Robert Clarke was transported to the new religious colony in newly formed St Mary's County, Maryland, in 1637 by his sponsor Rev. Thomas Copley. He arrived aboard the Unity of the Isle of Wight at Saint Mary's City Nov 28, 1637. His indenture was very short, and being an educated man of letters, he rose quickly in political circles. He was the spokesman for the Jesuits by 1638, and was commissioned Surveyor General for Lord Baltimore that same year, serving in that position from 1639-1648 (when the Puritans assumed control of the goverment from the Catholics). He also served as Steward of Calverton, an area set aside for six Maryland native American tribes.
"1651 by authorization of Cecilius, Lord Baltimore by letter of 1651 to survey 8,000 to 10,000 acres of land at the head of Wicomico river in what is now Charles County to be called "Calverton Manor" for six Maryland Indian Tribes of Indians- The Mattapanians, Wicomocons, Patuxents, Lamasconsons, Kighahnixons, and Chapticos. Courts Leet and Courts Baron were to be held with Robert Clarke., one time the business agent for the Jesuits and later Surveyor General, as the steward."
The Hon. Robert Clarke also served 1658-1664 as a Justice of the Provincial Court of Maryland, when the Catholic faction was back in control. He amassed several fortunes by virtue of his marriages and political connections, much of which he forfeited during the Puritan transition period. He was on the list of poitical prisoners slated to be executed in 1655, but forfeited his land holdings to cover the fine imposed to save his life. He could not amass the 10000 lb of tobacco required, so he signed over his land.
Charles Co, Md, was formed from a portion of St Mary's County in 1658, and the Clarke holdings were in both counties. The will of Robert Clarke was filed in both counties. Clarke treated his own four children and the stepchildren of his wives' previous marriages equally well.
Information from numerous online genealogical postings. Most of the original information derived from The Flowering of the Maryland Palatinate, Harry Wright Newman, and Resurrection: The Story of the Saint Inigoes Mission 1634:1934, Francis Michael Walsh.