Clayton Marks

Clayton Marks
Born	Template:Birth date Aurora, Illinois, U.S.
Died	March 4, 1957(1957-03-04) (aged 62) Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Occupation(s)	Educator, military officer, banker, historian
Years active	1911–1954
Known for	Military history education; banking leadership; public education advocacy

Clayton Marks (July 1, 1894 – March 4, 1957) was a multifaceted American figure known for his roles in education, military service, banking, and historical scholarship. Originating from Aurora, Illinois, he pursued his undergraduate studies at Yale University between 1911 and 1915. During World War I, Marks served as an officer in the United States Marine Corps, where he was awarded the Silver Star along with two Purple Heart medals. He earned a doctorate in History from the University of Chicago in 1923, concentrating his research on the Spanish–American War.

Marks held a teaching position in military history at George Washington University and established himself as an authority on American military matters. Between 1924 and 1927, he provided informal counsel to Secretary of the Navy Curtis Wilbur, subsequently taking on the role of Chief of Legislative Affairs within the Department of the Navy until 1929.

Afterward, Marks returned to the University of Chicago to continue instructing in military history until 1932; however, he did not secure tenure due to insufficient research publications. Transitioning into the financial sector, he joined National Builders Bank of Chicago in 1933 and played a significant role during the economic challenges of the Great Depression. Additionally, he contributed to shaping history education within Chicago Public Schools by advising on curriculum development. In 1940, Marks was instrumental in rebranding National Builders Bank as LaSalle National Bank.

With the outbreak of World War II, Marks resumed duties in Washington in 1942, assisting the Office of the Secretary of the Navy with organizing officer training initiatives. Drawing upon his expertise in military history, he aided in compiling official Marine Corps victory narratives. In 1944, under Undersecretary Ralph Bard—a fellow banker from Chicago—Marks was appointed Bard’s chief deputy, overseeing a wide range of responsibilities.

Following the war, Marks retired from both governmental and banking roles to dedicate himself to advocating for public education in Chicago. Mayor Martin Kennelly appointed him to the Chicago Board of Education in 1948, where he served as Vice President from 1951 until health concerns led to his retirement in 1954. During this period, he also held a position on LaSalle National Bank’s board and lectured at DePaul University.

In his later years, Marks championed expanded educational benefits for veterans through provisions under the G.I. Bill. He passed away at his residence in Chicago on March 4, 1957, at the age of 63.

References

• LaSalle Bank. The Business advantage – from LaSalle National Bank. Chicago, 1992.
• Obituary of Clayton Marks. Chicago Sun-Times. March 6, 1957. p. 31