Clark Campbell Wren

b. 25 May 1877, d. 15 January 1948
  • Clark Campbell Wren was born on 25 May 1877 in Galveston County, Texas.
  • Clark Calhoun Campbell and Lucy Caroline Goree appeared in the US federal census of 1 June 1880 in Galveston, Texas, at 5 East Broadway. Other members of the household included Clark Campbell Wren, Clark Calhoun Campbell Jr., Lucie Frances Campbell, Powhatan Sampson Wren, Martha Campbell, Powhatan Sampson Wren Jr., Mary Caroline Campbell and Ann W. Campbell. Boarders (nieces) Mary and Nannie Campbell are the sisters of Sam Campbell, found nearby in the household of Clark's brother Archibald, all children of Clark's brother Marcus.
  • The following appeared on 19 January 1909 in the San Antonio Light: Invitations have been issued to the marriage of Clark Campbell Wren and Miss Mamie Ethel Culpepper which will take place at the home of the bride's mother, Mrs. Mary Katherine Culpepper, February 3, at 5:30 o'clock, in Houston. Miss Culpepper is a sister of Mrs. James R. Davis and has often visited San Antonio.
  • The following appeared on 31 January 1909 in the Galveston Daily News: The following relatives from this city will go to Houston Wednesday to attend the Wren-Culpeper wedding: Mrs. Mattie C. Wren, mother of the groom-elect; Mr. Joe Wren, Miss Julia Wren, Mr. Archibald R. Campbell Jr., Mr. G. Campbell, Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Kauffman, Miss Anne Kauffman. Relatives of Mr. Wren from Fort Worth attending will be: Mr. and Mrs. Kleber Lee, Miss Carnie Wren, Mr. Frank Wren, Mrs. Goree. Among the relatives of the bride-elect who will be present from San Antonio is Mrs. J. R. Davis. The Houston Chronicle, in mentioning these approaching nuptials, has the following: "The announcement of this wedding will be read with interest in Galveston and throughout the state, as well as in this city, since it unites representative families of the cities named. Miss Culpeper is the daughter of Mrs. M. K. Culpeper, the widow of Mr. Rowland Hill Culpeper, one of the Virginia family of that name, born near Culpeper Courthouse, who, after brillian service in the confederate army, located in Houston, and, as a trusted employe of and late partner in the firm of William D. Cleveland & Co., helped to advance the interests of Houston. Mrs. Culpeper is the daughter of Dr. Horace Clark, who, though proud of his New England ancestors, at an early day came to Texas, and for a long time, until his retirement on account of age, occupied an enviable place among the Episcopal clergy of Texas. Miss Culpeper is a fitting representative of the proud stock from which she comes. She combines a graciousness of manner with a generous thoughtfulness for others, which has endeared her for all time to her friends. Mr. Wren also comes of Virginia stock, his Grandfather Wren having successfully conducted a school for boys in Powhatan County for many years before the Civil War. Mr. P. S. Wren, his father, moved to Texas shortly after the war and took permanent place in business and political affairs. His wife was the duaghter of Dr. Clark C. Campbell, who for many years was a prominent physician in the Oleander City. This marriage will unite two families of the name of Clark, since among Mr. Wren's ancestors are John Clark, governor of Virginia, and Gen. Elijah Clark of revolutionary fame. Mr. Clark C. Wren came to Houston several years ago to engage in the practice of law, and in that profession he has made an excellent reputation."
  • He married Mamie Ethel Culpeper, daughter of (?) Culpeper and Mary Katherine (?), on 3 February 1909.
