STORY OF A FORTUNE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21118, 27 February 1932, Page 3 (Supplement)

STORY OF A FORTUNE.

CLUE IN FAMILY BIBLE. SEVEN SHARE IN VAST ESTATE. A clue found in a cottage family Bible is one of the proofs which will secure a portion of £1,000,000, in addition to great estates, for seven members of an English family named Clarke in the Sheffield district.

The fortune is that left many years ago by Mr. John Clarke, who died at Loughborough Junction, London. Some 18 years ago hundreds of people bearing the surname of Clarke were engaged in an effort to prove their claims to the estate but they were not successful. It is now stated that a family at, Ecclesfield, Sheffield, the members of which are now living in various parts of the Sheffield and South Yorkshire district, have established their claim to the fortune. Those who expect to benefit are Walter Clarke, of Sheffield; Alfred John Clarke, of Sheffield: Ernest Clarke, of Thurgoland, near Sheffield; Frederick William Clarke, of Stocksbridge; and their married sisters, Clara Jane, of Ecclesfield. Edith, of High Green, and Annie, of Ecclesfield. They are all children of the late Mr. F. J. Clarke, of Ecclesfield, who, before, his death, claimed to have established his right to the fortune of his grandfather, John Clarke. Mr. F. J. Clarke worked in Sheffield as a plumber. lfe spent much time and money attempting to establish his claim, and went through Leicestershire searching family Bibles and church registers to try to establish his birthright. If is stated that he gained a valuablo clue front a cottage family Bible.

At llio time of Mr. F. J. Clark's death, two years ago, lie believed lie, had convinced the trustees of his rightful claim, hut he died without realising his ambition. In his will he directed that, should the fortune come to him it was to bo divided equally among his children.