Robert Lee Clarke 1838-1900

CLARKE, YEAGER, WELLS, MANNING, HORNER

Posted By: Volunteer - Barbara Evans
Date: 4/14/2013 at 18:56:17

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obit Book C, page 3, Keosauqua Public Library; Keosauqua, IA

The death of Robert Lee Clarke occurred at the family residence in Des Moines, early Wednesday morning, February 7, 1900. Although he had been in declining health for the past six months, a sufferer from a complication of heart and kidney troubles, yet he was only confined to his bed five days, and his sudden death was a dreadful shock to the unsuspecting family. The blow fell with keener force because this is the first broken link in the family circle, and the vacant chair is a constant reminder of their great loss. Mr. Clarke was born in Streetsboro, Portage county, Ohio, April 2, 1838, and with his parents settled in Van Buren county, Iowa, about 1855. He was united in marriage to Miss Jane Yeager, November 30, 1858, in Vernon, Iowa, and the family residence then is the Methodist church of the present time. Gifted with a fine presence and superior musical attainments, he was the central figure of interest in church choirs, whenever he consented to sing. Only a few days before his death he joined his family in the rendition of favorite hymns, and at the request of his invalid daughter Carrie, sang “Rocked in the Cradle of the Deep,” a song which Bentonsport friends will remember as his favorite. He held many positions of honor and trust, being treasurer of Van Buren county for three successive terms. In 1880 he moved to Des Moines and accepted the position of private secretary to Governor Buren R. Sherman, which he filled with admirable ability. He also served several months in the same capacity for Governor Larrabee at the beginning of his first term. He was a prominent Mason and held nearly every office in lodge, Chapter and Consistory. His first initiaton[sic] as a Mason occurred in the lodge at Bentonsport in 1864, and he was afterwards the Master for eleven years. He was one of the organizers of the National Masonic Accident Association, and until rscently[sic] its president. In religion he was a Congregationalist and in politics always a Republlcan[sic]. Popular and genial in social circles, yet he was seen and known at the best advantage in the social home life, where kindness and love reigned supreme. He is survived by a wife and six daughters: Miss Carrie A. Clarke, Mrs. Ella Wells, Mrs. Libbie Manning, Mrs. Gertie Horner, Miss Le Ora Clarke and Madge Clarke - all of whom were present at the funeral obsequies, as were the grandchildren, Le Ora Manning, of Lake City, Minnesota; Clarke Wells, Hazel and Helen Horner, of Des Moines. One brother George R. Clarke, of Ohio, was also present, as were all the sons-in-law, and F.W. Hunt of Chicago. Funeral services were held at the family residence at three o’clock, Friday afternoon, under the Masonic auspices, assisted by Rev. A.L. Frisbie, of the Congregational church, and Rev. J. Everest Cathell, Rector of the Episcopal church. Two favorite selections were sung, “Abide with Me,” by a quartette, and “Asleep in Jesus,” a solo, by a family friend, W.E. Brown. The casket was covered with the beautiful floral tributes from friends and fraternal societies. Accompanying the white Masonic apron, were floral designs of compass and square. Interment was in the Woodland cemetery- the first mound in the family lot. The deepest sympathy is extended to the afflicted family, but the tenderest expressions are bestowed upon the afflicted daughter Carrie, who is overwhelmed with a sense of her great loss, yet strengthened by the thought that,

“Life is ever Lord of Death,

And Love can never lose its own.”