Obituary Bryan Clark

Bryan Clark, son of Wiley and Archie Clark, died April 6, 1898, aged 3 years, 6 months and 12 days. Words are too cold and insensate to do justice, or even to attempt to portray the infantile charms of such a lovely child as was Bryan, who to our imperfect conception, was so suddenly and rudely torn from the bosom of his devoted parents. His suffering was intense, but lasted only a few hours, when the angels came and bore him away on their “snowy wings” to the realms of bliss. A sad vacuum has been made in that sweet home, where that musical voice of Bryan was ever prattling and rippling, like a pellucid stream dancing in the sunbeam. His cute little sayings, so precious, can never be forgotten by many of them who knew him. He seemed indeed a half-opened rosebud with the dew sparking upon its petals.

Parents, it is well with your sweet, precious child, for Jesus has taken him home to live with the good and true forever. As the almost broken hearted mother bends over the silent mound of earth that covers his remains, or plant sweet flowers to decorate its solitary loneliness, or return home to gaze upon his vacant chair, it is indeed hard to say, “Thy will be done.” Deal little Bryan has finished his task and gone up higher. He has plumed his little pinions and gone to Him who said, “suffer little children to come unto me and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” The King of Kings called him to confer a crown upon him, that henceforth he may wield a scepter over father, mother and brothers.

Dear parents, think of him as an angel clothed in beauty, free from the sorrows that cling to earth and only Heaven can heal. He is now a precious tie to bind the affections of mamma and papa to Heaven.

In his death a happy home has been darkened and bright anticipations have been blasted. But the Heavenly Father knew best. Ere the breath of sin had sullied his fair and innocent life, Good took him to dwell with the angels. May the blessings of Heaven rest upon the stricken parents and the two precious little brothers. The blessed gospel of Christ comforts the broken heart.

Farewell dear little Bryan, farewell;

Thy spirit is at rest,

With Jesus you will forever dwell

In the far away home of the blest

Friend Emma

Saulsbury, Tenn., May 4, 1898

Source: original newspaper clipping in scrapbook created by Ada Clark Stroup of Saulsbury