Delaware tribune. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1867-1877, 1869-08-26
THE ELDER OF HALF A CENTURY
Memorial Notice of Mr.. John C. CLARK,
Of 50. Georges, DelaUare, by his Pas
tor. Rev. ID. j. Bedle.

tor, Rev. ID. j. Beale.
Mr.. John G. Clark, who departed this life
on Thursday night, July the 2sth, 1869, in
the 7lst year of his age, was born in this
vicinity on the 9Th of March, 1893. The
Clark family emigrated 70 Delaware from
the State of New York. From what for
eign country they immigrated thither is not
known. Between the years 1870 and 1877,
one Captain Clark commanded vessel,
which sailed from New Castle to New York
city. This Captain Clark was the great
great-grand-father of the deceased. He
had a son John, who was the great grand
father of the deceased, and who was born
on the lth of January, ITO. Said John
Clark, then young man, was accustomed
to accompany his father, the Captain, in his
voyages on the vessel referred to.
One day, young widow Hadley, who
lived upon and owned farm in this neigh
borhood, took passage on Captain Clark
vessel at New Castle, bound for New York.
During the voyage congenial intimacy
sprung up between young Clark and Mrs.
Hadley. which, by and by, ripened into
affection, and terminated in marriage. They
settled on the farm already alluded to, and
which the youngest son of the deceased
now lives upon. ...
From this pair sprung the large Clark
connexion of this region. The name Of one
of their sons, who was born on the 18th OF
October, 1887, and who died on the 10th
of May, 1901, was John. This person was
the grandfather of the deceased. He lived
and died in this neighborhood.
George Clark, son of John, just mention
ed, and father of the deceased, was born In
Red Lion Hundred, September 4th, 1867,
and departed this life, December 8, 1888.
He was man of good mind and manners
a man of uncommon popularity and influ-
ence in the community. He died in the
community. He died in the triumph OF
faith in the 72d year of his age.
Thus, the deceased belonged to pious
family, being born within the pale of that
covenant, which is well ordered in all things
and sure, and to which pertains the blessed
promise: 81 will be God to thee, and to
thy seed after thee"
Although he had the disadvantage of los
ing his mother early, he was thoroughly in
structed in the principles of our holy reli-
gion by his most excellent father, and his
amiable step-mother. So perfectly had
they taught him that matchless form of
sound words-the Shorter Catechism, that,
until the day of his death, he could repeat it
accurately. just as the pious instructions
of Eunce and Lois, the mother and the
grandmother of Timothy, laid the founda-
tion Of his future character, so this early
training gave shape and definiteness to the
views of the deceased, and fitted him for
after usefulness.
1t is believed that the late Mr.. Robert
Porter, of Wilmington, who was universally
esteemed one OF the holiest of men--who
was so remarkable for his piety that, at his
DEATH the Rev. DR.. Gilbert, contrary to his
invuriable custom, preached a funeral SER
mon,-it is believed that that good man was
the instrument, in the hands of God, of our
friends conversion. This occurred when
Mr.. CLARK was at school, and yet in his teens.
From this time forth he grew in grace and
knowledge, as he grew in stature and ad-
vanced III years.
As in everything else, SO in religion, he
did nothing by halves; but, from first to
last, he was whole hearted Christian. He
went about doing good, believing it to be
his happiness and duty to bless and benefit
Others. His early vital piety, Christian
charity and spirit for earnest work evinced
themselves, as some present well remember.
in his organizing and conducting prayer
meeting at Franklin School House, nearly
fifty years ago. Thus, in the ferver of his
first love, he exhibited zeal and devotion
which commanded the respect and conf
dence of the entire community, to an extent
that few young men ever attain; and this
was the more remarkable, that, in those
days the young men less frequently made
profession of religion.
As an evidence OF his prominence and
in the church, of which he was
then, and until his death, continued to be,
worthy member, he elected and ordained
Ruling Elder before he was twenty years of
age, in which office he has actively served
the St. Georges Church for more than a
half century.
Mr.. Clark was married to Miss Elizabeth
Reybold, July 18th, 1926, and hence had
lived in that sacred relation for more than
forty-three years. From what have seen
and from what have heard, am prepared
to affirm that there could not have been a
more kind, devoted and noble husband, or
a more aifectionate, considerate and noble
father than Mr.. Clark.
There have been twelve children in this
family, five of whom have preceded their
father into the eternal world.
1t was the heart disease that removed our
aged brother. For several years he had suf-
fered occasionally from this source; but
only for the last two or three years had
these attacks been very severe or frequent.
Two years ago his life was dispared of; but
from that stubborn spell he seemed to have
entirely recovered. During the present
summer the attacks had been very frequent,
sudden and alarming. Again and again his
sons near by have been summoned from
their homes to his bedside, to see their
father die. On Friday night, July 23d, he |
came within step of death; and on Tues
lay last his attacks were scarcely less Sc
Vere; but the set time for his departure had |
net yet arrived. On Wednesday, the 2sth,
ne felt so much better that, but for the earn
,st entreaty CT his family he would have at
ended meeting of Trustees of the Poor |
ield at the City of Wilmington.
On the day of his death he visited Della.
ware City on business, and, on return, called |
1t the houses Of three of his sons. Having |
reached home, and taken tea, he entered in |
% cheerful conversation.
1t was now time for " family duty" as he |
was always accustomed to call the evening
sud morning devoiions. In his prayer he |
offered most fervent petitions for all the |