After graduating, Austin began studying to be a lawyer; at age 21, he served in the legislature of the Missouri Territory.

After the war, in 1815, Benton moved his estate to the newly opened Missouri Territory.

The application for statehood in 1819 by the Missouri Territory as a slave state failed.

After a brief period as part of Missouri Territory, Kansas returned to unorganized status in 1821.

Having saved money for his journey, the following year he joined the migration West to the Missouri Territory.

There were two elections held for the delegate from Missouri Territory.

After the war he served on the Legislature of the Missouri Territory.

Afterward, he served in a militia and as governor of the Missouri Territory.

Clarks years in office were spent with many accomplishments during a time that saw a significant increase in population of the Missouri Territory.

In 1820 a dispute erupted over the extension of slavery in Missouri Territory.