19 Facts About Champ Clark

James Beauchamp Clark was an American politician and attorney who represented Missouri in the United States House of Representatives and served as Speaker of the House from 1911 to 1919.

Champ Clark won election to the House in 1892, lost his seat in 1894, and won the seat back in 1896.

Champ Clark became the House Minority Leader in 1908 and was elevated to Speaker after Democrats took control of the House in the 1910 elections.

Champ Clark is directly descended from the famous John Beauchamp through his mother.

Champ Clark graduated from Bethany College in 1873, and from Cincinnati Law School in 1875.

Champ Clark served as president of Marshall College from 1873 to 1874.

Champ Clark was city attorney from 1878 to 1881, and prosecuting attorney of Pike County from 1885 to 1889.

Champ Clark was a member of the Missouri House of Representatives in 1889 and 1891.

Champ Clark was elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1892.

Champ Clark ran for House Minority Leader in 1903 but was defeated by John Sharp Williams of Mississippi.

In 1911, Champ Clark gave a speech that helped to decide the election in Canada.

Champ Clark went on to suggest in his speech that the treaty was the first step towards the end of Canada, a speech that was greeted with "prolonged applause" according to the Congressional Record.

In 1912, Champ Clark was the frontrunner for the Democratic presidential nomination, coming into the convention with a majority of delegates pledged to him, but he failed to receive the necessary two-thirds of the vote on the first several ballots.

Champ Clark's speakership was notable for his skill from 1910 to 1914 in maintaining party unity to block William Howard Taft's legislation and then pass Wilson's.

Champ Clark was defeated in the Republican landslide of 1920 and died shortly thereafter in his home in Washington, DC.

Champ Clark is the namesake of the small community of Champ, Audrain County, Missouri.

Champ Clark was an adherent of the Disciples of Christ.

Champ Clark's casket being loaded into a hearse outside the United States Capitol, flag at half staff, March 5,1921.

Champ Clark, left, examining marble bust of himself, made by Moses Wainer-Dykaar, right.