SHORT HISTORY OF LIFE OF JOHN ALEXANDER CLARK

(taken from a letter written by Heber D. Clark, Feb. 21st, 1978, in Bountiful, Utah, for the Clark Family Newsletter)

John Alexander Clark was a great strength in his Mother’s house as his oldest brother, Seyour Thompson, met with a severe accident in falling about ten feet and landing on his head, resulting with water on his brain. He was never normal after.

John was a happy young man. He had the love and complete confidence of everyone. At Georgetown with the yearly drive from Farmington, John was a main hand. There too, he was ready to assist his older brother Hyrum in helping to drive his livestock on to Star Valley in his move from Oakley, Idaho, in the early spring of 1888. He and a hired man enjoyed the outing and were quite charmed with the lovely Sarah Lehmburg whom they met near the Clark Homestead in Star Valley. Sarah’s last husband was David Woodruff, son of President Wilford Woodruff. She had a great personality.

John Alexander Clark, born 28 February, 1871, left for his mission to Turkey and Palestine in early February 1894. He was 23 years old. At Haifa he took black smallpox. It was a dreaded disease. In New York City I met an Armenian who said, “Elder John A. Clark died in my house.” As I recall this man’s name was Kaza or Cazarian. He said that John was a most faithful missionary. The people lodged him upstairs. He became delirious and walked the floor almost constantly. He was given an L.D.S. burial near Elder Haigg. [his missionary companion who also died close to the same time, of smallpox] His grave, near the foot of Mount Carmel, is being visited by several of the Ezra T. Clark Family. Some members have entertained a desire to have John A.’s body shipped to Farmington, but President David O. McKay advised us to lease it in Palestine where it will bear sacred testimony of the faith and integrity of a noble son of God, for we are each and all His Sons and Daughters. My, how we need to think of this as we conduct ourselves.

Ezra T. Clark felt badly that he could not bring the body home, so he sent money to Palestine for monuments to be placed on John’s and Elder Haigg’s graves. Elder Haigg’s parents were too poor to do such a thing.

Dear Clark Members: How we need to remember who we are every day we live. Pease accept my Love and Devotion as you face Life’s tests and problems.

(signed) Sincerely your fellow and friend always, Heber D. Clark