. A. Morrison, "The 'Clarke' Families of Rhode Island." Evening Post Printing House, New York, 1902, p. 14.; S. F. Peckham, "John Peckham of Newport, R.I., and some of his descendants," NEHGR, Vol. 57 (1903), pp. 31-39.; "Records of the Island of Rhode Island, 1638-1644." Rhode Island Archives, Providence (FHL Film #0954960), p. 52.; "Rhode Island Land Evidences, 1648-1696." Rhode Island Historical Society, Providence, pp. 185-186.; B. F. Wilbour, "Little Compton Families." Little Compton Hist. Soc., 1967.

She married JOHN PECKHAM, probably in Newport, Newport, Rhode Island. He died after 1681 in Newport, Newport, Rhode Island. Residence: Newport, Rhode Island. He married second Eleanor ------ (possibly Eleanor Weaver, sister of Clement Weaver of Newport), before 1648.

According to C. E. Banks, John Peckham came from the parish of Woodnesborough, co. Kent, England. John Peckham was admitted an inhabitant of Newport after 1 May 1639. John Peckham of Nuport had his land in Newport recorded sometime between March 1641 and 16 March 1642. At that time he held 40 acres of land, 32 acres in a parcel near Hambrook Mill on Stony River, bordering land of Thomas Clarke, and the rest in meadow and his home lot. He appeared at a General Court of Election as a freeman on 16 March 1641. On 27 January 1642/3, John Peckum of Newport purchased land on the southeast corner of the town, next to his own land, from James Barker of Newport. In 1648, he was a full member of the First Baptist Church, and Eleanor Peckham (his second wife) was baptized that same year. He appears as a freeman of Newport in a list of freemen of the Colony made in 1655. John Peckham was taxed at Newport in 1680. He left a will, dated 6 January 1681, witnessed by John Clarke and Henry Tew, according to a list of seventeen wills presented to the Court in 1700 which lacked a third witness as required by law. However, the contents of the will are unknown.

Sources:: J. O. Austin, "The Genealogical Dictionary of Rhode Island." New York, 1887 [1982], pp. 147-148.; C. E. Banks, "Topographical Dictionary of 2885 English Emigrants to New England, 1620-1650." Southern Book Company, Baltimore, 1957, p. 85.; S. F. Peckham, "John Peckham of Newport, R.I., and some of his descendants," NEHGR, Vol. 57 (1903), pp. 31-39.; "Records of the Island of Rhode Island, 1638-1644." Rhode Island Archives, Providence (FHL Film #0954960), p. 52.; "Rhode Island Colonial Records, Proceedings of the General Assembly." FHL Film #0947963, vol. 1, part 1, p. 11.; "Rhode Island Land Evidences, 1648-1696." Rhode Island Historical Society, Providence, pp. 185-186.; B. F. Wilbour, "Little Compton Families." Little Compton Hist. Soc., 1967.

They had the following children:

+	27	i.	MARY⁵ PECKHAM. Born about 1640 in Newport, Newport, Rhode Island. Married Tobias Saunders.
+	28	ii.	JOHN⁵ PECKHAM. Born about 1642 in Newport, Newport, Rhode Island. Married Sarah Newport.
+	29	iii.	WILLIAM⁵ PECKHAM. Born about 1644 in Newport, Newport, Rhode Island. Married(1) Mary Clarke.
+	30	iv.	THOMAS⁵ PECKHAM. Born about 1646 in Newport, Newport, Rhode Island. Married(1) ------.

23. MARGARET⁴ CLARKE (Thomas³, John², John¹). She was baptized 12 October 1608 in Westhorpe, Suffolk, England. She died before 1648, possibly in England.

She probably died before her husband and daughter left England for Massachusetts.

Sources:: Sources: G. A. Moriarty, "Clarke-Cooke (alias Carewe)-Kerrich," NEHGR, Vol. 75 (1921), pp. 273-301.; James Savage, "A Genealogical Dictionary of New England." v. 4, 1860-62 (1969), p. 663.

