Mr. Clouse received his education in the public schools at Four Bridges, and subsequently learned the carpenter's trade, which he still follows. He removed from Morris County to Kearny, N. J., when a young man, and for many years has been actively and prominently identified with the progress of that town. For thirty-three years he was associated with the Delaware, Lackawanna, and Al estern Railroad Company, holding a position in the carpentry and building department. He is one of the oldest and best known carpenters in Eastern New Jersey.

Mr. Clouse has always been a Republican in politics, active and influential in party councils, and foremost in promoting the welfare of his community. He was a member of the Board of Education of Kearny for nine years, and in that capacity rendered efficient service. He is now an election officer of that town. He is a member of Friendship Lodge, No. 111, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Newark, and of the Knights and Ladies of Honor of the Golden Star, of East Newark, and in religion is a Presbyterian.