The Portland daily press., 1891-02-17
HIS HEAD WAS CUT Off BY THE WHEELS
sudden and Terrible death Of Mr..
ira p. Clark.
Ne Tried To Board a Moving Train
and Missed His Hold.
sudden Extinction OF a Bright and
Shining Light.

Last night rumor prevailed about town
that Mr.. Ira f. Clark had been killed. 1t
was known that Mr.. and Mrs. Clark had
gone south for his health, and the news gave
great shock to those who heard the report.
reporter for the PRESS called at the house
Oh MS clerk, Mr.. J. II. Hannaford. That
gentleman was not In, but the people at the
house said that a telegram had been received
stating that Mr.. Clark had been instantly
killed on the train. and the remains would
be brought to Portland today. How he was
killed was not stated.
1t was later learned that Miss GerrIsh,
daughter Of Rev. Theodore Gerrish, left for
Boston at noon, intending to Join Mr.. and
Mrs. Clark and go South with them. Miss
Gerrish telegraphed that she should return
home on the Pullman last night.
reporter Of the PRESS called on Miss
Gerrlsh on her return. She was unable 10
give any facts beyond the bare reality Of
MIR. Clark's death. She said she was met at
the station In Boston by Mrs. Clark, who
said that Mr.. Clark would be unable to go
further that day. as he was not well. She
advised Miss Gerrish to return home, as 1t
might be matter of several days before he
recovered.
While they were sitting chatting together
In the railroad station In Boston a
messenger came with the intelligence that
Mr.. Clark had been instantly killed on
railroad. What railroad it was and what
the circumstances were Miss GerrIsh was
unable to learn.
At about midnight despatch came to Mr..
Charles II. Redlon, one OF Mr.. CIark's
clerks, saying that Mr. Clark was run over
while attempting to board an Old Colony
train In South Boston. his head was sew
cred from his body and carried consIdera-
Bile distance.
The Associated Press Account.
BOSTON, February 16.-At o'clock this
afternoon, man, supposed to be Ira f.
Clark Of Portland. Me-, jumped on train
leaving the South Boston station Of the Old
Colony railroad, en- route for the Kneeland
street passenger station In this city. Some
time later his body was found upon the track
with the head severed from the body. He
was apparently about 80 or 40 years Of age,
and feet 10 inches In height. He wore
black suit and black derby hat, and In the
hat was found, written on piece Of white
paper, IRA +. Clark. Portland, Me-" In
one Of his pockets was found slip OF paper
upon which was written 'No. II Chester
square" He had upon his person gold
watch and chain, to which was attached
massive charm, 500 in bank bills, purse
containing some lchange, and a bunch Of
keys marked Portland Express"
The body was taken In charge by an uI-
dertaker, and Medical Examiner Draper no
tilted.
Mr.. Clark was taking the first vacation
he has enjoyed In years. He came to Port
land from Buxton some ten years ago, and
by steady application to his business built
up a fine clothing trade He was a very
charitable man, and many children have re-
eeiyed grea: benefits at his hands, besides
those attached to our charitable Institutions.
He was continually, In the season, affordng
them chance to breathe the fresh air, by
means OF excursions. He was:a straightfor-
ward, honorable. business man, and will be
loss to the city. He was about 40 years
old, and leaves widow and a son. He was
member OF the Masonic order, and be-
iionged to St. Alban C0mmandery aud Green
leaf Royal Arch Chapter.