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General
William Clark
General William Clark was one of the earliest preachers in the Restoration Movement in the state of Tennessee. He helped to start the churches in and around Jackson in the early 1800s. He was born in North Carolina and died in Madison County, Mississippi.
1859 Millennial Harbinger, page 717 (transcribed below) Obituary Notices Death of Gen’l. Wm. Clark, of Jackson, Mississippi. — We did not learn in time for an earlier insertion, that this eminent public servant of the Lord, has passed on to his reward. He died on the 15th of August last, aged sixty-nine. Full of faith and good works, he fell asleep in the Lord. He was an ardent and uncompromising advocate of apostolic Christianity. With a mind characterized by the most fearless sincerity and honesty in all that he believed or said or did, he was naturally fitted to be a pioneer in the Reformation, and both in his native State, North Carolina, and in Mississippi, the State of his adoption, he was distinguished for his advocacy of the principle for which we plead. Early in life be adopted them with all his heart, and throughout a long career of great public and private influence, he continued to defend them with all his might. When in Jackson, last Spring, we enjoyed much of the generous hospitality of his princely heart, and were deeply impressed with the transparency and manly virtue of his nature. He was then almost a paralytic, and had to be borne into church, in the arms of his servants, but this did not deter him. His zeal was greater than his weakness, and, like a tried soldier of the cross, he stood to his post to the last. From his affectionate and pious daughter, Sister Boddie. we have received the following interesting particulars of this noble servant of the Lord: “He left his plantation on Lord’s day morning, after an attempt to preach to his servants, and called here on his way home. We were all preparing for meeting, and all went except Mr. Boddie. When I returned, I found him still sitting in his chair, but almost unconscious. We laid him down, and I do not think he was scarcely conscious, only perhaps, momentarily again. It was the third attack of Apoplexy; or something similar. It was gratifying that all his children, (except one) and most of his sons-in-law and children were present; and during his eight days of sickness, if he had not the power to exhort and talk to his family, we could watch the progress of a good man, nearing the haven of rest, changing faith into sight. I would I were eloquent, that I could portray the deep love, and the strong faith he had in the Saviour and his promises. The untiring zeal, with which he proclaimed the gospel. The deep love and pity with which he looked upon a dying world. A lady standing by, remarked, “surely he will be an arch-angel,—for a host are awaiting him in heaven.” Ah, yes, many a poor sinner has been persuaded to flee from the wrath to come, by his arguments and entreaties. Instant in season and out of season, he is ready to say a word for the Master’s cause. Preaching about forty years, at his own expense, he offered the gospel truly, without money, and without price. Always ready to aid the needy, and comfort the distressed, he did not let his left hand now the charity of his right. He had finished his work. His house had been set in order for a long time, and, although now unconscious of the approach of the grim messenger, he was borne across the Jordan of death, by the Saviour, whom he loved, and in whom he trusted.” So pass away the mighty men of faith! Bro. Clark was long a devoted friend of our beloved Father Campbell, and were he now at home, we know it would be grateful to his feelings to mingle his words of sympathy with these natural expressions of filial, admiration and sorrow,—which, fall so tenderly, from the pen of his beloved daughter. I, too, know how they loved and honored him, and sorrow with them in a bereavement that can have no relief, till the blessed re-union which awaits the faithful in the heavens. W. K. P. —The Millennial Harbinger, Vol. II No. XII, December, 1959, page 717
Location Of Grave The final resting place of General William Clark is in the Clark Cemetery, in Madison County, Mississippi. Coordinate: Sec. 7 T7N R1E Location: Southwest of the town of Madison on the old George Boddie place. Note: From the intersection of Livingston Rd. and Lake Cavalier Rd. go north on Lake Cavalier Rd for 2.8 miles where Ancient Oaks Dr. intersects from the left. Turn left and go .3 miles to a cattle gate. This is the entrance to the Boddie property. The graveyard is only accessible by a four-wheel drive, and is about 3 miles into the woods on a ridge. The grave is marked: General William Clark Full Of Honor Help! - In 2006, your webmaster traveled to Jackson, Mississippi to seek our the old Boddie plantation and location of the grave of General William Clark. I met with local preacher, John Pigg, who went with me to see if we could find the grave. The land is privately owned at this time. However, as it is still in somewhat of a remote area north of Jackson, it has been leased to a hunting club. Permissions were sought to get to the grave, but we were denied access. John Pigg is trying to see if he can find the grave and get photos. But any other help would be greatly appreciated. When photos are taken, they will be added here as soon as possible. History Home History Index Page
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