She married NICHOLAS WYETH, about 1630 in England. He was born about 1595 in England. He died 19 July 1680 in Cambridge, Middlesex, Massachusetts. Residence: Cambridge, Middlesex, Massachusetts.

Nicholas Wyeth was living in Cambridge as early as 1647, and appears to have had only one child, Sarah, by his first wife. He married second, Rebecca Andrews, widow of Thomas Andrews. He died aged 85 years.

Sources:: James Savage, "A Genealogical Dictionary of New England." v. 4, 1860-62 (1969), p. 663.

They had the following children:

SARAH⁵ WYETH. Born about 1631 in England. Married John Fiske.

24. DR. JOHN⁴ CLARKE (Thomas³, John², John¹). He was baptized 8 October 1609 in Westhorpe, Suffolk, England. He died 20 April 1676 in Newport, Newport, Rhode Island. Residence: Newport, Rhode Island, and London, England.

Dr. John Clarke emigrated to Boston, and on 20 November 1637, was disarmed with the followers of Anne Hutchinson. He was banished to Exeter, New Hampshire, that winter, but returned to Boston and joined with the Coddington Party in March 1638, and on 7 March 1638 was one of eighteen signers resolving to found a new colony. By 13 May 1638, they had founded the town of Pocasset (Portsmouth) on the island of Acquidneck. On 2 January 1638/9, he helped survey and map the island. He was among those who proposed to found the town of Newport on 28 April 1639, with eight other members of a faction who disagreed with the governing of Portsmouth. On 5 June 1639, with others, he was appointed to proportion the land at Newport. In November 1639, and again on 19 September 1642, was asked along with others to inquire about obtaining a royal charter for the island. On 10 March 1640, Mr. John Clark's land (148 acres) was recorded at Newport and, sometime between March 1643 and 15 March 1644, he had his lands re-recorded, by which time he possessed 158 acres, 15 acres of which had been granted to him by the town for his great travails upon the island upon the town's behalf. Mr. John Clark appears at a General Court of Election as a freeman on 16 March 1641. Some of his lands lay near lands of his brothers Joseph and Thomas, as evidenced in an account of high-ways laid out by Nicholas Easton, John Clarke, and William Dyer dated 15 February 1654.

He became pastor of the First Baptist Church at Newport in 1644. He was a member of the General Court of Trials in 1648. He was an assistant in 1649 and 1650, and was general treasurer of the colony from 1649 to 1651. By deed dated 27 February 1650/1, John Clarke of Newport sold land at Newport to Richard Tew. In July 1651, he was imprisoned at Boston for preaching, but was released shortly after.

In November 1651, he accepted a commission from the towns of Portsmouth and Newport to go to England, with Roger Williams for Providence and Warwick, to have William Coddington removed as governor-for-life, and to secure a charter for the Colony. He published two books while in England, "Ill News from New England" and a concordance of the Scriptures. His name also appears on a list of the freeman of the Colony, of Newport, in 1655. On March 10, 1656/7, John Clarke was granted a 1/54th share of the purchase of Conanicut and Dutch Islands, it being ordered "that Joseph Clarke shall subscribe hereto in the behalf of his Brother Mr. John Clarke in England." In 1656, John Clarke, Physician, of London, signed a power of attorney to receive a legacy left him by his father-in-law out of the Manor of Wrestlingworth, Bedfordshire. He maintained himself in England on his own funds, with grants of land from Portsmouth. He presented two addresses to the Crown on behalf of the Colony in 1662, in an attempt to thwart the designs of Connecticut. On 9 July 1663, Charles II affixed the royal seal to a new and liberal charter for the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations designed by John Clarke. While in England, his brother Thomas Clarke and William Vaughan were his agents in Newport, as was attested to by Vaughan on 4 October 1671. On 24 November 1664, the Colony voted to pay his expenses in procuring the Charter, and he returned in June 1664.

