Albertus Clarke was born in Plainfield, New York, April 2, 1835, and died in Milton Junction, Wis., March 13, 1920, being eighty-four years, eleven months and eleven days old. Had he lived nineteen longer he would have been eighty-five. He was the fifth child in a family of eleven children born to Alvit and Sally Davis Clarke.
When he was but a boy attending DeRuyter Institute, New York, he was converted and was baptized and joined The First Brookfield S. D. B. church at Leonardsville, N. Y.
At twenty years of age, he moved with his family to Wisconsin and settled on a farm near Milton. About two years later he joined the Milton S. D. B. church where he held his membership until the Milton Junction S. D. B. church was constituted in 1875 at which time he became one of the constituent members. Here he held his membership the remainder of his life. He prized his fellowship with his brethren of the church and often grieved that ill health deprived him of its advantages and blessings. Shortly before he died, he told how he would sit on the Sabbath morning at his kitchen window where he could hear the church bell ring and watch the people assembling for worship and in spirit go with them to the service.
March 19, 1860 he was united in marriage to Miss Barbara Barnheart, who has been his faithful companion throughout life. To them was born one child, Ella, who died in 1914. It will be noticed that had Mr. Clarke lived until the 19th of this month they would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. He leaves besides his widow, five grandchildren and other relatives and friends to mourn his loss.
Mr. Clarke was an honest and industrious citizen, interested in moral uplift of the community. He was faithful husband, kind, and thoughtful in the home and provided well for those dependent upon him. A resident of the community for the most of his long life, he had a large circle of friends and acquaintances, who will join in extending sympathy to the widow and family.
Funeral services were conducted Monday afternoon from his late home by his pastor assisted by Rev. George W. Burdick and the Rev. H. N. Jordan, former pastors. Music was furnished by a mixed quartet consisting of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Burdick, Mrs. Edward Hull and E. M. Holston. The body was laid to rest in the Milton Cemetery in the family lot.
