Clarence Hemingway was an American physician, best known as the father of the famous author Ernest Hemingway. He was born in 1871 and worked as a doctor in Oak Park, Illinois. Clarence had a significant influence on his son's early life and interests, particularly in outdoor activities and literature. In addition to his medical career, Clarence was an avid outdoorsman and instilled a love for nature in his children. He married Grace Hall, and together they had six children, including Ernest. Clarence's life and values played a crucial role in shaping the experiences that would later inform his son's writing.