  • The following appeared on 18 April 1909 in the Galveston Daily News: Mrs. Mattie C. Wren was at home yesterday afternoon from 4 until 6 o'clock in honor of her two daughters-in-law, Mrs. Clark Campbell Wren and Mrs. Joseph Goree Wren, both of Houston. The former was married to Mr. Wren last February and was before marriage Miss Culpepper of Houston. Mrs. Joseph Wren was married this past Thursday in Waco and was Miss Stella Prendergast. Both weddings were events of fashionable interest because of the prominence of the families. Both young women are charming and attractive. Mrs. Clark Wren wore a gown of roue pink messaline satin, finished with pink fishnet and work Kilarney roses. Mrs. Joseph Wren wore her wedding robe of white mirror satin built directoire in pane effect, with buttons and pearl embroidery. The pink frock well became Mrs. Clark Wren's stately beauty, while the Easter bride in her wedding gown was a bewitching picture of Easter grace and beauty. The cards were taken at the door by little Misses Margaret Denison and Dorothy Girardequ. Each little girl wore a dainty frock of white mull and lace over blue silk. Mrs. Wren received her guests informally, wearing black silk with Irish lace, and was assisted by her sister, Mrs. Kleber Lee of Fort Worth, and by Miss Julia Lee Wren. Mrs. Lee wore a gown of white canton crepe satin, and Miss Wren was attired in light blue messaline with rose point lace yoke. The buffet table in the dining room had rose pink for the motif. The serviettes were of linen with surrounding f handsome Cluny laces. La France roses and pink carnations were the floral centerpiece. the candlesticks were shaded in rose silk. Many beautiful roses, lilies and carnations sent in by friends to the hostess and the brides. These flowers were arranged in the drawing room and library. Assisting in the dining room was the following house party: Miss Evelyn Campbell of Houston, Mrs. J. C. Ralston, Mrs. Max Levy, Mrs. Letchworth, Mrs. Felder, Miss Ethel Hilton, Miss Emma Lee, Miss Ann Kauffman and Miss Evelyn Cooper. A large number of ladies called. These were mostly the friends of the family, as Mrs. Wren gave the afternoon tea so that her friends and those of her sons might be introduced to the two charming young women, who are now members of the family. So delightfully were the hours spent that the guests lingered on after 6 o'clock. Shortly before this hour Mr. Clark Wren and his brother, Mr. Joseph Wren, joined the ladies in the drawing room. During the receiving hours salads and frozen punch were served. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Wren and Mrs. Clark Wren will remain here for several days, the guests of Mrs. Wren.
  • The following appeared on 6 May 1909 in The Galveston Daily News: The Galveston Garten Verein Opened its thirty-fifth season last evening amost auspiciously. The garden was in fine condition last night. The roses and other blossoming plants were beautiful, and as the night was moonlight, the garden spot was everything in the soft glow. The fountain has been raised and adds greatly to that portion of the gardens. . . . The Crowd was an unusually large one for opening night, as the attendance does not generally grow its biggest until after school closes . . . Mrs. Joseph G. Wren of Houston, an Easter bride, was becomingly gowned in rose pink with pink flower hat. . . . Mr. and Mrs. Clark C. Wren are here from Houston for a few days' visit , and enjoyed the Garten Verein last night.
  • The following appeared on 14 April 1910 in The Galveston Daily News: Mrs. Mattie C. Wren has returned from Houston, where she went to make the acquaintance of her little granddaughter, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Clark C. Wren. Previous to the Houston sojourn, Mrs. Wren visited in Waco, where she was introduced to her first grandchild, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Joe G. Wren.
  • The following appeared on 21 July 1910 in The Galveston Daily News: Mr. and Mrs. Joe Wren of Waco with their son, Albert Prendergast Wren, are the guests of Mr. Wren's mother, Mrs Mattie C. Wren and will remain here until after the cotton carnival and will participate in the festivities of the homecoming day. Mr. and Mrs. Clark Campbell Wren, with their son, were from Houston for the week-end and will return for the carnival. Mrs. Bryan Goree has returned to her home in Fort Worth, after a visit of a few days here.
  • He officially witnessed the death of Powhatan Sampson Wren on 19 July 1917 in Prescott, Yavapai, Arizona.
  • The following appeared on 7 February 1918 in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram: Few officers and soldiers at Camp Bowie know that Maj. Clark C. Wren, judge advocate of the division and one of the most sedate officers in camp, formerly was an actor with an ambition to be a famous comedian. But it's the truth. Major Wren formerly was county judge at Houston and was adjutant of General Hulen's brigade as it was being organized. As the major hurries from his office to that of General Greble's always with a sheaf of documents in his hands and with the most serious mien in the world, any one would take him for a judge all right, bot none for an actor. He is probably the busiest judge in North Texas, for the troubles of an entire city of 25,000 men are thrust upon his shoulders daily.