He was a deputy to the General Assembly from 1664 to 1668, and again from 1670 to 1671, and Deputy Governor from 1669 to 1672. From 1664 until his death, he was periodically called upon to negotiate secure borders with Connecticut and Massachusetts, draft laws, and settle quarrels on behalf of the Colony. By deed dated 27 April 1674, John Clarke of Newport sold land in Newport to Richard Smith. He left a will, dated 20 April 1676, and proved 17 May 1676, in which he mentions his wives, Elizabeth and Jane, already deceased, wife Sarah, brother Joseph Clarke, cousin ------ ffisk, wife of Samuel [sic:probably John] ffisk, cousin Mary Saunders, cousin John Clarke (son of brother Joseph by his first wife), brother Carew Clarke, and many others. He was buried in the orchard near his dwelling and his church in Newport.

Sources:: J. O. Austin, "The Genealogical Dictionary of Rhode Island." New York, 1887 [1982], pp. 45-46, 64, 446.; G. A. Moriarty, "Clarke-Cooke (alias Carewe)-Kerrich," NEHGR, Vol. 75 (1921), pp. 273-301.; G. A. Morrison, "The 'Clarke' Families of Rhode Island." Evening Post Printing House, New York, 1902, pp. 15-23.; "Records of the Island of Rhode Island, 1638-1644." Rhode Island Archives, Providence (FHL Film #0954960), pp. 22-23, 65.; "Rhode Island Land Evidences, 1648-1696." Rhode Island Historical Society, Providence, pp. 17, 25-26, 44, 54-56, 56-57, 126-127, 127-128, 180-181, 270.; J. J. Smith, "Civil and Military List of Rhode Island, 1647-1800." Providence, 1900, pp. 1-2, 5, 7.; "Town of Jamestown, Land Evidence, Vol. 1 (1680-1739)." Typed transcript, FHL Film #0946901, pp. 6-10.

He married first ELIZABETH HARRIS, before 1656, probably in England, the daughter of John Harris, lord of Wrestlingworth Manor, co. Bedford, England. She died before 1671 in Newport, Newport, Rhode Island, and is buried in Newport, Newport, Rhode Island. They had no known children.

Sources:: J. O. Austin, "The Genealogical Dictionary of Rhode Island." New York, 1887 [1982], p. 446.

He married second JANE FLETCHER, a widow, 1 February 1671 in Newport, Newport, Rhode Island. She died 19 April 1672 in Newport, Newport, Rhode Island, and is buried in Newport, Newport, Rhode Island. She and John Clarke had no known children.

Sources:: J. O. Austin, "The Genealogical Dictionary of Rhode Island." New York, 1887 [1982], pp. 45-46.; G. A. Moriarty, "Clarke-Cooke (alias Carewe)-Kerrich," NEHGR, Vol. 75 (1921), pp. 273-301.

He married third SARAH DAVIS, about 1673 in Newport, Newport, Rhode Island. She died before 9 March 1692 in Newport, Newport, Rhode Island. Residence: Newport, Rhode Island.

Sarah was the widow of Nicholas Davis. On 9 March 1692, receipts for legacies from the will of Dr. John Clarke were given to Philip Smith, the sole surviving executor, by John and Sarah Miles, Jeremiah and Mercy Osborne, and Hannah Brenton (children of Nicholas Davis), the legacies being paid following the death of their mother, Sarah Clarke, widow of John Clarke. Sarah and John Clarke had no known children together.

Sources:: J. O. Austin, "The Genealogical Dictionary of Rhode Island." New York, 1887 [1982], pp. 63-64.; G. A. Moriarty, "Clarke-Cooke (alias Carewe)-Kerrich," NEHGR, Vol. 75 (1921), pp. 273-301.

