JOHN W. CLINTON - Longing, praying for the return of his son, Cecil CLINTON, from the overseas service, that he might see the boy before he died, death called John W. CLINTON of Ina, Monday morning at 12:10 o'clock. Only a few hours later the boy on whose coming all of his earthly hopes had centered for days, arrived, making every effort to reach the bedside of the parent who loved him so well, only to find the shadow of death over the old home which he had pictured in his mind and which he never forgot in all of the trials, dangers and hardships of the life of the overseas soldier.

Instead of the welcoming arms of his father, the young man found him silent and cold in death, a victim of pneumonia, his sorrows ended, denied one great boon he craved before being called from earth. The funeral was held Wednesday and services were conducted at the Ina M. E. Church by the pastor, the Rev. Mr. LESLIE. Burial followed at Kirk Cemetery.

The father, who was an intensely religious man, prayed that his son might return, and with deep piety and faith asked that an old friend in the ministry be sent for that he might join in supplications to the Heavenly Father that his last wish be granted. He did not ask prayers that his own life be spared except for one final reunion with his soldier son, who had written him of his safe arrival in the United States, and he was making every effort to join the loved ones at home. The father's which was not gratified, death cheating him of the last boon he craved by only a few short hours.

John W. CLINTON was a devout man. He was never too busy, no earthly consideration could induce him to desert the house of the Lord, and he was famous for his attendance on religious services. He applied the teachings of the Bible spiritually and practically and made provision for his wife and little ones in his will. He was married three times, and left surviving him his last wife, and four minor children, and in his will he provides that his farm and personal property shall go to them, naming W. E. CLINTON, son by a former wife, as executor. The children of the former wives are left a small sum of money each, but the executor declared today that he would not accept this but would give it to the widow and minor children.

John W. CLINTON was a veteran of the Civil War and his age was seventy three years and nine months.

He is survived by the following named children by his first wife: Mrs. N. J. ELLISON, Ina; W. E. CLINTON and Mrs. Emma KIRK, twins, and Luther CLINTON.

Surviving children by the second wife: Zelda HARRIS, Ina, and James Cecil CLINTON, the soldier just returned from overseas, but too late to see the father alive.

The third wife, Mrs. Ollie M. CLINTON, and five surviving minor children are Hollie CLINTON, Rozier CLINTON, Edna CLINTON, Pearl M. CLINTON and Lucille CLINTON, daughter of 8 months.

Source: Mt. Vernon Daily Register
Date: Friday, March 14, 1919
Submitted by: Mary Zinzilieta