Ely, Judge C. L. 1886-1935

ELY, JOHNSON, HAMILTON, HOUSE, SCHUMB, MYATT, PEPPER, HURST, HOUSE

Posted By: Jo (email)
Date: 6/5/2007 at 11:40:31

SUDDEN DEATH OF JUDGE C. L. ELY STUNS COMMUNITY -
LOCAL JURIST DIES FOLLOWING HEART ATTACK, PROMINENT IN BUSINESS, POLITICAL AND JUDICIAL CIRCLES

Seldom has our city and community felt a shock of sorrow such as was ours to sustain this morning when word was broadcast that Judge Clarence L. Ely was dead.

Met by this cruel message we hesitated to give it credence; hurt by the sudden blow, we reluctantly believed that our friend, the community's friend with whom we had enjoyed a pleasant conversation but a few hours before, had without warning been swept away by the inevitable. The weakness of our vocabulary dawns upon us as we try to eulogize a true personal friend and public benefactor; one whoes activities and contact has brought constructive benefit to his fellowmen; one whose service has been unselfish and friendship true.

For years Judge Ely had been in public life and each year of public service formed just another page of an enviable record. As an attorney, he was a credit to the profession which he successfully followed; as a business man, his dealings were honorable and as a public servant, his administrations were untainted and upbuilding. Exceptional ability as an attorney brought early recognition by the judiciary as well as the general public and his keen mind and desire for justice called forth the respect and confidence of all. An ardent lover of live stock, Mr. Ely gave freely of his spare time to the buying and selling of horses and cattle, never allowing, however, this diversion to infringe upon his professional or judicial duties.

A public speaker of rare ability, Judge Ely was always found willling to serve on any program whereby a good cause might be furthered, regardless of what the occasion might be. Usefulness was woven into the fabric of his life and honor came deservedly through integrity and earnest endeaver. So may we briefly but sincerely survey the life which has been taken from our midst; thusly we pay in a feeble way, our respects to Clarence, our friend; but we with our community must bow to the inevitable and rejoice that we are not to be denied the memory of one who has brought honor to his home community, and because he lived and served, we have been enriched and inspired.

Clarence L. Ely, son of Mr. and Mrs. B. D. Ely, was born in Maquoketa April 10 1886, and has spent his entire life in his native city. He attended our high school, graduating with the class of 1903, after which he entered the law school of the State University of Iowa, completing his course with the class of 1908. In 1910, he received the appointment as secretary to the late Congressman I. W. Pepper, serving in this capacity until 1912, when he returned to this city, entering the law office of G. L. Johnson, where he laid the foundation of a very successful practice. In 1912 he was elected county attorney, serving as such for three consecutive terms, and it was during his regime that he acquired the reputation as being one of the shrewdest and able criminal lawyers in the state.

On November 27, 1913, he was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Hamilton of this city who is left to mourn the loss of a devoted husband. About six years ago Mr. Ely was nominated as a candidate for district judge to succeed the late A. J. House, and was eassily elected to this post of honor and which position he held until death. He was a member of the Jackson lodge, I. O. O. F., as well as the various civic bodies.

Although Judge Ely had suffered slight heart attacks during the past several days, he had remained actively at work and seemed to give the trouble but passing notice. On Monday evening he attended a meeting of the stockholders of the Iowa Electric company at Lakehurst and seemed to enjoy normal health until shortly after 11:00 o'clock when he complained of a pain around his heart. The trouble soon disappeared, however, and no anxiety was felt either by himself or his friends. After the session closed, several of the group decided to go to the A. A. Hurst home to enjoy a social hour before retiring, and within a few minutes after arrival, Mr. Ely was stricken with a severe heart attack and although a physcian was quickly on the scene, death had occurred before his arrival.

Judge Ely is survived by his wife and mother; three brothers, Claude, Deloss and Gordon; and two sisters, Mrs. J.A Schumb of Boston, Mass., and Mrs. Howard Myatt of near this city.

Funeral services will be held Thursday at 2:00 p.m. from the late home, Rev. J. A. Mullin officiating. Burial will be made in Sacred Heart Cemetery.

DEATH DATE: Only the year 1935 is noted on the clipping
SOURCE: Private collection of newspaper clippings