26. JOSEPH⁴ CLARKE (Thomas³, John², John¹). He was born 9 December 1618 in Westhorpe, Suffolk, England, and baptized 16 December 1618 in Westhorpe, Suffolk, England. He died 1 June 1694 in Newport, Newport, Rhode Island. Residence: Newport, Newport, Rhode Island.

Joseph Clarke evidently came to Boston with his older brothers, Thomas and John, but he is not mentioned in any records of that town. He may have come in the capacity of a servant to his brother John, as was later noted in a recording of his lands in Newport, Rhode Island. His brother, Dr. John Clarke, was disarmed with others as associates of Anne Hutchinson at Boston on 20 November 1637. John and Thomas left the Massachusetts Bay Colony with the Coddington party and were signers of the Aquidneck agreement on 7 March 1638. Joseph Clarke first appears on the record when he was admitted an inhabitant of the Island of Aquidneck (at Portsmouth) on 24 January 1638/9, and again on 21 February 1638/9. However, he soon left Portsmouth for Newport, newly founded by his brother, John Clarke, and others dissatisfied with the government of Portsmouth. He was admitted an inhabitant and made a freeman of Newport at a General Quarter Court held there on 17 December 1639. He was present in the General Court of Election held at Newport on 12 March 1640, and was listed on the court roll of freemen on 16 March 1641. He served on the grand jury at a Quarter Sessions Court at Portsmouth on 1 December 1641. He is said to have been one of the original members of the First Baptist Church of Newport in 1644, and was certainly a member in full communion in 1648.

Sometime between March 1643 and 15 March 1644, Joseph Clark of Nuport had his lands in Newport, consisting of fifty acres, recorded. His lands lay in several parcels, one of thirty acres "lying beyond the mill bounded on the North by the hie way to Sachuis on the East by Stony River on the South by Robert Fields land," another parcel of 2.5 acres between Mr. John Clark's farm and Thomas Clark's cow pasture, a home lot of 3.5 acres lying next to Mr. [John] Clark's swamp at the lot's end, a "cowes hay" or pasture at the southwest corner of the harbor, another "cowes hay" on the east side of Stony River, and one acre of upland bounded by "the Creeke & Thomas Clarks marsh, a way for the bringing forth of hay & bringing thruw cattle to John Peckams marsh & Thomas Clarks marsh excepted." These lands, amounting to 40 acres, were bought by Joseph Clark for an unknown sum as evidenced by the treasurer's receipt produced by him at the recording of the land. (An order issued by the town on 5 June 1639, divided all meadow lands within Newport at a rate of 20 "Cowes meat" to 300 acres of upland, so Joseph can be expected to have given at least two or three cows for his land.) However, Joseph Clarke had an additional

ten ac[re]s more granted unto him by vertue of a certaine donation given by the sd Towne to certaine Servants the sd Joseph being serv[an]t to mr John Clark w[hi]ch Tenn ac[re]s is layd forth in and w[i]th the first p[ar]cell of thirtie all w[hi]ch amounting to the No of Fifthe ac[re]s more or less is fully Impropriated to the sd Joseph Clark his heirs or Assignes for ever.

On 25 December 1644, Joseph Clarke deeded five acres of meadow lying on the soutwest side of the harbor in Newport to Robert Stanton of Newport. His land is also mentioned in the record of highways laid out by William Dyre, Nicholas Easton, and Mr. John Clarke dated 15 February 1654. One highway was laid out "from the Mill to Joseph Clarkes...towards the great Comons, and by the side of mr John Clarkes Joseph and Thomas Clarkes lands &c being on the east side thereof went the hie way...to mr Eastons Farme...downe to Stony River...and soe came into the Comons at the Rocks..." On March 10, 1656/7, Joseph Clarke was granted a 1/54th share of the purchase of Conanicut (later, Jamestown) and Dutch Islands, and he also signed on behalf of his brother, it being ordered "that Joseph Clarke shall subscribe hereto in the behalf of his Brother Mr. John Clarke in England." Joseph Clarke, of Newport, was also appointed to the perpetual council that would govern the affairs of Conanicut at the time of the purchase.

