Born: Established: 31 Mar 1831 Van Diemen's Land (1803-1856), Tasmania, ; Died: Ceased: 17 Jan 1897 Victoria,
Clarke was born at Lovely Banks, a property situated near Hobart Town, Tasmania.
Clarke's son Rupert succeeded him as Baronet. The baronetcy of Clarke of Rupertswood is one of only two active hereditary titles in Australia.
For further details see Sylvia Morrissey. 'Clarke, Sir William John (1831–1897)' Australian Dictionary of Biography 3 (1969).