The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-06-21
In Memory of Major John Clarke;
Born April "A. 1866,
Died Nav II 1874

ing words.
In Memory of Major John Clarke;
Born April "A, 1866,
Died May II. 1914.
To a strong and masculine intellect he
united a heart of princely generosity and q
character of unsulled integrity which com
manded the respect Of all who knew him, and
the admiration and alectonate regard OF his
numerous friends.
HIS OBITUARY.
Soon after his death became known in Rich
mond the following obituary notice appeared
in one Of the newspapers This gentleman
in very early youth served his country during
the war Of the Revolution. first az q yOun-
teer aud then in the regular army. He after
wards became emnently distnguis he'd for
genius especially in mechanics. which lie sig
naily displayed in the construction Of the
works OF the Virginia ArmOry, that cannot be
forgotten. and which attracted universal at
tcntion and made him an object OF admira-
ton 10 all men. He numbered among his
warm personal friends many. and the most
eminent men OF merit in the country Known,
respected and esteemed throughout life for
biameicss integrity and unsulNed honor, be-
loved too. for his social qualities, for general
benevolence, for every public and private
virtue, ms surviving friends and his pOsterlty
may cherish his memory with certain essur-
ance that no blot or cloud rests upon his
fame"
HIS FAMILY AND RECORD.
Major Clarkes family were originally from
Surrey in England and came 10 this country
about the year 100, purchased body OF land
in POwhatan county. ~ which heswlck. still
in the family. Is remaining part. IL IS one
of the few instances IN which the descendants
of original settlers continue TO occupy the
land which their European progenltors first
occupied. lie was connected directly and
cOlaterally with many OF the prominent fam-
lies of the State-the Archers, Cookies
swans, Cunlhes. Meades. Haryies and
others. and the ClMkes OF Warner Hall. IN
Gloucester and Richmond. They left 40 son,
but three daughters. noted for their feminine
graces and personal beauty. who lntermar-
RED respectively with an Archer. Burfoot
and q Woodbridge, and whose numerous de
scendants still refer with grateful pride %
the honorable career Of their worthy progeni-
tor
BESIDES other honors, Major Clarke was a
member Of the Virginia branch of the Order
of Cincinnati and WIS an intimate trend of
Baron Steuben lie was remarkable for his
social qualities. his genial and manly spirit
adapting itself to every demand. whether
from high or low. Even in the midst Of his
arduous duties be was always the gentleman.
He was just and kind 10 those under MS con-
troll. had their entire confidence because lie
never forgot that no matter in what condi-
| ton he might he, mans man for a
that"
A FAMOUS OLD COTERrE.
While be lived at Dobson's the Major had
been one OF a coterle Of whom but few RENT
niscences can now be recalled Occasionally
Il tradition or two. dimmed by the passage of
time or perverted from their original sources,
come down 70 US. The centre OF this group
was the famous wit William Pope. Esq,
(more generally known as Billy Pope of
POwhatan" = He and Clarke were extremely
intimate Afterwards. upon Mr.. Wirt's COM
ING 10 Richmond TO live. and marrying into
one OF the lOyeliest families of the town a
great addition was made 20 the gentlemau's
circle At that day there were no clubs in
Richmond. Gentlemen met, supped and
wined and dined. All this began ia the pres
ence Of ladies', and atpryate houses.
A time came. however. when the latter re-
tired % the drawng-roOm, after having been
the recipients of the most delicate attentions
imaginable, and being more than willing that
the gentlemen should be left TO Their Jokes,
their madeira and tobacco. Occasionally the
gentlemen, not forgetting the custom of their
British ancestors met at some one of the old
fashion inns OF the town, and then mid clouds
of tobacco fumes. and such other creature
comforts as taste might suggest. INDUCED in
the frcest andmost unrestraned conversation.
They were all friends; each knew the other
They had nothing to conceal and above all.
nothing to suspect.
PLEASANT REcoLLECTIoSs.
Clarke was constant attendant Mt these
social sympOsiums. We have a right 10
infer. therefore,. that the quiet precints of
"Dobson's' was not always without its excite
ment from the same cause. After Writ left
Richmond TO become Attorney General of the
United States we haze reason 10 think he
looked with tender regret upon the scenes he
had left behind him. His correspondence
abounds with aifectionate reference 10 his old
friends III Richmond Pope and he we're con-
genial spirits. and became devoted TO each
other. They kept up long and intimate cor
respondence. In one of Wirt's letters after
making inquiries of every member of Pope's
family he touchingly adds:
Everything around you is dear TO my re-
collection-all your jokes your excellent face.
your eyes your mouth. your laugh--al fresh
as II were young girl thinking of my first
love" He was almost as fond OF our practi-
cal: stern man of duty. in one of his letters
he begs Pope to go ard see Clarke oftener
than you have done of late years You make
m Var rl,af,xr Il 4