Las Vegas Age, January 1, 2004, Clark County, Nevada Copyright © 2003 Gerry Perry This copy contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives. ************************************************************************ USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgwarchives.net ************************************************************************ LAS VEGAS AGE 12/11/1915 CITY FILLED WITH SORROW FRANK A. CLARK KILLS HIMSELF DURING FIT OF DESPONDENCY WEDNESDAY MORNING Wednesday morning the dead body of Frank A. CLARK was found by Stebe {Steve?} DEVERELL, in one of the warehouses of the Ed. W. CLARK Forwarding Company. In an incredibly short time the news spread over the city and a large number of citizens gathered at the scene of the tragedy. Coroner W. H. HARKINS impaneled a jury, consisting of Geo. SWADENER, F. E. MITZDORF, Harley A. HARMON, O. D. HICKS, M. I. NEWKIRK and Dr. A. F. GILL. An examination of the body revealed a gunshot wound in the left breast, the bullet having passed directly through the heart, causing instant death. About three feet from the body was found a .45 calibre revolver with one chamber empty. In a pocket was found a short note of farewell, written on a rough piece of wrapping paper. The jury rendered a verdict that the deceased came to his death by a gunshot wound inflicted by himself. "'Tis the wink of an eye, but the draught of breath. From the fullness of Lite to the paleness of death; From the gilded salon to the bier and the shroud. Oh why should the spirit of mortal be proud?" Never have the people of Las Vegas been plunged into deeper sorrow than by the untimely death of our friend and companion of the years past, Frank A. CLARK. But the evening before, he presided at the meeting of the Chamber of Commerce, after which he sat with his friends and neighbors, happy and in good spirits apparently, partaking of the luncheon furnished by his wife and the women who came to discuss with us particularly the community Christmas tree. And the most enthusiastic among all in the hope of making this a most happy Christmas for the community, was Frank CLARK. Gentle and kindly as always, he gave helpful encouragement for the work. And the very spirit of Christmas cheer was in the air when the gathering broke up and the good nights were said and he went his way to his pleasant home with his wife happily clinging to his arm. But, beneath the surface there was trouble in his soul. Deep must have been the dark pool of despair in which he was sinking and none can ever know what vain regrets what grief and disappointment, what bitter self accusing--what sorrow for his loved ones, swept over him as he made the dread decision to end his life. When he arose in the morning, he kissed his wife goodbye. Then he came back and kissed her again. She saw his distress and asked the trouble. He replied, "There is no gas this morning and everybody will blame me for it," referring to the trouble he had been having in operating the gas plant, of which he was manager. He went to the store, and took from a drawer the revolver kept there and quietly went his way to the place he had chosen in which to meet death. At ten minutes before eight a woman living near heard a noise like a shot and looked out of doors. At nine o'clock the body, still warm, was found. Frank Aloysius CLARK was born in San Jose, Cal., May 29, 1869, and was 46 years of age at the time of his death. His younger days were spent in Pioche, where the family lived for some years. When the Salt Lake road began to build through this country, Frank was associated with his brother, Ed., in the forwarding business and in 1905 they established themselves in this city. June 30, 1905, his great happiness came into his life when he married Miss Minnie MARTY, at Tonopah, the Rev. Lloyd B. THOMAS, who spent last week in this city, officiating. Mr. and Mrs. CLARK came to Vegas after a short honeymoon in California, and established a home in which they lived happily. Frank took a very active part in the campaign for county division and in all public matters he has been active and optimistic. He has been first vice president of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce for several years and has taken a very active part in the activities of that body, presiding over its meeting only the evening before his life ended. For two or three years past he has been manager of the gas company, having been instrumental in bringing that helpful enterprise to Vegas. It was probably the troubles and annoyances which often arise out of this business which drove him to end his life. The body was taken to Salt Lake on {illegible} Wednesday night, accompanied by Mrs. CLARK, the widow; Ed. W. CLARK, a brother; Harold CLARK, nephew, Miss Marie THOMAS and Walter E. BRACKEN. At Caliente they were joined by Angelo CLARK of Pioche, another brother. The deceased leaves, besides his widow, his brothers, Ed and Angelo CLARK, a sister, Mrs. Georgia FOULKS of Salt Lake, and two half-brothers, Judge Clarence MC FADDEN of Ely and Fred MC FADDEN of Salt Lake. Our hearts are full of grief as we say goodbye, farewell to the man. He had endeared himself to us all by his happy disposition and kindly ways. The cry of distress never found his ears deaf, and when there was need, his hand was always the first to offer aid. Sleep, kindly soul, in peace. May thy tired feet find rest, and on the Resurrection morn may all be well with thee, the past forgot, the loved ones with thee there, this is our prayer.