HON. JOHN RAY CLARK, OF BINGHAMTON.

A PROMINENT RESIDENT WHOSE DEATH THE PARLOR CITY MOURNS.

   BINGHAMTON, Aug. 22. - The startling news reached Binghamton Wednesday noon by telegraph from Narragansett Pier, R. I., that one of Binghamton's distinguished fellow citizens, Hon. John Ray Clark, had suddenly expired.  The announcement could hardly be credited.

   Two weeks ago he left the city with his wife, his daughter, Mrs. Charles M. Stone, and Mr. Stone for a pleasure trip to Narragansett.  Mr. Clark did not complain of being ill, but was in the best of spirits.  Last Saturday, however, he remarked to Mr. Stone of being a little under the weather and he was finally persuaded to consult a physician who prescribed for him.  The following day Mr. Stone [Mr. Clark] felt considerably better and Wednesday morning went in bathing.  After being in the water for a short time he began to get dizzy and concluded to abandon the bath.  A physician was again sent for, but before he arrived, Mr. Stone [Mr. Clark] expired surrounded by his family.  His death, it is claimed, was caused by a stroke of apoplexy.  The deceased, who was 62 years of age, was born at Oxford, Chenango county, in 1822.  While a young man he showed much business ability and for some years was identified with the business interests of that place.  During the year 1875, he, with his family, removed to this city and with Thomas Shea and George Meacham opened a wholesale hat and cap establishment.

   Three years later he purchased the interests of his partners and also bought out R. H. Spendley in the same line of trade, who was then located at No. 75 Court Street.  Mr. Clark continued business at the old stand until about two months ago, when he took possession of a handsome new four story brick and stone building which he built at the corner of Henry street and Commercial avenue.  He was one of the largest wholesalers of hats and caps in the southern tier and was doing a large and extensive business.  Mr. Clark soon after removing to this city became identified with Christ Church and remained with that house of worship until a few years ago when he with several others was instrumental in establishing Trinity Church and was serving as the senior warden of the society.  He was the president of the Binghamton Board of Trade and has done much to promote the business interests of Binghamton.  Among other offices he held was president of the Security Mutual Life Insurance Association and he was also a prominent Mason.  Mr. Clark was an honored and upright citizen and his death will be a severe blow to Binghamton.  The Board of Trade held a special meeting Wednesday evening, and appointed a committee to draft resolutions of respect to his memory and the chair, which he so long occupied during the meetings, has been draped in mourning.  The remains arrived in this city Thursday afternoon, and were met at the depot by a large number of prominent citizens and members of the Board of Trade.

   Mr. Clark, besides his wife, leaves a brother, F. G. Clark, of Oxford, and a daughter, Mrs. Charles M. Stone, of this city.  The funeral will occur Saturday morning, at 11 o'clock, from Trinity Church.

NOTE:  THERE WAS AN ERROR IN IDENTIFYING MR. STONE AS MR. CLARK.  I TYPED THE ARTICLE AS PRINTED, BUT ADDED MR. CLARK IN BRACKETS IN BOTH PLACES WHERE THE DISCREPANCY OCCURRED.