Obituary (January 8)

Ethan Clarke
Oxford Times, February 11, 1857

In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on Sunday evening last, Ethan Clarke, Esq., aged 67 years , 10 months and 8 days.  Mr. Clarke was born in Hopkinton, Rhode Island, and at an early age removed with his father to Brookfield, Madison County, N.Y., where he remained until the Spring of 1821, when he came to Oxford, and has since resided here.  Mr. Clarke was in usual health on Sunday morning, attended Church in the forenoon and returned therefrom exhibiting so far as could be, or was perceived by his family, no signs of the near approach of death--Owing to the sudden rise of the River, the guard bank to the feeder of the Canal, a short distance above the village, commenced giving away about 2 o'clock, P.M., on Sunday, and it was thought best to remove a quantity of flour from the cellar of the storehouse owned by the deceased, and occupied by the firm of J.W. Clarke & Co., of which firm he was a member.  Mr. Clarke with his usual activity and energy, repaired to the storehouse to assist as far as he was able in securing the property.  He was found a few minutes before 3 o'clock, lying between the wall of the storehouse cellar and a cask standing in the cellar, in an insensible state; and was forthwith removed to his dwelling a few rods distant.  His physicians discovered that he had been attacked with a violent fit of apoplexy, in which he remained entirely insensible until about half-past 5 o'clock, when mortality became swallowed up in immortality.  Thus has passed away another of that band of old men, and early citizens of our village who early became identified with its interests, shared and gloried in its prosperity, who will be remembered by the monuments they have reared by their indomitable energy and activity. The works they have left are their best praise, their best eulogy the long continued and uninterrupted respect and affection of our citizens.  Among this band none more conspicuous none more respected, none more deserving than Mr. Clarke.  Always ready and willing to aid with his means, by his counsel and advice, and by his labor in the advancement of all public interests and public improvements, no one has been or will be more missed, no one whose absence will create a greater void.  He was emphatically a useful man,--useful to our village as a public spirited and energetic man,--useful in promoting the good and welfare of society--useful in advancing the prosperity of our schools, and of the Academy of which he was for many years a valuable an efficient trustee, useful in his labor in the giving of his means in his life and his example in building up, sustaining and upholding the church.  With him

 

"Life was real; life was earnest,

And the grave was not its goal."

He fully believed that

"Dust thou art, to dust returned,

Was not spoken of the soul."

 

And though middle age had passed over Mr. C. ere they were sung, how perfectly in him were exemplified those other words of the poet--

"Act--act in the living Present!!

Heart within, and God o're head."

 

His funeral will be attended at his late residence, on Thursday, at 2 o'clock, P.M.



Hon. Dwight H. Clarke
March 2, 1819 - April 17, 1874

 

Judge Clarke died on Friday evening last, at the St. James Hotel in Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], where he had boarded for several years.  He was a son of the late Ethan Clarke, who during a long life was largely identified with the growth and prosperity of the village of Oxford.  Deceased was a brother of Peter W. Clarke, Esq., of this village, and was fifty-five years of age at the time of his death.  We copy from the Oxford Times the following tribute to his memory:  "Judge Clarke on completing his preparatory education, entered the law office of the late James Clapp, Esq., as a student.  At that time the study of the law was far more of an undertaking than it has been of more recent years.  Fitness and aptitude seemed then to be more regarded, and the length of time required to complete a preparation for admission to the bar was much longer than it has been in later times, and more thoroughness in preparation was rigidly required.  It was under the stern discipline existing more than thirty years ago, that Judge Clarke pursued his legal studies and was admitted as an Attorney and Counselor at Law.  Soon after his admission he commenced the practice of his profession with success, in this village, where he has continued to reside until his decease.  His was eminently a legal mind, and by its early cultivation and careful training was well fitted to give its possessor that high rank in the profession which he occupied for many years.  The citizens of this county recognizing his ability, in 1850 made him District Attorney, which office he held for three years, and in 1855 he was elected County Judge.  After a trial of four years in this highly responsible office, he was re-elected in 1859 and continued to discharge its duties until the close of December, 1863, a period of eight years.  In these responsible positions all bore witness to his entire capacity and every one conceded his eminent ability and integrity.  After his retirement from the bench Judge Clarke resumed the practice of the law, and continued therein successfully until the close of his life.  It was, however, in the social and family circle that he was most prized and cherished.  Possessing an easy and amiable temper, a kind and gentle nature, he drew around him friends, devoted friends and admirers from all classes.  Every one found him at all times affable and cheerful, and prepared to enter into their feelings and make himself their friend and their counselor.  In his own family, none more affable and pleasant, none more gentle and kind.  Free hearted and generous to a fault, he was bound to them by ties of no ordinary character, by those ties of love and affection with which few men are able to bind others to them.  In their bereavement they have the deep and heartfelt sympathy of the entire community."  [Buried Riverview Cemetery, Oxford, NY]

Eliza Clark

Afton Enterprise, October 9, 1913

Mrs. Eliza Clark passed away last Monday night, after being in ill health for a long time.  She is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Wm. Shellman and Mrs. M.W. Fisher of this place (North Afton) and two sons, Roger Clark of Franklin and George Whitlock of Deposit.

Charles W. Clark

The Norwich Sun, December 17, 1923

Charles W. Clark, aged 65 years died at the county almshouse, Preston [Chenango Co.. NY], early Monday morning.  Funeral services will be held Tuesday morning at 11 o'clock at the funeral parlors of Lawrence & Devine, the Rev. J.H. MacConnell officiating.  Burial will be made in Sidney Center [Delaware Co., NY].  Mr. Clark was a former resident of Afton [Chenango Co., NY].  He had been at the county farm three years.  He leaves a brother, Geo. Clark, of Sidney Center. 

Death Notices

Chenango American, Greene, NY, December 12, 1878

BINGHAM;  In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 1st, Mrs. M. Eliza, wife of W.H. Bingham, aged 35 years, 4 months.

OLMSTEAD:  In Triangle [Broome Co., NY], Dec. 6th, Mr. Luman Olmstead, aged 67 years.

WOODWARD:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 2d, Mrs. Elmina Woodward, aged 66 years.

MEECH:  In Chicago, Nov. 30th, Mrs. Addie Meech, formerly of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY].

KENNEDY:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 1st, Mr. Cornelius Kennedy, aged 79 years.

HAMILTON:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 12th, Mr. Henry Hamilton, aged 70 years.

CLARK:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY],  Nov. 29th, Mrs. Louisa S., wife of Luman B. Clark, aged 40 years.

PURDY:  In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], Dec.  10th, Mrs. A. Purdy, wife of Joseph Purdy, aged 70 years.  Funeral at her late residence on Thursday at 12 o'clock.