Springville Independent
Thursday, November 25, 1897

One of the most startling and deplorable occurrences in the city's history was the accidental shooting of Marshal S. E. Clark last Thursday evening at the City Hall. From the day of the accident to the day of its fatal termination, public interest and sympathy were excited to the utmost, and every move toward preserving Clark's life was closely and hopefully watched. The news Monday morning that there was no more hope was received with pangs of regret by everyone.

Last Thursday evening about 8 o'clock Marshal Clark, Joe Whitehead and James Whitmore met at the Marshal's office in the City Hall by appointment. Whitmore and Whitehead having been deputized for that night to try to capture the tramps who robbed the car at R. G. W. depot the night before. They were fixing up their pistols preparatory to going out, when Whitmore's gun was discharged in some unknown manner as he was in the act of placing it in his hip pocket. The bullet, a 32 caliber one, struck Clark, who was standing just in front of Whitmore, the ball entering the abdomen three or four inches below and an inch and a half to the right of the navel.

Medical assistance was at once obtained, Dr. Dunn and Peterson being brought to the hall, and Clark was taken to his home. The wound proving to be very serious character, Dr. Taylor of Provo was also summoned. When he arrived a consultation was held and it was decided that an operation would be necessary in order to save the life. Preparations were made to perform the operation here, and Dr. Richards of Salt Lake was telegraphed for. Richards came down on the early morning train, and by his advice Clark was taken to the St. Mary's Hospital at Salt Lake on the next train, where the operation was performed, two hours and forty minutes being the time occupied. Seven inches of the small intestine were removed, but the bullet was not located.

Clark went through he operation fairly well, and for a day or so it looked as if his gallant fight against death would be successful, but on Sunday night at about 7 o'clock an adverse message was received. At half past three Monday afternoon word was received that he had quietly passed to the great beyond. A post mortem examination was made, conducted by Dr. Richards.

It was found that the ball from Whitmore's pistol, which entered below and to the left of the navel, had been deflected downward, piercing the small intestine twice in it course. The operation, which was performed Friday, that of removing a portions of the small intestine, was found to be healed up and in good condition. The ball was found embedded in the lower part of the backbone. Death is said to have been due to exhaustion, as Clark lost much blood before being brought to Salt Lake and was in no condition to take nourishment.

The corpse was prepared for burial by Undertaker Taylor of Salt Lake, and sent down on the nine o'clock train Monday night. The funeral services were commenced at L.D.S meeting house Tuesday at two o'clock and lasted until four o'clock. The funeral was the largest ever witnessed in Springville. The meeting house was not large enough to accommodate the large crowd that gathered to pay a last tribute of respect to the deceased. Every bit of available space in the building was occupied and a large number were force to stand on the outside or retire to their homes. All the business houses closed their doors at noon and draped them until after the funeral services were over. The district schools also closed at noon and the pupils and teacher, some 500 strong, marched down to the meeting house in a body to attend the funeral. The members of the Rifle Club, of which organization Marshal Clark was an enthusiastic member, acted as pall bearers. The Mayor and most of the City officers lead the funeral processing from the house of the deceased to the meeting house.

The funeral was conducted by Bishop Harmer of the Second Ward, and the funeral Oration was delivered, by special request of Mr. Clark, by Mayor-elect James E. Hall. Elder B.T. Blanchard also made a short talk by the request of the bereaved family. At the close of the services the funeral procession formed in line and wended its way to the Evergreen Cemetery where the deceased was laid to rest.

Silas Edwin Clark was born January 20, 1854 in Appanoose County, Iowa, and came to Utah with his parents in the year 1864, settling in Springville, where he has ever since resided. He leaves a wife and family of nine children, two of whom are married. He has one child dead.

In the death of Marshal Clark, Springville loses a good and conscientious officer. He met death with the greatest courage, his only regret at dying was that he had to leave his family unprovided for, his children without a father, and his wife without a bread winner.

While the accident which cost Clark his life is very deplorable, no blame can be attached to the person who was the unwilling instrument, as it is one of the accidents which happens with no one to blame in the cast, and the sympathy of the people goes toward the unfortunate young man.