Clarke Family Manuscript Collection
Powhatan Hughes Clarke served with the 21st Aero Squadron and the Labor Bureau, A.E.F. during World War I. He was born in 1893 to Elizabeth Clemens Clarke and Powhatan Henry Clarke who received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his efforts in the Indian wars. Powhatan Hughes Clarke graduated from Saint Louis University in 1917 and shortly after volunteered for the Officers’ Reserve of the Signal Corps, Aviation Section. He received further flight training in France, but eventually was detached from Air Service. He was then assigned to various Administrative Labor Companies and transferred to the Army Service Corps. Clarke sailed for the United States on September 25th, 1919 and was discharged at Camp Dix, New Jersey in October 1919. He died from tuberculosis August 20, 1920.
This manuscript collection consists primarily of correspondence between Powhatan Hughes Clarke and his mother while Clarke served overseas. Elizabeth Clemens Clarke, also corresponded with her son’s friends and acquaintances to determine if he had contracted tuberculosis while serving in the military. Also included are photographs providing images of Clarke’s journey to France aboard the Mercury, places where he was stationed, and the Victory Day Parade.
Collection contributed by:
Saint Louis University Library and Special Collections
