Herbert P. Clark, 1863-1932

CLARK, ROCKWELL, BROWN, WELCH, JENNISON, STEWART, HALL, KNIGHT, KOOKER, SEELEY, PACE, ROWLEY, SCHMITT, SMITH

Posted By: C. Diamond, IAGenWeb volunteer (email)
Date: 10/30/2012 at 09:13:29

The Oelwein Daily Register
Oelwein, Fayette Co., Iowa
Friday, March 4, 1932
Page six, column one

-MAYNARD NEWS-
OBITUARY OF H.P.CLARK.

Again the silent messenger has come among us and another pioneer resident has joined “the innumerable caravan which moves to that mysterious realm where each shall take His chamber in the silent halls of death.”

H. P. Clark, youngest son of Andrew and Eliza (Rockwell) Clark was born in Long Grove now Maynard, Iowa June 5, 1863 and departed this life at the same place February 28, 1932, aged 68 years, 8 months, and 23 days.

His family were among the early settlers here coming in a covered wagon in the spring of 1856 from Cattaraugus County, New York and settling on the site of the present home which was then a wilderness of underbrush and wild timber. For a time the family lived in their wagon, then a log cabin was built. Later a framehouse took it’s place and has since been remodeled into the present modern home. Mr. Clark had the unusual privilege of passing his entire life in the home where he was born. Since he was the first child born in the community it was interesting to hear him tell of its growth and progress and especially of the time when the railroad was built. He came from a very patriotic family on his mother’s side, having 23 close relatives in the Civil war two of whom were generals in the Union army. Religious services were often held in the Clark home in an early day before there was a school house where such gatherings could be held.

On December 24, 1883, he was married to Lavina C. Brown and to this union were born two sons, a babe who died at birth and Charles Clark of this place who has been a stay and comfort to his father always. The dearly loved wife and mother passed on April 20th of last year.

Mr. Clark was devoted to his home and family. The longest time he ever spent away from them was sight days. He was actively interested in civic affairs and served as mayor of Maynard for two terms. He was clerk of the Woodman Lodge for forty years. He was a loyal member of Sunnyside Lodge No. 510 A.F. & A.M.

He was a contractor and builder and a goodly number of homes in and near Maynard are his handiwork. His later years were spent in farming and the poultry business. He was not a member of any church but was a regular attendant and supporter of the M.E. church of this place when in health.

About two years ago he suffered a stroke of paralysis from which he partially recovered, but in January of this year there was a recurrence of the trouble and another February 16th. Since that time he failed rapidly until the end came.

He leaves to mourn his passing his son Charles, and wife Gladys who has indeed been a loving and considerate daughter, a dearly loved granddaughter, Mantie Joy, who teaches in the Arlington school; and a number of cousins and many friends.

Funeral services were held from the Methodist church Tuesday afternoon conducted by Rev. Virgil Welch, assisted by Rev. Caldwell and P.E. Jennison. A quartet composed of Messrs. Paul Stewart, Ed Stewart, Dr. C. C. Hall and Arthur Knight sang :Jesus Lover of My Soul,” “Saved by Grace” and “Just As I Am.” They were accompanied on the piano by Mrs. William Kooker. The Masonic lodge had charge of the remainder of the service exemplifying the beautiful burial service of the order , after which the body was tenderly laid to rest in Long Grove cemetery. The pall bearers were Messers. Harve Seeley, Will Pace, L. D. Rowley, Olio Schmitt, Frank Schmitt and Jim Smith.