Last Rites Held for Well Known Veterinarian
Dr. C. C. Clay, 53, one of Elkhart county’s prominent veterinarians, passed away
Monday morning at 2:30 o’clock in his home, after an illness due to heart ailment and
complications.
He was born Nov. 21, 1888, the son of the late William H. and Nora Sensenich Clay. His
entire life was spent here with the exception of those years away at school.
Dr. Clay was a graduate of Purdue University and the Chicago Veterinary College.
After his graduation he came back to his home town, and for the past 28 years has
practiced veterinary medicine in this community.
His marriage to Gladys Lopp of Nappanee took place Nov. 20, 1915, and a son, William
Scott, was born.
Surviving beside Mrs. Clay and son, William, is a sister, Mrs. Ralph Walter of this place,
an aunt, Mrs. Omah Sensenich Romaine and an uncle Dr. R. L. Sensenich, both of South
Bend.
Dr. Clay was one of the best veterinarians in the state and his advice was often sought by
his associate doctors. We would say the two chief desires of Dr. Clay were realized. First,
to have a thorough knowledge needed in his profession; and second that his son, William
was to receive a thorough education, practical, and be prepared for the life ahead of him.
Both desires were realized, the son, a fine young man, graduated from DePauw
University this spring, and is now in the military service, at Kessler Field, Mississippi.
Dr. Clay like his father, the late W.H. Clay, was an ardent republican, and sometimes
might be a trifle blunt in argument, but you knew where he stood, and what he considered
right, he held to regardless of the odds.
In his scrapbook were found the following which we quote:
“ For he who can, with gentle hands and soothing words, calm the fears of a stricken
animal has a gift reserved for few. He who can diagnose the sickness of a creature that
cannot speak-one that cannot, by neither sign nor gesture, give any indication of the seat
of fatal illness-is one endowed with knowledge, sympathy, and understanding far beyond
that reached by ordinary men. He who can, with the aid of medical science, brighten the
eyes, stay the fever, energize the pulse, build resistance against disease in an animal, has
reached the goal only a favored few attain.
And, what are his reward? The knowledge, that he has lived a life of true usefulness in
helping creatures that cannot help themselves.”
Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 at the residence, with Rev. E.
E. Lawshe of Logansport and Rev. Beale in charge. Burial in the Olive cemetery.
Wakarusa Tribune
July 2, 1942