Clark was born in Beith, Scotland, in 1805, the son of Andrew Clark. He attended the University of Glasgow to become a Presbyterianminister, but returned home to take over his ill father's business before completing his studies. His first wife was Margaret McCosh, the daughter of a wealthy coal mine owner. Their eldest son, James Clark, was born in 1833 in Beith and became a mayor of Auckland. Clark decided to emigrate and they left London on the barque Thames on 18 July 1849, and arrived in Auckland with his third wife and four children on 25 November.
Professional career
Clark established a drapery store in Shortland Street in 1850 and initially imported, but later manufactured clothing. In 1856 or 1857, his son James became a partner in the business, which became known as Archibald Clark and Sons. The company became quite large, at one time having 500 employees. Their building on the corner of Wellesley Street West and Elliott Street in the Auckland CBD, built in 1910, is registered with Heritage New Zealand as a Category II heritage structure. The company ceased trading in 1928.
Political career
In 1851, local government was inaugurated in Auckland with the establishment of the Borough of Auckland. Clark was elected as the inaugural and only mayor of the borough council, serving in 1851–1852. However the legality of Auckland's elevation as a Borough was legally contested and overturned. Auckland was placed under the care of a Board of Governors, whose Chairman was Archibald Clark. He was succeeded by Walter Lee, who was chairman in 1852–1854. It was not until 1871, that Auckland was formally incorporated and Philip Philips was elected as the first mayor of the city council. He represented the City of Auckland electorate in 1860, until he was defeated. He then represented Auckland East from 1866 to 1870, and Franklin from 1871 to 1874, when he resigned due to failing health. Clark was also a member of the Auckland Provincial Council, representing the Auckland East electorate in the 5th Council from January 1867 to November 1868.
Clark read widely, an interest that he obtained during his time at university. He was well liked by his friends, and was regarded by all for his integrity and conduct. He was active in St Andrew's Church and was one of the leading members of the congregation. The church is the oldest surviving church building in Auckland as of 2015, and registered with Heritage New Zealand as a Category I heritage building. Clark died on 17 October 1875 at his residence in Remuera. For almost two years, he had not participated in public life due to failing health. He was buried three days later at Symonds Street Cemetery. His daughter-in-law, Kate Emma McCosh Clark, wrote the first New Zealand children's story A southern cross fairy tale, which she partly illustrated, published in London in 1891.