In 16 May 1648, he was made a member of the General Court of Trials to represent the town of Newport, and served on both the grand and petit juries at Warwick on 30 June 1657. His name appears on a list of the freeman of the Colony, of Newport, in 1655. From 1655 on, he is referred to in the records of the Colony as "Mr. Joseph Clarke,"and was a commissioner for Newport at the Court of Commissioners held at Portsmouth on 28 June 1655, at Newport on 19 May 1657, at Portsmouth again on 10 March 1657/8, at Providence on 17 May 1659, and once more at Portsmouth on 23 August 1659. He was made an Assistant (which appears to have been the same as commissioner) for Newport at the General Court of Election held at Warwick on 18 May 1658, and served in this capacity at a General Court of Trials held at Newport in June 1658, at a meeting of the General Counsel held at Warwick on 14 October 1658, at another General Court of Trials held at Warwick on 16 October 1658, at the General Court of Election held at Providence on 17 May 1659, at a General Court of Trials held at Newport on 3 March 1659/60, and at a meeting of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and Assistants held at Newport on 25 November 1663. On 4 July 1657, at a General Court held at Warwick, Mr. Joseph Clarke and three others were authorized to write a letter to Mr. John Clarke in England to request further judgment of the authorities in England in the charges of treason brought against William Harris by Roger Williams. He was also chosen to form a committee with five others at a General Court of Commissioners held at Portsmouth on 23 August 1659, to write a letter of thanks to Mr. John Clarke, to review letters sent to the colony regarding disputes with the "United Colonies, Massachusetts, or Plymouth," and to insturct Mr. Clarke to take such matters before Parliament accordingly. The task of opening letters and informing Mr. Clarke, as well as providing Clarke with a commission from the Colony, was reauthorized to Mr. Joseph Clarke, althouhg he was not an Assistant at the time, and the others at a General Assembly held at Warwick on 18 October 1660.

On 1 November 1661, Tobias Saunders, Robert Burdick, and Joseph Clarke were arrested for taking possession of lands of Southertown, in the Pequot Country, under a warrant issued by the commissioners of the General Court of Massachusetts dated 25 October 1661 to the constable of Southertown, Walter Palmer. However, Clarke "upon extraordinary occasion was, by the Commissioners [of Southertown] and constable, set at liberty." Southertown was the name given by Connecticut to the area called Misquamicutt (later Westerly) by the Rhode Islanders who were settling there. Saunders and Burdick were taken to Boston, where from testimony they gave on 14 November 1661, it is learned that the Court of Rhode Island had allowed them to purchase lands of the Indians there, and Burdick had "built a small house there, upon the lott layed out to him." "Joseph Clark of Road Island, who was also apprehended in the company of the two former persons, being all three in company, was released by the Constable upon a very urgent occasion." Clarke was the only one identified as of "Road Island," which indicates that he was a resident of the island of Road Island (Newport or Portsmouth), and was not residing in Westerly.

Joseph Clarke's name appears as one of the "purchasers and free inhabitants of our island, called Rhode-Island, and the rest of the colonie of Providence Plantations" in the charter granted to Rhode Island by Charles II, King of Great Britain, on 8 July 1663, and by order of this charter he was appointed an assistant to the General Assembly at Newport on 1 March 1663/4. He served in this position again at meetings of the General Assembly held at Newport on 4 May 1664, in October 1664, on 23 February 1664/5, and 3 May 1665. He was not re-elected to that position at the last meeting.

