^Vi^ mrmm i isn Digitized by tine Internet Arcliive in 2010 witli funding from CARLI: Consortium of Academic and Researcli Libraries in Illinois http://www.archive.org/details/inmemoriamjohnvaOOchic Clarke jMemoml In jMcmomm 'John Taugban Clarke Bom in Chicagot October fifteenth, eighteen sixty-two Died in Chicago, May thirty-first, nineteen eleven Chicago privately printed MCJMXII jfobn Vaugban Clarke was bred in the envtromnent of bis own life's worh, surrounded by tbose burdened with tbe responsibility of a great banking institution. Re was bom October 15, 1862. Ris honored father, bearing the same name, was the founder of Che Bibemian Banking Hssocia- tion, and instilled in his son all the high qualities and businesslike characteristics which he himself possessed. Hfter he had graduated from the Chicago public schools, '^fohn Taughan Clarke attended St. Ignatius College and then Barnes Hcademy. In his eighteenth year our late associate entered the bank as a messenger, and from then on he worked in every branch and quali- fied in each department, until upon the death of his father, in 1892 he was elected his successor as presi- dent. 6ach promotion, however, was earned by honest endeavor and application to his duties, favoritism did not procure his rapid advance in the Bank, but his sterling ability and faithfulness carried him forward to the high position which he finally achieved. Hll who watched the exceptionally intelligent diligence with which the young man fairly earned each advance- ment accord him this praise. In jMemoriam Bie unusual efficiency was not, however, measured by his ability as a banher only, but was augmented by many accomplishments, which he had quietly acquired* In his worh in the Banh he soon saw the need of some legal hnowledge to mahe more thorough his training as a banher* Hlthough he never tooh a bar examina- tion, by utilizing the spare time after hard worh in the Banh, he obtained a surprisingly good knowledge of banking law, equal to many who specialized in that worh only. Ris acquirements in that direction, and the high ambition which it reflected, won him not only universal respect, but also the admiration of attorneys with whom he came in contact, and who were bound to realize and were astonished at the high degree of his legal attainments. Ofohn Taughan Clarke's studies and his bank duties did not, however, shut him off from pleasures and recreations, or deprive him of companionship with his fellows, and from mingling in social affairs, ^ith his accomplishments and knowledge he combined great modesty, the best proof of which was the numerous friends he drew about him, and who were proud to have a comrade so true and loyaL Once his confidence was gained he never wavered as a friend. "Chose who were fortunate enough to have acquired his friendship, loved him for his bigheartedness and 'John Yaugban Clarhe htndmsd^ as did also all who knew htm or knew of htm. Chcre was a prtmtttw honesty, a gentle open- ness in his nature which silently conveyed an impression of deep-rooted goodness. Be was the last to speak of his acts of personal benevolences, but they were many and constant. Bis name and aid were sought by and were granted to many public and private institutions of philanthropic worh, without ostentation or appearance of pose. Be did the thing itself, disdaining to be pictured in the doing of it. In fact, his charm of true modesty shone equally in his public, professional and private life. **6ood deeds the chosen work he wrought, Sweet thoughts most highly prized, ]Hor power nor fame by him was sought, ]Hor humble things despised.^' Reared with a healthy body as well as mind, "jfchn Taughan Clarhe as a boy enjoyed all Hmerican sports and later relaxed his mind from the cares of business and relieved himself from the whirl of the city life by occasional trips to the country. Chere he found natural relief and pleasure in the fresh country air and healthy recreation as a fisherman in some quiet stream. Be soon became an ardent angler and roaming amidst the quiet charm of the woods he acquired great shill as a [3] Xn IMemortani hunter and ttiarhsmaiu RctuMitng to the city with his mind and body refreshed and inspired by the noble impressions from nature, his energy was stimulated to accomplish higher aims and his mind was embol- dened to face every problem, Hs a member of sex>eral clubs, for good fellowship was natural to him, his refined sociability placed him in the high esteem of his fellow club members. But 5ohn Taughan Clarhe not only valued the club as a utility, but enjoyed it to the fiiU on occasion. Hs a citizen he was in the true sense broad minded and public spirited. F)e tooh a deeper and more active interest in public questions and movements than his quiet manner conveyed to those who did not hnow him welU Bis sterling qualities stood every test, or he would not so cordially have been honored and weighted with offices involving real duties and bringing no emoluments. Hgain, the virtue of honest modesty veiled much zealous activity. Be thought out each problem as it arose, decided on his course of action, and pursued it with steadfast eye regardless of the petty manoeuvres that too often degrade the science of politics to a mere game of policy. Be was as true an Hmerican as he was devoted to his religion. Both were to him mental stimulants [41 7ohii Taughan Clarhe which enabled him to strive for great achievettienta and noble deeds. Religion was a shield for him against vice, falsehood and flattery, and patriotism gave him the strength to fight for all his ideals and to reach the zenith of his ambition. 7ohn Taughan Clarke married Bertha Bnglish at Columbus, Ohio in 1889. CClhoever was fortunate enough to have a glance at him, reveling in the sweeter delights of the home fireside, got a true picture of the real man. Chere was the devoted husband enjoying the blessings of a happy home and the love of the one dearest to his heart, ^bcvc lay the real strength, the real root of all the good qualities and great achieve- ments which forced us to admire his public life. Cdc who hnew him in his life, who loved him as our dear friend, who respected him as our honored acquaintance, will cherish his memory for all time. Ris life stands for all eternity, a monument which neither time nor storm can destroy. [5] Cribute to the inemoi'y of jfobn Vaugban Clarke In JVIetnoriam Resolution passed by the Chicago Clearing F>ou8e Hssociatton at a special meeting held on May 31, 1911. X^ributc to the nwinory of jfobn Vaugban Clarhc Che mcTtibers of the Chicago Cleanup r>ou9c Hsso- ciatton, in special meetincf assembledt desire to expi*ess their deep regret at the sudden death of their esteemed associate, ^ohn Taughan Clarke, and to record their high appreciation of his worthy life and character. "^fohn Taughan Clarke was bom in Chicago, October 1 5, 1 862, and his entire life has been spent in this city. Ht the age of 18 he entered the Bibemian Banking Hssociation, of which his father was founder and president, and step by step he won his way until on the death of his father in 1 892, he was fully prepared to succeed him. Cinder his administration the bank has steadily increased in the size of its business and in its importance to the financial interests of Chicago. [81 'John Taughan Clarke JMr. Clarhe^s budincsa ability, foresight and judgmetit were rcmarhablc, while his business standard was that of integrity and square dealing, his character was marhed by self-reliance, honesty, firmness and courtesy, which won him success in his profession, and the admiration and respect of his associates. ebard 'Julius Kessler Hdolpb Kurz Oavtd R. Lewis Robert R» ^Icel•w>ec everett R. Mcf adden lobn VOL Mac 6eagb 3obn p. Murpby KiTiTicy Smitb Oailltam H. 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