Hermon Clarke

         A STERLING CITIZEN.
   Death Claims Hermon Clarke, of
    Waterville, ex-County Clerk.

  Hermon Clarke, a prominent and
leading resident of Waterville and a
former county clerk of Oneida county,
passed away Thursday at his home on
Stafford avenue in that village, after
having been in failing health for some
time.  His long and useful life was
filled with many kind deeds and his
passing is sorely felt by all who had
the pleasure of his acquaintance.
  Mr. Clarke was born at Brookfield,
Madison county, October 26, 1837.  After
receiving a common school education
he worked at farming and then was
employed for three years in the William J.
Bissell's general store in Waterville.  In
August, 1862, Mr. Clarke enlisted as a
private in Company D, of the One
Hundred and Seventeenth New York
Volunteer Infantry, and served till
discharged June 27, 1865.  He partici-
pated in all but one of the engage-
ments of his regiment and had a good
record, having been made a lieutenant
before the close of the war.  Returning
to Waterville Mr. Clarke was engaged
in various pursuits until 1876, when he
entered the employ of Daniel Conger &
Son, one of the largest hop dealing
firms in the State.  He labored faith-
fully and diligently 26 years for this
concern and never lost a day's work
throughout this long period of one em-
ployment.
  In 1902 he received the Democratic
nomination for county clerk and was
elected.  He conducted the duties of
this office in a most satisfactory and
commendable manner, proving a com-
petent and honest public official.  Mr.
Clarke was a charter member of
Rowell Post, No. 23, G.A.R., and held
the office of commander during the
first five years of its organization.  He
was a charter member of the Oneida
County Veterans' Association and suc-
ceeded E.M. Clarke as secretary, a
position which he had since filled with
credit.  Mr. Clarke was also a member
of the One Hundred and Seventeenth
Regiment Veterans Association from
its formation and served it as presi-
dent for some time.  He was made a
Mason in Sanger Lodge, No. 129, F. &
A.M., and served it as secretary for
six or eight years.  He was a member
of Warren Chapter, No. 22, R.A.M.,
in which he had also been secretary. 
He also belonged to the Masonic Club
at Utica.
  In 1868 Mr. Clarke married Alice C.
Cleveland. She died in March, 1911.  He
leaves a brother, N.S. Clarke, and a
sister, Elizabeth M. Clarke, both of
Waterville.  The funeral will be held 
from the late home to-morrow after-
noon.