CLARKE, Mrs. Lena Thompson, social leader, born in Americus, Ga., 10th January, 1857. Her ancestors were of that sterling Revolutionary stock whose strength of character can be traced through each generation following them. She is the daughter of James Egbert Thompson, and the granddaughter of Judge Amos Thompson, of Poultney, Vt. James Egbert Thompson went to St. Paul, Minn., and helped to found that city. He founded the First National Bank of St. Paul, which soon became the leading bank of the Northwest. He became influential in the development of the State and was entrusted with numerous offices of importance, which his rare executive ability enabled him to fill with success. He died in the prime of life, with honors still awaiting him and beloved by all who knew him. His widow, a beautiful woman of southern blood, has lived for the most part in Europe since her husband's death. Mrs. Clarke was educated in Germany and thoroughly acquired a cosmopolitan polish of manner. She is an accomplished linguist, and in the midst of a busy life finds time to maintain her reputation as an excellent and sympathetic musician. For years she has been the president of a boarding-home for working women and has been its inspiration. She possesses great energy of character and the courage of her convictions, united with an amiable manner, rare tact and a thoughtful consideration for others. She was chosen commissioner from Minnesota to the World's Columbian Exposition and was appointed a member of the executive committee of the woman's department, chairman of the committee on music in the woman's building, and was elected president for Minnesota of the woman's committee of the World's Congress Auxiliary. Her tastes fitted her to become a valued member of the musical and literary clubs of her city, a feature which has become so helpful in the life of to-day. Above all, it is in her home that she finds her most attractive setting. She has a devoted husband, Francis B. Clarke, a prominent and influential resident of St. Paul, and three children.
(American Women Fifteen Hundred Biographies Vol. 1, by Frances Elizabeth Willard & Mary Ashton Rice Livermore, Publ. 1897. Transcribed by Marla Snow)