The state herald., 1909-02-05
George E.. Clark,

lilIouSh tHS lcait, oyiuS uiotahtiy. iic
was alone in the house at the time Of
the shooting, but the younger son, Eu-
gene, came in shortly and then notified
his sister, Miss Fay, who was at the
Richardson home, nearby. Neither of
them realized the truth, but they were
afraid to investigate, and it was for
Mrs. Clark, and her son, George Jr. to
discover the suicide. The boy took the
pis' o. from his fathers right hand, but
otherwise the body was not disturbed
until after the coroner's jury had given
the verdict that, George E. Clark
came to his death as the result of apis-
tol wound by his own hand during fit
of temporary insanity"
After the suicide it developed that
Mr.. Clark had been Respondent the past
five or six weeks, and he had been un-
der close surveillance, for it was feared
he would do himself injury. Specialists
at Denver had recommended treatment
for his nerves and later at Lincoln, eye
specialists had informed him that it was
matter of only few months, or per-
haps weeks, that he would be totally
blind, and it is believed that their YER
diet unbalanced his mind.
The suicide was most deliberate, as
the victim removed his coat and vest,
opened his shirt, located his heart with
his left hand and standing before a
large mirror, placed the muzzle of the
revolver directly over his heart and
fired the fatal shot. He did not leave
note Of explanation but seemed to de-
sire to accomplish his aim during the
absence Of the entire family. Mrs. Clark
was at the home of d. S. Hasty on an
errand relative to Georges condition,
seeking means to frustrate his evident
determination of self destruction He
frequently mentioned the matter of do
ing away with himself, feeling that he
was becoming burden upon his family
Aside from his eye trouble it is thought
that Mr.. Clark grew Respondent from
illness. He often expressed desire to
return to active life, and probably
would have done so if it had not been
for his bodily affiiction. His estate is
estimated at $50, 900. 90 and his affairs
were in the best of condition, but being
in prime years felt the need Of activity.
1t was constant source of annoyance
to him that he had nothing to occupy
his time and mind, and felt that his de-
tention in sanitarium would be deep
disgrace to his family, as well as a
heavy expense. and he seemed to feel
that it was duty he owed his family
to remove the burden from the road.
Deceased was an old time resident of
Arapahoe, coming here when young
man, to work for his father, Enos Clark
who built and operated the local flour
mill. Later he moved to Stockville
and engaged in the banking business.
From thence he went to Holyoke, Colo.
where the writer formed his acquaint-
ance, and knew him as prosperous
and upright merchant and banker, un-
I'll the 90's, during the hard times in
that section, when Mr.. Clark returned
to Arapahoe and purchased his father S
Hour Mill and several hundred acres of
land. About three years ago he sold
his business interests to Gearhart 4
Benson, and later disposed Of the land
l n. Ia 20 nj
in town.
The funeral service was conducted by
Rev. B. F. Eberhart, Monday ut pm.
A quartette composed OF Mrs. N. Ga
gen. Mrs. +. 4. Reynolds. 7. L. Quier
and j. N. Baxter sang appropriate and
consoling hymns, accompanied by Miss
Madge pisbrow. The songs selected
were those that had been admired by
Mr.. Clark during practice of this quar-
tette, of which Mrs. Clark was men,
ber. at their home The floral tributes
and offerings of sympathy by the many
friends assembled ut that hour were
fully appreciated by the widow, two
$oilh anu lils uaugHhci euab ihouiH the
untimely and unnatural death Of their
loved one. Without hesitation 1t may
be said that George Clark was SYM
pathetic friend; devoted husband and
father; man who took real interest
in the affairs OF his associates.
Rev. Eberhart took as his text,
Greater love hath no man than this,
that man lay down his life for his
friends" John 1913. The above text
seemed most appropriate for the occa-
sion because Of the often expressed
statement of deceased that he was n
burden to his family. At all times he
said life was sweet to him, but his fam
ily's comfort was his foremost desire.
This idea worked upon his mind until
he mania resulted in suicide.
George 4. Clark Was born at Mauston
/ tlf. T,,i, "a tgrQ hat,., ,,na ella, Gftv.