Who is Mayor Matthew Clarkson from An American Plague: The True and Terrifying Story of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793 and what is their importance?

Matthew Clarkson was the elected Mayor of Philadelphia when the yellow fever epidemic hit the city in 1793. Both his wife and youngest child died from the fever. Clarkson, however, did the opposite of other leaders and stayed on through the duration. He reported to his offices daily, took advantage of the local media to issue warnings, and made sure that crews stayed on the job to make sure the streets stayed clean and bodies were properly buried. Clarkson is considered a hero for his actions and diligence during the epidemic.