Background
Clarke, Mary Francis was born on March 2, 1803 in Dublin, Ireland. Daughter of Cornelius and Catherine (Hyland) Clarke. Came to the United States with 4 other women, 1833, formed Order of Sister of Blessed Virgin Mary, consecrated at Philadelphia, 1833, superior of order, Philadelphia, 1833-1843, Dubuque, Iowa, 1843-1887.