(February 1, 1812 — July 16, 1883) Thomas Clarke Theaker, a Representative from Ohio; born in York County, Pa., February 1, 1812; attended the common schools; moved to Bridgeport, Belmont County, Ohio, in 1830; became a machinist and wheelwright; was elected as a Republican to the Thirty-sixth Congress (March 4, 1859-March 3, 1861); was an unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1860 to the Thirty-seventh Congress; member of the board of commissioners to investigate the Patent Office in 1864, and later was appointed a member of the board of examiners in chief; served as Commissioner of Patents from August 17, 1865, to January 20, 1868; engaged in the practice of patent law in Washington, D.C., until his death in Oakland, Md., July 16, 1883; interment in Weeks Cemetery, near Bridgeport, Ohio. [Source: “Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1774 - Present,” available at https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/T000151]