Champ Clark (Dixieland)

Champ Clark (March 7, 1850 - March 2, 1921) was a prominent politician and the 28th President of the United States. He previously served as a Representative from Missouri.

Early Life
As a boy Clark experienced the violence of the First War between the states whilst residing in Kentucky. He graduated from Bethany College in West Virginia Before moving to Missouri where he opened up a law practice.

Pre-Presidential Political Career
He became a Congressman in 1893. He was an immensely popular figure as he appealed not only to Pro-US Missourians but also those in the large minority who wished for it to join the CSA. As such he received praised from southerners outside Missouri as well.

He fought to end reconstruction in the 1890s and once the South began to vote again and the Democrats returned to power in congress in the early 1900s he became Speaker of the House. Clark Championed pro southern laws such as laws removing all Federal Military Establishments from the south (an act which died in the Senate) earning him immense popularity.

Presidential Election and Presidency
In 1912 two choices appeared prominent in the race for the Democratic Nomination, Woodrow Wilson and Champ Clark. During the Democratic Convention the debate over the nominee raged. Wilson was a favorite of the South as he was born in Virginia and had been under Confederate rule at one point. However the US was still reeling from sectional divide and the Northern Delegates did not trust Wilson. A deal was made to allow Clark the nominee since he designated with both Northern Democrats and Southern Democrats. Following the Nomination he easily defeated unpopular Republican Howard Taft.

As President Clark began in 1913 by opposing the creation of a Federal Reserve (which would be created during the New Deal in the 30s). He along with his Pro-Suffragist Daughter Genevieve helped to champion for the 19th Amendment granting Women the right to vote upon its Ratification in 1916. Upon the Outbreak of the First World War in 1914 he was declare American Neutrality. An act which lost him some support from certain Democratic Sects.

In November of 1915 due to failing health he announced he would not seek a second term. In 1916 the Democratic Nomination went to James Cox. Cox would soon go on to win the white house in '16.

Post-Presidency
In 1917 he left the white house and retired to Missouri. He continued to make a few public appearances and speeches. In 1921 his health deteriorated and he passed away in On March the second. A Military Funeral Was held in D.C. on his birth day five days later in 1921.