He appears to have had a son, whose name is not known, who was killed in 1662 in unknown circumstances. At a General Court of Trials held at Newport on 8 March 1663/4,

Upon accation of some debate in this Court Concearning the Death of a young neger sarvant to Mr. benidict arnold now govenor in the yeare 1661 soe Called and alsoe Concearning the Death of a son of Mr Joseph Clarke now assistant in the yeare 1662 the Court declares themselves fully satisfied in the proceedings taken by the towne of newport and the officers therof to the Enquiers after the Death of the parsones aforesd and that the proceeding aforesayd weare fully availeable sufficiente and unquestonable as to the Clearing of all parsones from all maner of guilt Relating to the Death of the parsones aforesd.

He appears to have lived in Newport for the rest of his life. Some histories say he removed to Westerly, but a detailed study of the Rhode Island Colony Records shows that it was his son, Joseph, who was made a freeman of Westerly in 1668, and appears there in 1669, 1671, and 1679. Joseph Clarke was appointed on 13 or 14 May 1667, to a committee by the town of Newport to collect 155 pounds for the defense of that town and outfitting the prison. He took leave of grand jury duty in 1669: at a Court of Trials held at Newport, 10 May 1669, Mr. Joseph Clarke, who had been selected by the town of Newport to serve on the grand jury, had not appeared for his term, but considering "how much hee hath ben Imployed formerly and that in this Court his son Joseph was prevayled with to Saply the place of a grand Jury man. The Court doe Remitt the aforesd Mr Joseph Clarkes fine for not appearing." Mr. Joseph Clarke was a Deputy for Newport at meetings of the General Assembly held at Newport on 6 May 1668, 28 October 1668, 27 October 1669, 13 October 1670, 26 October 1670, 25 September 1671, 5 March 1671/2, and 2 April 1672.

He was very active in the efforts of Rhode Island to thwart the designs of Massachusetts and Connecticut to take the lands of the Narragansett region. On 20 Mar 1664/5, Joseph Clarke was among fourteen men chosen at Pettasquamscutt to exercise the powers of Justices of the Peace or Magistrates for the Naragansett Country, or the King's Province, by order of the King's Commissioners. On 2 May 1677, Mr. Joseph Clarke was elected and engaged as an Assistant at a General Assembly and Election held at Newport and was appointed to a Court of Justices of the Peace to be held in the Narragansett (or King's) Province on the 15th of May for the speedy and peaceful settling of the inhabitants of that region. He was an Assistant at the General Court of Trials held at Newport on 7 May 1677, and shortly thereafter took the acknowledgement of Thomas and Liddia Burge of Newport on a sale of land in Dartmouth, Plymouth Colony, to Thomas Ward of Newport on 27 June 1677, in the capacity of an Assistant. He was an Assistant at the General Court of Trials held at Newport on 24 October 1677, 6 May 1678, 23 October 1678, 17 May 1679, and 22 October 1679, and at General Assemblies held at Newport on 30 April 1678, 1 May 1678, 25 March 1679, 6 May 1679, 17 September 1679 (at Westerly), and 4 May 1680. On 9 July 1679, he was among four men, including the Governor and Deputy Governor, who supplied 18 pounds, 8 shillings in partial payment to Mr. Arnold of 60 pounds the later paid to Capt. Randall Howldon and Capt. John Greene of Warwick on behalf of the Colony. On 23 June 1681, these four petitioned the General Assembly for repayment of the moneys they paid, which was granted.

A "mr. Clarke" mentioned as holding 17 acres at Stony River in Newport on behalf of John Alcock, deceased, for the son of the latter in an inventory dated 8 August 1677, may have been Joseph Clarke, as he held land near Stony River (see above). In 1680, Joseph Clarke of Newport was taxed £1 13s 3d. Mr. Joseph Clarke, "my loving friend," was made an overseer of the estate of Rev. Obadiah Holmes in the will of the latter, dated 9 April 1681. On 25 September 1685, Joseph Clarke, of Newport, and his wife, Margaret, sold a 1/54th part of Conanicut Island, consisting of 89 acres, and a 1/54th part of Dutch Island (which lies to the west of Conanicut, or Jamestown) to Francis Brinley of Newport for £100. This is the last official record of Joseph Clarke. He may have been mentioned with other early church members in a letter from Rev. Samuel Hubbard to John Thornton of Providence, dated 19 December 1686.