  • The following appeared on 23 September 1918 in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram: Maj. Clark C. Wren of Houston, judge advocate of the Thirty-sixth Division while it was at Camp Bowie, has been made Division Adjutant, according to letters received in Forth Worth from staff officers of the Panther Division, now in France. Maj. W. R. Scott, who was adjutant while at Bowie, has been transferred. Maj. James R. McDowell, who was assistant judge advocate, has succeeded Major Wren. The divison is pleasantly located and is still training, letters say.
  • Clark Campbell Wren and Mamie Ethel Culpeper appeared in the US federal census of 1 January 1920 in Houston, Harris County, Texas, at 2704 Milam. Other members of the household included Mary Martha Wren and Clark Campbell Wren Jr. Also in the household were two servants.
  • He was an attorney in general practice, according to the 1920 census.
  • Clark Campbell Wren and family (Mamie, Mary Martha, and Clark Jr.), arrived on 4 July 1921 in the Port of New York aboard the SS Cedric, having departed Liverpool on 25 June 1921.
  • He officially witnessed the death of Sarah Patterson Campbell on 3 June 1922 in Spring Branch, Harris County, Texas; never having married.
  • Clark Campbell Wren and Mamie Ethel Culpeper appeared in the US federal census of 1 April 1930 in Washington, District of Columbia, at 2117 Bancroft Place. Other members of the household included Mary Martha Wren and Clark Campbell Wren Jr. Also in the household was one female childs' nurse.
  • He was assistant chairman of the Inland Waterways Corporation, according to the 1930 census.
  • The following appeared on 16 December 1932 in The Galveston Daily News: Funeral services for Mrs. Mattie C. Wren, a former resident of Galveston who died Wednesday at her home in Fort Worth, will be held this morning on the arrival of the train at 9:35 o'clock. The funeral cortege will move direct from the Union Station to the Episcopal Cemetery, where services will be held. Rev. E. H. Gibson will officiate.
         Active pallbearers will be: F. French, A. T. Barclay, A. L. Crow, E. C. Northen, B. Harris, Dr. E. E. Larkins, Robert Campbell, Dr. George Lee, George Ewalt and G. H. Wilder.
         Mrs. Wren is survived by two daughters, Mrs. B. K. Goree and Miss Julia Wren; three sons, P. S. Wren and Frank Wren of Fort Worth and Clark Wren of Washinton, D. C., and several grandchildren.
         Mrs. Wren lived in Galveston for a long number of years prior to her removal to Fort Worth.
  • The following appeared on 9 June 1938 in the Dallas Morning News: Col. Clark C. Wren of Houston has severed his connection with the congressional committees on government reorganization as legal adviser and accepted an appointment as Assistant Attorney General of Texas. At one time Judge of the Harris County Court at Law, Wren resigned to take a commission as Lieutenant Colonel of the Thirty-Sixth Division at the outbreak of the World War, with which organizatin he served overseas. In 1926 he was appointed general counsel of the Inland Waterways Corporation, with headquarters in Washington, which he held for ten years, then entered the Department of Justice as special assistant to the Attorney General, and a year ago was assigned to the congressional committee as consutant and adviser. He assisted in drafting the bills on Government reorganization submitted to the House by the committee. Prior to coming to the Department of Justice, Colonel Wren was special assistant in the Attorney General's Department in Austin and is now assigned temporarily to attend pending Texas business in Washington. He expects to go to Austin in July.
  • Clark Campbell Wren died on 15 January 1948 at age 70 in Houston, Harris County, Texas, at US Naval Hospital . His death was officially witnessed by Mamie Ethel Culpeper.
  • His wife Mamie Ethel Culpeper became a widow at his death.
  • He was interred at Glenwood Cemetery, Houston, Harris County, Texas.
  • Last Edited: 16 Dec 2012

Family: Mamie Ethel Culpeper b. 16 January 1886, d. 27 June 1959