

Freeman Clarke

Photo of Freeman Clarke Comptroller of the Currency
1865 to 1866

Freeman Clarke, a successful businessman and one-term congressman from New York, was appointed Comptroller by President Lincoln. During his 16-month tenure, the national banking system continued its steady growth, with over 1,000 banks joining. The system also recorded its first bank failure on April 14, 1865, the day President Lincoln was assassinated. Clarke returned to New York politics after his resignation and later served two terms in Congress.