Joseph Clarke left no will that has been found. In the will of Dr. John Clarke, dated 20 April 1676, Joseph Clarke is said to have had two wives, his son John being by the first. The will of Thomas Clarke, dated 28 July 1674, mentions Margaret, wife of his brother Joseph Clarke. An addendum to the will of Thomas Clarke names the children of Joseph Clarke that were alive on 19 December 1674: Joseph Clarke, John Clarke, William Clarke, Susannah (surname struck-out), Mary (surname struck-out), Joshua Clarke, Sarah Clarke, Thomas Clarke, Kary (Carew) Clarke, and Elizabeth Clarke. Joseph Clarke may have had more children who died young, before 1674, or were born after 1674, although the latter is unlikely. His death is recorded in the family Bible held by the descendants of his son, John.

Sources:: J. O. Austin, "The Genealogical Dictionary of Rhode Island." New York, 1887 [1982], pp. 47, 107, 188.; J. R. Bartlett, "Records of the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, in New England." Providence, 1856-1862 (Reprinted New York, 1968), vol. 1, pp. 67, 90-91, 95, 100, 111, 209, 301, 316, 354, 364, 366, 386, 408, 419, 421, 433, 455-456, 511; vol. 2, pp. 3, 6, 8, 13, 28, 37-40, 61, 90, 93-94, 96, 197, 222, 236, 287, 350, 354, 411, 431, 434, 565, 592; vol. 3, pp. 3, 5, 28, 30, 48, 68, 83, 85, 101-102.; L. P. Bates, "Saunders-Peckham," NEHGR, Vol. 63 (1909), p. 198.; H. M. Chapin, "Documentary History of Rhode Island." Providence, 1919, vol. 2, pp. 79-80, 92-93, 94-95, 117, 119-120, 132.; E. P. Clark, "Family of Dr. John Clarke," Genealogies of Rhode Island Families From Rhode Island Periodicals, Vol. I. Genealogical Publishing Company, Baltimore, 1983, pp. 197-200.; E. S. Gaustad, "Baptist Piety: The Last Will & Testimony of Obadiah Holmes." Christian University Press, 1978, will reproduced at http://www.genweb.net/~samcasey/obadiah.html.; G. A. Moriarty, "Clarke-Cooke (alias Carewe)-Kerrich," NEHGR, Vol. 75 (1921), pp. 273-301.; G. A. Morrison, "The 'Clarke' Families of Rhode Island." Evening Post Printing House, New York, 1902, pp. 23-24.; "Records of the Island of Rhode Island, 1638-1644." Rhode Island Archives, Providence (original mss., and FHL Film #0954960), pp. 65-66.; "Rhode Island Colonial Records, Proceedings of the General Assembly." FHL Film #0947963, vol. 1, part 1, pp. 17, 30.; "Rhode Island Court Records: Records of the Court of Trials of the Colony of Providence Plantations." Rhode Island Historical Society, Providence, 1920, vol. 1 (1647-1662), pp. 27, 39, 46, 55, 59; vol. 2 (1662-1670), pp. 23, 28-31, 75-79.; "Rhode Island Land Evidences, 1648-1696." Rhode Island Historical Society, Providence, pp. 54-56, 56-57, 123.; J. J. Smith, "Civil and Military List of Rhode Island, 1647-1800." Providence, 1900, pp. 1, 4, 9.; "Town of Jamestown, Land Evidence, Vol. 1 (1680-1739)." Typed transcript, FHL Film #0946901, pp. 6-10, 56-57 (69-70 in original records).

He married first ------, about 1641 in Newport, Newport, Rhode Island. Residence: Newport, Rhode Island.

