CLARK, Bryan (06 Apr 1898)

14. April 2018 · Comments Off on CLARK, Bryan (06 Apr 1898) · Categories: Obituary · Tags: , ,

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

CLARK, Smithie Durden (d. 13 Jan 1913)

25. February 2018 · Comments Off on CLARK, Smithie Durden (d. 13 Jan 1913) · Categories: Obituary · Tags: , , , , , ,

Mrs. Smithie CLARK died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. J. R. STROUP, Monday, Jan. 13, 1913. She was born May 14, 1828. She professed religion in early life at the age of 14 years, united with the Cumberland Presbyterian church on the 13th of the month, it being the same day of the month on which she died. She was married to Jack CLARK in the year 1858. She leaves four daughters and one son. Her husband died when the children were quite small, leaving the raising of the children to the mother, who worked and brought up her children to be as dutiful as any parent could. The children are: Mrs. R. L. LIGHTFORT, Bolivar; Mrs. J. R. STROUP, Mrs. Allie SCOTT, Mrs. J. H. COX, W. W. CLARK, Saulsbury.

Mrs. Clark was sick almost two weeks with pneumonia and bronchitis. She was carefully watched night and day by her four daughters, also her son a greater part of the time, and her good and faithful physician, Dr. W. L. Goddard. Every attention was given her, but God knew best. He called her home. She has gone from among us; gone to meet and be with those of her kindred and friends who have already crossed the dark valley through which we all must pass. She has gone from the scenes and surrounding of her home. There are many men and women in this county who will learn of her death with sorrow.

She was one of the few who stayed with us after the days of their four score and four years had been exhausted. She was a devote Christian lady, loved her church devotedly. There was never a mother who loved her home more or who was more beloved in it. There was never a sting to her words or a cloud on her face for her loved ones. They knew her as none other did. Whatever the world may think of her foibles, whatever it may think she lacked of being a perfect lady, they found nothing wanting in her to make her the perfect mother. They can look back to no bitter days, to no unhappy nights, to no tears and no sighs that she caused, but to only long unbroken chain of days and months and years when she was with them and found her greatest happiness in making them happy. When her personal purity, uprightness, integrity and Christian walk are considered, she was far superior to the great majority. Her life has been an inspiration to others, and her example is worthy the careful, sturdy and earnest emulation of the generations that are to come after them.

The funeral services were conducted at the Cumberland Presbyterian church at 12 o’clock, Tuesday, by her pastor, Rev. S. H. Braly, of Bolivar. The services were such as befitted her life and character and the tributes paid her memory were only such as she deserved.

One Who Loved Her

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