CLARK, Mary Louise (25 Apr 1887)

14. April 2018 · Comments Off on CLARK, Mary Louise (25 Apr 1887) · Categories: Obituary · Tags: , ,

Obituary Mary Louise Clark

At Covington on Monday, the 25th instant in the tenth year of her age Mary Louise, daughter of J. C. and Luta P. Clark.

When those who are full of years, overcome with weakness or disease, pass away, it seems to us meet and proper that having borne life’s burdens to them rest should come. But when those who are yet in “life’s morning march” grow weary and are laid away to rest, the first impulse is to think of it as to them a great loss. Reflection will teach us that theirs’s is the happier lot, and this happier lot has fallen to the gentle little girl we called Louise. The tender grace of childhood was still unsullied and fresh – the trust that knew no doubt of another’s truth had not given way to suspicion of fear, and the love for all human kind which shone in her eyes and was expressed in gentle actions and words had not suffered the pangs of betrayal nor neglect. Nurtured in a home where love reigned supreme, life was full of joy – every sound was music, every touch a caress. She had never known the torture of skepticism and wild unrest; her soul melted with tenderness at the story of Calvary and she felt all trust in Him who there for us all yielded up his life. Can there be a doubt that hers is the fairer lot?

When those we love are drifting away from us in death we strive and cry; in despair we stretch after them our empty arms. The outstretched hand cannot bring back the beloved form, but in it is placed the hand of Him who we call our Master, drawing us nearer to Him and nearer to those He has taken to Himself. We call over and over the names of those whom death has taken away. The mute lips make no response, but in accents of divine tenderness we hear the Master saying, “Suffer little children to come unto me.” Louise’s perfect openness of disposition and her tender ways showed the lovely child and gave promise of a noble womanhood. Wherever she went the smiles that beamed on her showed the presence of a gentle, loving spirit which for only a short while blessed this world and is now finding its perfect companionship in the fairer world beyond.

(b: 4 Oct 1877, d: 25 Apr 1887)

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

CLARK, John C. (25 Feb 1895)

14. April 2018 · Comments Off on CLARK, John C. (25 Feb 1895) · Categories: Obituary · Tags: ,

Obituary John C. Clark

DEATH’S HARVEST

Mr. John C. Clark Dies Very Suddenly at His Home in Covington Last Monday Morning

Mr. John C. Clark died very suddenly at his home in Covington, of Bright’s disease, last Monday morning at 6 o’clock. Mr. Clark had been in bad health for several years, but there were seasons when he would grow better, and while his family and friends had little if any hope of his permanent recovery, still his death was a sad and sudden shock to them, although it was not wholly unexpected that he would pass away with little warning. Mr. Clark often had considerable difficulty in breathing, and would sometimes be obliged to get up in the night and sit in his chair, and would thus be relieved to some extent. He arose for this purpose, it is said, about 4 o’clock Monday morning and was sitting in his dressing gown and slippers in his chair before the fire, when suddenly his wife was aroused by an unusual sound and hastening to his side, found his already beyond human aid and life was soon entirely gone.

Mr. Clark was in his fifty-fourth year and was born in Hardeman County, near Saulsbury, in the year 1841. Moving to Covington in the year 1873, he formed a partnership with Messrs. John A. Crofford and W. W. R. Elliott, Jr., in the mercantile business under the firm name of Crofford, Clark & Elliott. Mr. Elliott retired shortly afterward from the firm, leaving the business in the hands of Crofford & Clark. This firm continued for sixteen years one of the most successful businesses ever conducted in Covington, in the corner store not occupied by M. A. Walker.

A short while after moving to Covington, Mr. Clark married Miss Luta Malone, of Memphis, who has shared life’s joys and sorrows with him and who is thrown into the deepest state of grief by his sudden death. Five children – three sons and two daughters – also survive him.

Mr. Clark was born and raised on a farm and the early habits of industry and economy there acquired laid the foundation for a business life of notable success. He was a gallant soldier in the late war and filled with honor the position of lieutenant in the Twelfth Tennessee regiment. At the battle of Pulaski, Tenn., in October 1864, he received a wound which disabled him for the balance of the way and from which he suffered many years.

Mr. Clark was an exemplary Christian man and had been a member of the Presbyterian church for many years. He was also a member in good standing of the Ancient Order Workmen. He was a useful and public spirited citizen and never failed to give substantial encouragement to the poor and worthy. The very reticence and modesty which the man possessed often kept the outside world from finding out many of the good deeds that he did. He was a kind and indulgent father and husband and no man was more attached to his family. Covington suffered a severe loss in his death.

The funeral services were held Tuesday evening at 2 o’clock at the Presbyterian church, conducted by the pastor, Dr. F. L. Ewing. The solemn services were listened to by a large congregation. At the conclusion of the religious services the remains were taken to Munford Cemetery for burial, followed by a large number of sorrowing friends.

On the grave were placed many beautiful flowers – a fitting tribute to a man whose pure life and integrity have blessed this community for so many years.

(b: 11 Dec 1840, d: 25 Feb 1895)

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