Tobias Saunders of Westerly in his will, dated 9 August 1688, mentions his "cousin Joseph Clarke," probably the son of Joseph Clarke. Joseph Clarke Jr. was a neighbor and associate of Tobias, who bade Clarke and John Maxson Sr. assist his widow as administratrix. As "cousin" was often used to denote a nephew, this would mean that Joseph Clarke's first wife was sister to Tobias Saunders. However, Joseph Clarke Jr. was also a true cousin to Mary (Peckham) Saunders, Tobias's wife and daughter of John and Mary (Clarke) Peckham, and Saunders may have been referring to him in that sense.

Sources:: J. O. Austin, "The Genealogical Dictionary of Rhode Island." New York, 1887 [1982], p. 173.; L. P. Bates, "Saunders-Peckham," NEHGR, Vol. 63 (1909), p. 198.

They had the following children:

+	32	i.	JOSEPH⁵ CLARKE. Born 11 February 1642/1643 in Newport, Newport, Rhode Island. Married(1) Bethiah Hubbard.
+	33	ii.	JOHN⁵ CLARKE. Born about 1645 in Newport, Newport, Rhode Island. Married(1) Rebecca ------.
+	34	iii.	WILLIAM⁵ CLARKE. Born about 1647 in Newport, Newport, Rhode Island. Married Hannah Weeden.
	35	iv.	SUSANNAH⁵ CLARKE. Born about 1650 in Newport, Newport, Rhode Island. Died after 1674. She may have married before 19 December 1674, as her maiden name is crossed out in the list of Joseph Clarke's children attached to the will of Thomas Clarke.
+	36	v.	MARY⁵ CLARKE. Born about 1652 in Newport, Newport, Rhode Island. Married William Peckham.

Joseph Clarke married second MARGARET ------, about 1656 in Newport, Newport, Rhode Island. She died in 1694 in Newport, Newport, Rhode Island. Residence: Newport, Newport, Rhode Island.

Margaret Clarke, wife of Joseph Clarke, was mentioned in the will of her brother-in-law, Thomas Clarke, dated 28 July 1674, and Joseph Clarke is said to have had two wives in the will of his other brother, John Clarke, dated 20 April 1676. Therefore, Margaret must have been his second wife. On 25 September 1685, Joseph Clarke, of Newport, and his wife, Margaret, sold a 1/54th part of Conanicut Island, consisting of 89 acres, and a 1/54th part of Dutch Island to Francis Brinley of Newport for £100. Several secondary sources list her as Margaret Turner, but there is no known evidence to support this contention.

Sources:: J. O. Austin, "The Genealogical Dictionary of Rhode Island." New York, 1887 [1982], p. 47.; G. A. Morrison, "The 'Clarke' Families of Rhode Island." Evening Post Printing House, New York, 1902.; "Rhode Island Land Evidences, 1648-1696." Rhode Island Historical Society, Providence, pp. 56-57.; "Town of Jamestown, Land Evidence, Vol. 1 (1680-1739)." FHL Film #0946901, pp. 69-70.

They had the following children:

	37	i.	------⁵ CLARKE (Son). Born about 1657 in Newport, Newport, Rhode Island. Died in 1662 in Newport, Newport, Rhode Island.
+	38	ii.	JOSHUA⁵ CLARKE. Born about 1660 in Newport, Newport, Rhode Island. Married Alice Phillips.
+	39	iii.	SARAH⁵ CLARKE. Born 29 January 1663/4 in Newport, Newport, Rhode Island. Married Thomas Reynolds.
+	40	iv.	THOMAS⁵ CLARKE. Born about 1666 in Newport, Newport, Rhode Island. Married Elizabeth ------.
+	41	v.	CAREW⁵ CLARKE. Born about 1668 in Newport, Newport, Rhode Island. Married Anne Dyer.
	42	vi.	ELIZABETH⁵ CLARKE. Born about 1670 in Newport, Newport, Rhode Island.