Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-02-27
MAI. ROBT. CLARK DEAD.
Prominent in Masonic Circles Here
Aided in Laying Corner Stone OF
Washington Monument.

A dispatch from Erie, Pa, last night
says: Major Robert Clark died today, aged
eighty-nine years.
Major Clarke was a native OF this CITY
where he had lived for many years. he
was born October 6, 1915. and was there
fore in his ninetieth year.
For long period of time he was in bust
ness in Southeast Washington, but upon re-
ceipt of the news of the firing on Sumter
in 1861 he gave up his business and opened
a rendezvous for the enlistment of soldiers.
He raised company and the oath day ol
April, 1861, was mustered into the service
of the United States. With his company
he did guard duty in and around Washing-
ton, and on that fateful Sunday OF the
first Bull Run battle Gully q, 1861 was In
command at the Virginia end of the Long
bridge.
In describing this incident two or three
years ago Major Clarke said: over TINS
bridge most of the troops passed into VIZ
ginia l remember distinctly the cry ON
to Richmond by members of Congress ana
others as they followed the army In car
riages into Virginia. But about half-past
nine the evening of the day of the battle
they began to come back the most crest
fallen set of men 1 ever saw. They had
witnessed the battle and were sorry they
had gone.
For several days the soldiers were cross
ing the bridge, completely demoralized. and
not a regiment retreated in anything ike
order
Major Clarke was mustered out July "a,
1861 his three months service having ex-
pired. but he Immediately raised another
company and was mustered into the serv-
Ice for three years with the 1St Regiment
of the District of Columbia Volunteers. was
ordered into Virginia and was wounded at
Cedar Mountain August 10, 1867. Upon
recovering he was ordered to special duty
at Alexandria, and subsequently appointed
provost marshal at Fort Ethan Allen near
the Chain bridge. He was promoted major,
took command Of his regiment in the abb
sence Of his superiors and after war
service of four years and three months was
honorably discharged.
Major Clarke was prominent as q men,
Der of the Masonic order. He was made
Master Mason in Naval Lodge. No. 4, May
g, 1888, and at the time of his death was
it's senior past master. He was deputy
grand master in 1916 and was past high
priest of washington Chapter and deputy
grand high priest in 1856 In 41S47 he was
elected grand treasurer of the Grand Lodge
and served as such until 1855. AS grand
treasurer he took part In the Masonic cere-
monies at the laying of the corner stone
OF the Washington monument July 4, 1S4S,
and had the honor of making the Masonic
deposits therein. His name Is engraved on
a silver plate that was placed In the cor
ner stone. He was present also at the COM
pletion and dedication of the monument
February q. 1885. when Chester A. Arthur
as President was presiding officer and Ny
ron M. Parker, as grand master of Masons,
had charge of the ceremonies.
Maj. Clarke was knighted in Washington
Commandery of this city April 90 1913. and
had been continuously member of that
venerable and notable organization for up
ward of fifty-seven years.
An unusual incident of the career of
Major Clarke was the presentation while
convalescent from the wound received at
Cedar Mountain of a sword. belt, revolver
and cap from the members of his Masonic
lodge.
For some years he had resided in Erie,
Pa, we'll known and highly respected by
the entire community.