Lucy Esther Clarke, daughter of David and Sarah (Green) Gardiner, was born in Little Genesee, N. Y., February 27, 1846, and died at her home in Hammond, La., May 24, 1927, aged 81 years, 2 months, and 27 days.
December 16, 1865, she was united in marriage with Paul B. Clarke at Nile, N. Y. At the close of the Civil War many veterans after their discharge, sought home in the West. Brother Clarke was of this number, and brought his young bride to Farina, Ill., where they were identified with the development with the new town and adjacent country, residing there, save for a few years back to New York State caring for his father, till 1888., when they, with a group of friends, desiring a milder climate, removed to Hammond. Here they purchased the property on Holly Street and established a home for the remainder of their lives. Since Mr. Clarke's death March 25, 1914, their son Charles G. has dutifully kept up the home, making every provision for the comfort and home life of his mother.
Sister Clarke was a member of a prominent Seventh Day Baptist family - Rev. Theodore L. Gardiner, D. D., editor of the Sabbath Recorder; Mrs. Sarah G. Davis, widow of the late David H. Davis, D. D., missionary to China; Mrs. Myrtie Rogers, all of Plainfield, N. J.; Eva, wife of Rev. Henry N. Jordan, Battle Creek, Mich.; Dea. Charles R. Gardiner, Alfred, N. Y.; and Louisa, deceased, wife of the late Rev. Horace Stillman of Rhode Island.
Her own family were: Flora, deceased, wife of W. M. Smith of Farina, Ill.; Mrs. Hattie C. June, Mrs. Martha G. Sawyer, Charles G. Clarke, of Hammond, all of whom have devotedly ministered to their mother during her long illness.
All her life she has been a faithful Christian, beginning in the home church among the beautiful hills of Western New York, and continuing as a promoter in establishing the Farina Church, and later becoming a constituent member of the Hammond Church.
Everywhere she has been helpful in every way. She is honored by her church, appreciated by her friends, loved by her family. She is garnered, a priceless sheaf - in ripe old age - leaving precious memories, worthy friendships, a notable example. Though we mourn her loss, we can look up through our tears and thank God that he gave us such an one to be part of our lives. The hope of heaven is made more desirable now that she has preceded us on the heavenly journey. Simple services were conducted at the home by her pastor, Rev. L. D. Seager, assisted by her former pastor, Rev. S. S. Powell, and her body was laid to rest beside that of her husband in the Hammond cemetery. L. D. S.
