The copper era and Morenci leader. [volume] (Clifton, Ariz.) 1911-1929, 1916-06-16
DUNCAN MERCHANT
INSTANTLY KILLED
Overturned Auto Causes Death of W..
M. Clark, of Duncan-Others In
jured.

Duncan, June 15.-The people of
Duncan were shocked on Sunday
morning to learn that William M
Clark, local merchant, met instant
death in an automobile accident which
occurred that morning at about o.
clock. The accident happened on the
Duncan-Lordsburg road at point
between the Burton place and the rail-
road crossing, a short distance south
of town. Mr.. Clark was a member
of an auto party which had been to
Lordsburg Saturday night and were
on their return trip.
The car is said to have been travel
ing at a speed of about 80 or 35 miles
an hour when for some unknown
reason it left the road and overturn-
ed, pinning the unfortunate man be-
meath. When the ca was raised it
was found that Mr.. Clark was dead,
and, judging from his injuries, death
must have been instantaneous, as the
frame of the windshield had passed
entirely through his body.
The members of the party included
William Brooks, owner of the car, who
was driving it at the time of the acci-
dent, Sherman Stewart and James
Carter, all of Duncan. When the car
iron culvert and turned completely in
the air and landed some distance
away bottom side up. Carter was
thrown out over the back of the ma
chine, while the other members Of
| the party were caught beneath the
car. Carter went TO the assistance
of his friends and succeeded in ex-
| tricating the back of the car and was
endeavoring to release himself. His
! injuries were found to be bruises and
he and Carter endeavored to extricate
! the other two men. However, it
was impossible, and tne car was turn
/ ed over. The body of Mr.. Clark was
lying across Brooks, and the latter
was partially stunned and considera-
! bly, bruised. The body of the un-
! fortunate man was taken to the Ma
sonic hall, where it was prepared for
burial.
William Mountcastle Clarke was
born at Howell, Lincoln county Tenn,
on January IA, 1873, where he made
his home until "a years ago, when the
family came west and settled in Tex
as. Later he came to Ell Paso, then
F. to Morenci and Clifton, being employ
store as head of the grocery depart
ment.
He came to Duncan about eight
years ago, when he established the
business he was conducting at the
time of his death. He was married at
FAYETTEVILLE, Tenn, on June 21, 1904
to Miss Ellis Mcdaniel. Seven
children being borne to them, three
of whom having preceded him to the
grave. The children surviving are
Laura, William, Mcdaniel, Villa and
Rachael. His mother and a sister,
Miss Bessie Clark also survive him l..
His family was visiting at Fayette-
vile, Tenn, at the time of his death
and were notified by wire, arriving
here on Wednesday night.
Interment occurred on Thursday
morning, services being held at the
family home at 10 o'clock, being con.
Quoted by Rev. Wheeler, after which
the local Masonic lodge took charge
of the services and held their impress
sive ceremonies at the grave. A large
number of friends of the family &C.
resting place.
Mr.. Clark was we'll liked by all
and during his residence in Duncan
had won the friendship of everybody
He was prominent in Masonic circles
being worshipful master of the local
lodge at the time of his death. His
death removes from this community q
man who was one of the leaders in
local business circles and an honest
and upright citizen. The bereaveG
family has the sympathy of the entire
community.