On January 27, 1872, a bill was introduced in the House for the benefit of “Daniel Clark, of color, ‘the Ancient Governor.’” Clark had been a servant in the executive offices since 1836 and had served “faithfully and honestly as porter” from that time on for the sum of $12.50 a month. Since he was old and infirm and could no longer discharge his duties, the bill authorized the payment of $12.50 a month for life. On February 20, a resolution was reported in the Senate announcing Clark’s death and praising him as one who “gave in his lifetime a notable example to all men, white and black, of industry, sobriety, courtesy according to his station, and integrity in office.” It was reported in the Senate on February 29 that the resolution had been approved.
A stove, firewood, and spittoons adorn the hall and circular stairway in the Old State Capitol. The entrance to the Court of Appeals was behind the stove, and the House and Senate chambers were on the second floor. Photo by T. L. Edelen from The Capitol Question: the need of a new state house, location question settled, settled correctly, by John McClusky Blaney, 1903. KHS Collections.
