Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1879-05-23

brsTH q JOsEPH CLARK The announce
men; Of the death of Joseph Clark, of Nil =
ton, which took place on Saturday evening,
viii be received with wide interest and
sorrow in this community. With little
prominence which comes from official station
for he almost uniformly declined public
Ifh'e-Mr. Clark was, through the greater
part Of his busy life. one of The foremost
cl.z rs Of this county. lie went to Milton
young man, with, as he used to say,
dollar or two in his pocket, his axe on his
shoulder, and the rest Of his possessions in
bundle, in his hand. Bat he had what
was worth moro than money or influence
for IN this country they are sure in time to
command both, tireiess industry, great
energy, genuine enterprise, good habits,
sterling honesty. We have not at hand at
present the facts which would enable Us to
sketch as We should be glad to, his career
IN detail (; but his progress was steady to
large wealth, and influence. lie became
the leading citizen Of his town Of Milton,
an tx:ensI7s l1mbernaa, merchant and
manufacturer man whose shrewdness,
business tact and practical wisdom saved
him from mistakes and made him the wise
adviser Of Others. In 1892, ,. and a, Mr..
Clark represented Milton in the legislature,
bat with this exception, we believe, be
HnilO rmly declined political office, though
Interested in politics as in almost all matters
of public concern. 10 1854 MIR, Clark be-
came, 50 to speak, citizen Of Burlington for
several years, having been made assignee of
the extensive business and property of the
firm Of J. and J. Ii. Peck Co. This
trust, involving great responsibility and
labor, be executed with the care and good
Judgment and succe So which be gave to his
other business. After the affairs Of the
estate had been closed, he retained large
business interest here, as the heaviest mem
Der Of the firm of j. p Clark d Co. , the
successors Of j. and J. H. Peck Il Co. Mr..
Clark wes one Of the projectors and largest
stockholders Of the Vermont and Canada rail-
road one Of the first directors Of the road,
subsequently one Of tho trustees, and when
the control o: the Vermont Central passed to
the Vermont and Canada he became one oft the
trustees and managers ofthe two roads. This
important position be held for many years.
o. late years, yielding to the intrmties Of
gge, be withdrew himself from the active
control Of bushes, though retaining large
iy hi interest IN persons and affairs.
Daring the last year or two be has been
failing gradually. and his friends have fell
for months that bis decease might occur at
almost any lime. Mr.. Clark leaves two
children, Hon. j =. Clark, Of Milton, and
and Mr.. f. y. Peek. Of this city. Ills sge
was upwards Of 50 years flo was man
OF large capacity. Of kinclS temper of great
good sensc. d high integrity. Not mem
Der Of any church, he was a stfadlast sup
porter Of the inrti,u'iOns Of religion, and
Il generous givsr to tho chur cheq, as to all |
other public objects in bis town. lie had |
the sincere snd urbrolen respect ard esteem
OF Ill VINO knew him, and IN his death a
wJrthy and valued c.! IN has passed away.
We shall cGdeayor 10 give fuller .ketch Of |
ms uieA.d character hereafter