Charles P. Clemens (1842 – November 29, 1895) was a soldier, reverend, and state legislator in Mississippi.[1] He represented Clarke County, Mississippi in the Mississippi House of Representatives in 1874 and 1875.
He was born 1842 in Darke County, Ohio to Layton and Mary Clemens.[1] He served as an engineer in the 45th United States Colored Infantry Regiment[1] until being discharged June 8, 1865 for disability from gastritis and heart disease.[2]
In 1873, the Weekly Clarion reported on his candidacy describing him as a colored "carpetbagger" and accused him of abandoning his wife and four children when he moved to Mississippi to seek office.[3] However, on his army discharge papers he was listed as widowed and his next of kin was listed as a daughter named Nora Brown. He took the oath of office January 21, 1874.[4]
During his time in the house he was a member of several committees including Public Education, Federal Relations, Railroads, and Public Works.[1] He was a member of The Republican Fifth Congressional Executive Committee in 1875.[5]
He was buried at the Forest Hill cemetery in Piqua, Ohio.[6]