Orville G. Clarke, son of Decatur M. and Maria Green Clarke, was born in Independence, N. Y., on the farm where he has since resided, July 20, 1843, and died of Bright's Disease and heart trouble, March 11, 1926.
He attended the public schools and for a time at Alfred Academy.
August 13, 1862, he enlisted in the 130th New York Volunteers, which later was known as the First New York Dragoons. He was discharged June 30, 1865, having served for almost three years with his regiment in some forty major and minor engagements of the Virginia campaigns; including Culpepper Court House, Spotsylvania, Gold Harbor, Winchester, Cedar Creek, Five Forks, and Appomattox.
May 10, 1870, he was married to Miss Alice Briggs. To them were born three children, George M., who died in 1902, Mrs. Carrie M. Slade of Albany, N. Y., and Floyd C. of Independence, who with the companion of more than a half century survive and were privileged to be with him in his last days. He is survived also by two grandsons, Clarke W. Slade of Mercersburg, Pa., and Decatur M. Clarke of Independence, and two half brothers, Herbert M. Clarke of Independence, and Frank S. Clarke of Andover, N. Y., and a large circle of relatives and friends.
A kind and genial friend and neighbor, generous and forgiving with others' faults, and ever willing to help as he was able, he will be greatly missed in the community in which he has lived so long. Farewell services were held in the Seventh Day Baptist church at Independence, Sunday, March 14, conducted by Rev. W. L. Greene. Interment at Independence.
W. L. G.
