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
