CLARKE, Margaret A. 1852-1931

CLARKE, LISTER

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 6/18/2015 at 07:28:58

Mrs. Henry Clarke, Grundy Pioneer, Dies At Conrad

End Comes Following An Illness Which Covered Several Months

Was A Constant Co. Resident 61 Years

Was Known and Beloved Over Southwest Portion of Grundy County

Mrs. Henry Clarke, who had been a continuous resident of Grundy county for sixty-one years, died at her home at Conrad Sunday evening following an illness which covered a period of several months. Funeral services were held at Conrad yesterday. The services which were held at the Methodist church were attended by hundreds of old friends and neighbors who felt her passing as a personal loss.

The following history of Mrs. Clarke's life was prepared by the local pastor, Rev. C. K. Hudson, and read at the funeral service.

Margaret Ann Lister, daughter of James and Mary Lister, was born in Hanover, Ill., Aug. 28, 1852, and died at her home in Conrad, Iowa, at 10:20 o'clock Sunday evening, Feb. 22, at the age of 78 years, 5 months and 25 days.

She came with her parents to Grundy county, Iowa, in the spring of 1870. She stayed with her parents and helped to develop the new home in pioneer Iowa. She became well acquainted with the experiences and privations around her. She had been a resident of this county since that time. Thus for more than 60 years she helped to mould the thought and sentiment of the community. Much of its wealth in religious, moral and intellectual ideals is due to her influence.

She was united in marriage with Mr. Henry Clarke of Grundy county March 11, 1879. Four sons were born to them. George, the oldest, died Nov. 8, 1908. They came to Conrad 15 years ago, in the spring of 1916. Her husband preceded her three years ago Jan. 23, 1928.

There remain the mourn her departure and to cherish her memory three sons: William H., James and John, all of Conrad, 14 grandchildren, one brother, John Lister of Conrad, and other relatives and many friends.

Mrs. Clarke had been in failing health for a number of months, but the end came like that of the going down of the sun, more glorious in its setting. She approached the close of her life with perfect confidence, for she said that she was not afraid to die. Her testimony was that God had answered her prayer that the fear of death might be taken away.

Mrs. Clarke was thrifty and energetic through all of her life. With it all she was characterized by her love for and devotion to the needs of others. The first one of whom she thought was someone in need, and the last one of whom she thought was herself. She cared for the sick with untiring devotion, and she was interested in the welfare of all with whom she was acquainted. Even the stranger was welcome at her home in those early days.

She lived the life and knew the hardships of the pioneer. Being endowed with strength of body and mind, she gave herself to the need of others with unselfish devotion. Whether the call was for service at the bedside of the dying or at the time of birth, she acted the part of a nurse without remuneration or regard for anything but to minister in time of need.

There are many now living who appreciate more than can be expressed by words her kindnesses to them. Surely the meeting with the friends who have gone before her must be glorious.

Mrs. Clarke had talents of mind and heart that were above the ordinary. She loved the best things in literature and the highest ideals in life.

She was a charter member of Felix Center Methodist Episcopal church. For twenty-five years she taught a class of young men in the Sunday school. She has been interested all these years in all of the activities of the church. In it she found a place for all of her talents. She was a member of the ladies' aid society and of the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society to the end of her life. She was always found in the Sunday school and church services when it was possible for her to be present.

The home was the place where all of her interested entered. She was a loving and faithful wife and mother. Her children and grandchildren cannot forget her example, her influence, and her constant Christian life. Many friends are made sad by her passing as their lives have many times been made glad by her loving kindness.

--The Grundy Register (Grundy Center, Iowa), 26 February 1931, pg 1