Encyclopedia Dubuque
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CLARK, Alfred W.
CLARK, Alfred W. (Syracuse, NY, Aug. 2, 1845--Dubuque, IA, Oct. 9, 1936). Clark came to Dubuque in 1852. In the fall of 1863, at age 18, he left school and enlisted in the army during the CIVIL WAR, but was recalled by his parents. This happened on three different occasions, but he finally remained in the military until the end of hostilities.
Clark returned to Dubuque and spent two years completing his education. He started the CLARK ROLLER AWNING COMPANY and was the inventor of thirty-one different devices including the roller awning and rope fire escapes for which he held patents. These were endorsed by the fire commissioner and Iowa legislature. His last invention was the railroad car truck.
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Source:
"Alfred W. Clark." Linwood Legacies. Online: http://www.linwoodlegacies.org/alfred-w-clark.html