DEATH OF JOSEPH ADDISON CLARK

Idaho Register Friday September 22, 1905, Page 1

Yon rising moon that looks for us again.

How oft hereafter will she wax and wane:

How oft hereafter rising look for us.

Through this same garden—and for one in vain.

A finished life is something that all of wish for, but few attain. Not many men in this new country will leave when they die a life so well rounded and perfected as did Joseph A. Clark who left us Friday September 15, 1905. His death was but a step from one room to the next from the earthly life to the soul's life from a life of ceaseless activity to its reward rest.

Joseph Addison Clark came to Eagle Rock, now Idaho Falls, in the year 1885. The country was undeveloped and to a man of his fine energetic ability proved a fertile field for the many enterprises and undertakings with which he was afterwards connected.

All of the important canals and laterals south of the Dry Bed to below Idaho Falls, with the exception of the old Anderson canal, were constructed under his supervision. Among the greatest of these are the Farmers Progress system, the city canal which supplies water to Idaho Falls.

He has been before the public of Idaho Falls in different official capacities almost continuously since he first established his residence here, either being on the school board, or the town board. He was mayor of the city for three terms and during the last two terms of his office he was instrumental in building the city canal and establishing the municipal system of water works and the electric light plant. He was naturally bright and possessed a thorough education. His indomitable will made him a power over men, and he always accomplished what he set out to do. He never accepted defeat. He was never defeated at the polls for a town office. And while his political aspirations were never above local affairs, in 1892 in the cause of temperance, he allowed his name to head the state ticket as prohibition candidate for governor.

He was always an enthusiastic believer in the future greatness of this country from an agricultural standpoint. As an instance of his keen foresight: In the year 1890 Mr. Clark drove the writer over the route of the Idaho canal, then under construction. A short way below the city, where the land is somewhat rough, he turned and remarked, "You will see land become worth $50 an acre here; then this kind of land will be cultivated." He, himself, has lived to see the identical land worth $75 an acre and it has been under cultivation several years. At that time, however fifty-dollar land was thought by most people to be a long way off, if not entirely out of the question.

Mr. Clark leaves five sons to mourn his loss and emulate his example, and one daughter, Mrs. W. H. Holden of this city, besides a wife. His sons, Nathan H., Barzilla and Chase of Mackay, Worth David of Pocatello, and William of Howe, are all me of ability and of good habits and excellent moral caliber.

For two or three years past Mr. Clark had been a sufferer from Bright's Disease, which resulted in a paralytic stroke last fall and from that time till the end came, he was more or less helpless. Last winter he was taken to California, and he seemed better for a while, but it was of short duration. His brother, John Clark, and eminent physician of Indiana came out to see him, but the doctor pronounced the case hopeless.

The funeral services were held at the Presbyterian church, of which the deceased was a member, on Saturday afternoon, Rev. Dr. Hearst officiating. In speaking of the deceased Dr. Hearst said, "He has lived a life worthwhile." Volumes could not improve upon that short utterance, nor give a better resume of his well spent life. The City Council, in honor to his work as a public servant, attended the services in a body and accompanied the remains to the cemetery.

Had Mr. Clark lived till next December he would have been 78 years of age. He was a graduate of Earlham College, Richmond, Indiana.

Following are the resolutions adopted by the city council:

In Memoriam.

To the Honorable Mayor and Council of the city of Idaho Falls:

Your committee to whom was referred the duty of presenting resolutions in memory of our former mayor and fellow citizen Joseph A. Clark, respectfully submit the following:

Whereas, it has pleased Almighty God to call from this transitory life our beloved citizen, it becomes us to submit with befitting reverence to the dispensation of His wise providence, as we believe that His ordinations are for the best. In nature's course we are passing away. The closing scenes of his earthly career were passed in the company of his devoted wife and family, when his spirit was wafted home of eternal bliss; and

Whereas it is the desire of the mayor and city council to give expression to feelings of sorrow in this hour of bereavement, therefore, be it.

Resolved, that in the death of ex-Mayor Joseph A. Clark, the city of Idaho Falls has lost a true and earnest citizen and faithful worker for the public welfare, whose steadfast and faithful discharge of every duty have imbued all with sentiments of respect and admiration. We are inspired by his example; we mourn his loss; we cherish his memory. And be it further.

Resolved, that we unite our hearts and sympathies with his sorrow-stricken wife and family in their deep affliction. May they find consolation in the knowledge that death is but a transition from this to a better life. And be it further.

Resolved, that in token of respect, a copy of this resolution be entered upon the minutes of the council and a copy furnished to the family.

F.C. Bowman,

Jas. H. Wierman,

Louis Elg.

Committee

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