CLARK, Allen died 1877

CLARK, CLARKE, THAYER, MILLER

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 9/13/2012 at 14:07:45

Postville Review, Saturday, June 16, 1877

On Sunday last, while a party were at Pictured Rocks, securing samples of varigated sand, a large mass of rock came down, crushing to instant death Mr. Allen Clark, formerly of Waukon, and the proprietor of the Waukon and McGregor stage route. Mr. Clark was a brother-in-law to Mrs. R. O. Thayer, of Decorah.

Another man by the name of Miller was badly crushed, but was alive at the date of our last report.

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Added by S. Ferrall 9/13/2022:

Frightful Calamity - Former Resident of Lansing Killed at Pictured Rocks
A correspondent of the Dubuque Times, writing from McGregor, on Monday, gives the following particulars of a distressing calamity which transpired on the previous day at the noted resort, known as Pictured Rocks, a short distance south of McGregor, on the line of the Railroad:

Samuel Miller and Allen Clarke and their families started in the morning for the Rocks, to spend Sunday at that beautiful resort and to have a day of recreation and rest. The morning and forenoon were beautiful, and the party enjoyed the trip. While the ladies were spreading dinner, the men went further up among the rocks, and while digging out the sand, a large mass of sand rock split off and came tumbling down, instantly killing Clarke and seriously, if not fatally, injuring Miller.

Mr. Miller this morning is still unconscious, and is in a critical condition. One of his arms is broken, and his back and one side are badly injured. The full extent of his injuries cannot be determined now. Miller is a carpenter and has been a resident of McGregor for many years, and one of our most respected citizens.

Clarke recently bought the daily stage line between McGregor and Waukon, and at the time of the purchase moved his family to McGregor.

Clarke's son stood close by him when the two tons of rock crushed his father to instant death.

During the short time that Mr. Clarke has been among us, we can say that he has been a straight, honest and attentive man to his business. His death will be deeply regretted by all who had the pleasure of an acquaintance with him. The entire community sympathize deeply with these two stricken families.

Mr. Clarke was a resident of Lansing some twenty one years ago, following his occupation of wagon-making, and subsequently removing to Waukon. His life was insured for &5,000, in the Iowa Life Co.

~Lansing Mirror, Friday, June 16, 1877; pg 1

Another article about the tragedy
 

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