James A. Clark Sr.

James A. Clark Sr. was the Circuit Judge appointed by Maryland Governor Herbert O'Conor.

Biography

James A. Clark Sr. was born at Fairfield Farm, Ellicott City, Maryland. He was a fifth Circuit Court judge whose family's roots in Howard County, Maryland, traced back to 1797. His wife was Alda Tyson Hopkins, whose family line traced back to the [Joseph Joseph Ellicott (miller)|Ellicott (miller)|Ellicott] and Hopkins families. James and Alda Hopkins Clark lived at Keewaydin, a farm located near Ellicott City, and also owned a nearby farm known as Elioak Farm. They had four sons: John, Samuel, James, and Joseph.
As a child, he worked for a Mr. Whipps at the Oakland Mills Blacksmith House and Shop. He graduated from Rock Hill College and St. John's College in Annapolis. During World War II, he served as the Chairman of the Howard County Draft Board. Clark served for a term as Maryland State's Attorney. Clark retired from the Circuit Court on October 22, 1954, and died on March 25, 1955, from a heart attack.