Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1902-08-16
Death of John P. Clarke.

Mr.. John r. Clarke, one Of the oldest
and most generally known residents OF
Alexandria, died at his home on Duke
street between Fairfax and Lee, about
half-past eight O'Clock this morning.
He been in declining health for some
time, and recently his condition had be-
come critical. Early last night friends
watching by his bedside were conscious OF
the fact that the last scene of all which
ends life's eventful history was being
enacted and that his death was but
matter of a few hours The deceased
was born on ship (said to have been
the John Marshall of this port on the
Atlantic while his parents were on their
way to this country in November
1926. and was therefore drawing to-
ward his 10Th birthday. The family
came to Alexandria. Shortly after their
immigration to this country they
removed to Washington. The subject
of this notice preferred to remain here,
and he became an apprentice to the late
James Green, with whom he acquired
the pattern and cabinet-makeIs trades.
At that time he lived with an uncle, the
late William Dewey, who many years
ago was the brewer at the Irwin
brewery, at the southeast corner OF
Wolfe and Union streets. The de-
struction of that building by fire
nearly half a century ago Is re-
membered by many now living. Later
Mr. Clarke was a pattern-maker at the
foundry and machine shops OF L. w.
and r.. c. Smith, afterwards known as
the Smith q Perkins locomotive works.
In 1850 he began business for himself
and opened a place for paperhanglng
and interior decorations, which he con
tinued up to the time of his death. His
establishment, with the exception OF that
OF Burke & Herbert, bankers was
perhaps the oldest now being conducted
in this city bv the original founders
Mr.. Clarke's father was gardener by
occupation. and was successful III his
calling. He died during the late civil
war His wife died number of years
previously. Mr.. Clarke had for many
years been member of Alexandria
Washington Lodge of Masons. In
carly life he married Miss Mary
Y Shinn. who died April 10, 1901.
Having no offspring and no near KIN
bereabouts, the demise of his life partner
was keenly felt. They were together
not only at home, but at their place OF
business throughout the day, and accom-
NAMED each other to and from the store.
For nearly year and half serious
re.eries, advancing years and sense OF
loneliness had their effect upon his
nhysioue. The decline which followed
was slow. but sure. For several weeks
he was unable to take solid food. Finally
hts stomach refused nutriment and
he calmly awaited death which
came this morning. Many remns-
cences of the past half century
are brought to mind by the death
of Mr.. Clarke. He was captain in the
175th regiment Va. militia in October,
1889 the time of the John Brown IN
aurrection, and went to Harper's Ferry
on that occ lsion. In the spring OF 1851
he with the late II. c. Dorsey and IL.
K Bradshaw were on the old ierr!
steamer George Page on the memorable
SUNDAY evening when that boat left her
ever TO return. The three went t
Fredericksburg, but later returned to TN
c;tv Subsequently Mr. Clark went wlth
IN the Confederate lines and renamed
with those who espoused the Souther,
cause throughout the four years whlcl
followed, most of which time he conducte
q hotel at Harrisonburg. The remain
will he taken to the Masonic Temple
from when place the funeral Will tax
Mace on Monday evening at O'Clock