Clark, Major George W. 1844-1885

CLARK

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes
Date: 1/23/2014 at 17:48:53

The Grinnell (IA) Herald
Feb 17, 1885

DIED.

CLARK--In this city, Feb. 14th, 1885, of chronic bronchitis, complicated with asthma and kidney complaint, Major George W. Clark, aged 40 years.

Major Clark was born in Watertown, N.Y., Sept. 22, 1844, and has been a resident of Grinnell for more than a decade of years. As a skillful and reliable workman as a stone mason, he has, until recently, been prominently identified in the building up of this city. He was a member of several lodges and societies, always taking an active part in everything pertaining to their welfare, and his fidelity and zeal in this respect was a prominent characteristic of the man. The Major was an old soldier, having formerly belonged to Co. M, 5th N.Y. Heavy Artillery, and being the drum-major of the regiment. His skill as a drummer was something marvelous, and he was recognized as the champion drummer of the Army of the Potomac, having won several testimonials entitling him to be ranked as such. At army reunions and gatherings of the kind where martial music is a chief requisite, the Major was always in great demand, and at Chicago, Denver, and other large cities throughout the country, the Major and his drum have been prominent features in many a notable gathering. His last illness, the result of a complication of diseases, had extended over a period of many months, but the trying ordeal was borne with cheerfulness, fortitude and resignation. A worthy and deserving man has gone to his reward, and friends, neighbors and acquaintances unite with his family in mourning the departure of him who was a genial companion and true friend. The funeral occurs this afternoon at two o'clock in the Stone church. The services will be conducted by Hermon Lodge of the masonic fraternity, of which the deceased had been a prominent member for many years, and the remains will be followed to their last resting place by an escort of Knights Templar, Odd Fellows, Grand Army comrades, United Workmen, and other organizations, with which the deceased had also been prominently identified.