George Washington Clark (1893-1918)

CLARK, SWITZER, VOGT

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 5/17/2021 at 16:53:13

From Nevada Representative January 10, 1922 (page 1)

George W. Clark Buried Sunday

Body Returned from France and Services Held at Shipley Sunday

Funeral services were held last Sunday from the United Brethren church at Shipley for George W. Clark, who met his death while in the service of his country in France during the late world war. The body was returned from France last week, and he was given a military burial in the Ames cemetery by members of the Ames Post of the American Legion. Members of the R. O. T. C. at Iowa State College composed the firing squad. The funeral services were largely attended by ex-service men and old friends of Sergeant Clark.

George Washington Clark was born in New York City, February 22, 1893, and was killed near Verdun, December 8, 1918, by the accidental explosion of a hand grenade, age 25 years, 9 months and 16 days.

He came to Story county in March 1901, from the New York Orphans' home. He was adopted the following April by Mrs. Mary Switzer, where, with the exception of a few years, he made his home until the time of his enlistment in December, 1917.

On December 12, he enlisted with the ordnance department and was stationed at Camp Dodge for a time. The following February he sailed for France with Company C, Ordnance Depot battalion. In 1914 he attended Highland Park college and for a time until he was stricken with rheumatism and was forced to quit.

He was commended highly for his good work in the service, receiving two promotions during the year he served. He was sergeant with the First Army Ammunition and Artillery Park at the time of his death.

He was converted at a series of meetings held at Shipley in 1910. George was a most estimable young man, highly respected by his many friends and companions. His cheerful disposition made him a favorite and his bright smile is sadly missed by the family, who grew to love him as their own.

Besides his foster mother, there are two foster sisters and brothers, to mourn their loss, Sam and Ralph Switzer, Mrs. Geo. Vogt and Miss Elizabeth Switzer.